Hoosier Philly Stays Sharp Firing Third Bullet Ahead of Rachel Alexandra

By Kevin Kilroy —-

● The Cox barn sends out multiple sets, including two entered in the Risen Star

New Orleans, La (Feb. 11, 2021) – Entries for Louisiana Derby Preview Day on Saturday, Feb. 18, were drawn, and four of the six fillies entered in the $300,000 Rachel Alexandra (G2) presented by Fasig-Tipton worked locally this morning. The 1 1/16 miles Rachel Alexandra marks the next stage for Kentukcy Oaks prep races, offering 50-20-15-10-5 points to the top five finishers.

Hoosier Philly fired her third bullet in as many works since returning to Tom Amoss’ barn from her Florida freshening. The undefeated filly breezed 5 furlongs in :47.40, the best of 86 runners. Hoosier Philly went in company with stablemate Super Design, a 5-year-old allowance horse.

“(Hoosier Philly) started one length behind her workmate “ said Fair Grounds clocker Frank McGoey. “They were even in 47.4, and she had a strong gallop out, going 1:00.1 and 1:14.1.”

Chop Chop went five furlongs with her stablemate, the maiden filly Comparative. They both clocked in at 1:00.80 for trainer Brad Cox (9/62). Off a narrow miss behind her stablemate The Alys Look in the Silverbulletday, Chop Chop will add blinkers for the Rachel.

Going 5 furlongs in 1:01.60 for trainer Brendan Walsh, Pretty Mischievous was kept company by her stablemate, the allowance-level gelding Crump. Her time was 27th best of 62.

Being kept company by barn mate Minnesota Moon, the Chris Block trainee Knockyoursocksoff traveled 4 furlongs in :49.40 (37/86) ahead of Saturday’s Rachel Alexandra.

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A full field of 14 were entered for the $400,000 Risen Star (G2), and on Saturday five of those breezed. The 1 1/8 miles Risen Star marks the next stage for Derby prep races, offering 50-20-15-10-5 points to the top five finishers.

Two workers from the Cox barn sets, Victory Formation and Tapit’s Conquest, are entered in the Risen Star, along with Angel of Empire who did not breeze on Saturday. Both Victory Formation and Tapit’s Conquest went 5 furlongs, though not together, and each stopped the clock at 1:00.40 (4/62).

“Tapit’s Conquest went in company with an unraced mate,” McGoey said. “He pulled well clear late in a strong move.”

Determinedly went 4 furlongs for Mark Casse in :49.00, the seventeenth best of 86 at that distance.

Amoss sent out Curly Jack to drill 4 furlongs, stopping the clock in :48.60 (11/86).

Single Ruler went 5 furlongs for Keith Desormeaux in 1:01.80 (30/62).

The connections of Banishing chose the allowance race on the undercard, instead of the Risen Star. The Brendan Walsh-trainee caught clocker McGoey’s attention, as well.

“Banishing was visibly best in his work with St John’s (unraced 3-year-old colt),” Mcgoey said. “Jockey Jareth Loveberry was up in a solid 1:01.40 through 5 furlongs and out in 1:13.60.”

The Louisiana Derby Preview Day showcases six stakes, including the $400,000 Risen Star; the $300,000 Rachel Alexandra (G2) presented by Fasig-Tipton; the $250,000 Mineshaft Stakes (G3) presented by Relyne GI by Hagyard; the $150,000 Fair Grounds Stakes (G3) presented by Horse Racing Nation; the $100,000 Colonel Power Stakes, and the $100,000 Albert M. Stall Memorial Stakes.

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Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, one of the nation’s oldest racetracks, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, LA, Fair Grounds, which is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN), also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 15 off-track betting parlors throughout Southeast Louisiana. The 151st Thoroughbred Racing Season – highlighted by the 110th running of the Louisiana Derby – will run from Nov 18, 2022 through March 26, 2023. More information is available online at www.fairgroundsracecourse.com.