Kentucky Derby trail
Friesan Fire (photo by Lou Hodges Jr.) stoked his furnace for a 7 1/2-length victory in the $600,000 G2 Louisiana Derby on Saturday, March 14. It was his fourth win in seven starts and one that qualifies him as a top contender for the Kentucky Derby.

Meanwhile, his stablemate, Old Fashioned, an early Derby favorite off of 4 consecutive wins, including the $250,000 Southwest Stakes on Feb.16, suffered defeat by 57 to 1 longshot Win Willy, in the $300,000 G2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

“I thought he could have run much better if I was there,” quipped trainer Larry Jones, by phone from Oaklawn Park where he saddled Old Fashioned, after Friesan Fire’s victory. The A.P. Indy-sired colt is co-owned by Vinery Stables and Fox Hill Farms. Fox Hill owner, Richard Porter, also owns Old Fashioned.

Ridden in the 1 1/16-mile dirt race by Gabriel Saez, Friesan Fire became the first horse to win three graded stakes in a single Fair Grounds meet.

“I got him right behind the leaders,” said Saez. “He was very relaxed. When I made my move, he just exploded. I think he keeps getting better and better.”

Ray Hunt dies
Ray Hunt, famous horseman, clinician and advocate of “natural” horsemanship, passed away on Thursday, March 12, according to the Amercian Quarter Horse Association. He was 79.