Jensen is Louisiana Derby bound following romping Fair Grounds win

Edited Press Release

Trainer Larry Jones’ decision to pass on the Risen Star (G2) with talented and lightly raced Jensen looked like a smart one on Thursday afternoon when his homebred – whom he co-owns and bred with wife, Cindy – impressively wired a first-level allowance field going a mile and 70 yards in a smart time of 1:42.98 for the distance. Florent Geroux was aboard.

Second last out to well-regarded Dolphus at the same level and trip on January 31, the son of Haynesfield skipped the February 20 Risen Star to give him more time between races.

Thursday’s effort was his second try around two turns and fourth race of the meet. It was also the fourth race of his  career following a December 17 runner-up debut effort going six furlongs, a smart victory at the same trip 24 days later and then his aforementioned runner-up effort three weeks after that.

The chestnut colt earned a 91 BRIS Speed figure for scoring by 6 3/4 lengths. Left in his wake were Grade 3-placed Harlan Punch and well-regarded Dallas Stewart trainee Spikes Shirl.

“Everything seems good with him (Friday) morning,” Jones reported. “Being the owner, I definitely like to keep everything open with him. We’ll look around, but the Louisiana Derby (G2) is definitely on the radar. I paid $100 early (nomination) for that.”

The $1 million Louisiana Derby is scheduled for March 26 at 1 1/8 miles.

Jensen currently is without Kentucky Derby (G1) qualification points and is not nominated to the Triple Crown. Jones confirmed that he would nominate, contingent upon a big effort in a race like the Louisiana Derby next out.

Screenshot of Jensen's Fair Grounds win