Mr. Bowling held off a determined run from favored Z Dager to win the $175,000 LeComte Stakes (gr. III) this afternoon at Fair Grounds by a narrow head.
Ridden to victory by Robby Albarado, the colt settled into the sixth position early on as longshots Alexander Thegreat and Hero of Order set the pace. Z Dager and Hammers Terror were also close to the pace, with Exfactor saving ground toward the rail while Dan and Sheila trailed the field.
Following a half-mile in :47.22 and three-quarters in 1:12.88, the two longshots were still together on the lead, but Mr. Bowling had advanced up inbetween horses to reach striking position turning for home. Hammers Terror, Shared Property, and Ted's Folly were all coming on the far outside as well.
In early stretch, Mr. Bowling took over the lead from the longshots and briefly drew clear. But Shared Property was coming hard on the far outside, and Z Dager had extracted himself from a bit of traffic and had his sights set on the leader as well. But Mr. Bowling stayed on strongly throughout the stretch to win in the good time of 1:43.49.
Z Dager finished second, followed by Shared Property in third. Dan and Sheila got up to complete the superfecta.
The winner is trained by Larry Jones, who also won the $125,000 Silverbulletday Stakes earlier on the card with Believe You Can. The Risen Star Stakes (gr. II) next month is expected to be the next start for Mr. Bowling.
-Keelerman
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