Mr. Bowling adds to an exciting finish in the Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds
Trainer Larry Jones bagged yet another Grade 3, $175,000 Lecomte Stakes, but this time around with the legitimate Triple Crown prospect, newly turned 3-year-old colt, Mr. Bowling, who kicked off his seasonal debut in exciting fashion with a head’s win over Z Dager, and 11 other sophomores to win the 1 mile & 70 yards' race at Fair Grounds Race Course on 21 January, 2012.
Larry Jones, who won his third Lecomte in five years, had another reason to celebrate when his 3-year-old dark bay/brown filly, Believe You Can downed the $120,000 Silverbulletday Stakes earlier on the same card.
Brereton Jones’ homebred runner gave him a convincing sweep in the 3-year-old stakes in New Orleans.
The son of Istan, Mr. Bowling was sent off as the second choice and was ridden by Robby Albarado, as the pair raced toward the front to challenge the 57 to 1 shot, Hero of Order.
Coming at top of the lane, Mr. Bowling showed some real grit and determination to hold off the fast approaching Z Dager.
It was a side by side run in the deep stretch, as the task for Mr. Bowling got a bit more testing when Shared Property made his powerful move in the middle of the track.
Mr. Bowling held both the runners and went on to win the 1 mile & 70 yard test with the winning time of 1 minute and 43.49 seconds.
Mr. Bowling downed Z Dager by a mere head’s margin, and Shared Property came up half a length short.
“I had a great trip, unbelievable trip," Albarado said.
"I just wanted to give him a chance turning for home. I worked him in the morning. I saw a lot of fight in him. So I figured if I can get him clear turning for home, give him a chance to run home, he would. When that horse ran to him late, he gives him some second effort."
Out of the Irish Tower mare Goldilock’s Bear, Mr. Bowling steadily worked for the Lecomte, which precedes the Grade 2 Risen Star, on 25 February, and the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby on 1 April at Fair Grounds race course.
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