Larry Jones impressed with Mark Valeski after his wonder run in preparation for the Louisiana Derby
Trainer Larry Jones is eyeing the Grade 2, $1 million Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds Race Course for his two top 3-year-old colts, Brereton C. Jones owned, Mark Valeski, and Mr. Bowling, who has chosen the Louisiana Derby as a springboard to the Grade 1
Kentucky Derby 5 May, 2012, at Churchill Downs over a distance of 1 ¼ miles on dirt.
The Louisiana Derby has reeled in the likes of Kiaran McLaughlin owned 3-year-old colt, Alpha, Rousing Sermon, Discreet Dancer, Longview Drive, Z Dager. But the highlight of the day for trainer Larry Jones was Mark Valeski’s fiery run in preparation for
the Louisiana Derby.
The Kentucky bred son of Proud Citizen, out of mare Pocho’s Dream Girl by Fortunate Prospect, Mark Valeski turned in the 11 fastest work by clocking the distance in 59 2/5 seconds on a fast track over a distance of five furlongs at Fair Grounds Race Course
on 20 March, 2012.
Mark Valeski is exiting a strong second place finish in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes to winner El Padrino on 25 February, 2012, at Fair Grounds, going over a distance of 1 1/16 miles.
Larry Jones’ other Kentucky Derby hopeful, Mr. Bowling, was on the work tab as well as he covered the five furlong distance in 1 minute and 3 4/5 seconds, who went much slower compare to Mark Valeski’s run.
The Kentucky bred son of Istan, out of mare Goldilock’s Bear by Irish Tower, Mr. Bowling won the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes in his seasonal opener, but disappointed in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes, where he finished an embarrassing 11th on the day.
“This is the first time we haven’t worked Mr. Bowling in company since early winter and I thought because he had given us a couple pretty good works by himself before, (that) he was up for working by himself. But if he doesn’t have a target, he just takes
his own sweet time getting around there. So next week he’ll definitely have company to work with. We were trying to get them all to go easy this morning, but Mr. Bowling took easy to the extreme.”
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