The $175,000 Lecomte Stakes (G3) is the highlight event in the Fair Grounds' "Road of the Derby Kickoff Day" card on Saturday afternoon, and it is a prep for the Risen Star Stakes, Louisiana Derby, and ultimately the Triple Crown. A field of 13 three-year-olds faced the starter in this 1 mile 70 yard contest around two turns of the main track under cloudy skies and temperatures in the 70's. The two-horse Zayat Stables entry of Z Dager and Dan and Sheila was sent off as the 3-1 favorite in the field of 13 (11 betting interests). Z Dager broke his maiden last out over the same trip, while Dan and Sheila won his debut at Gulfstream. In to challenge them included 7-2 second choice Mr. Bowling, winner of the Dover Stakes but third in the Iroquois (G3) at Churchill last out, and 5-1 third choice Shared Property, sixth in the Breeders Futurity (G1) at Keeneland atfer winning the Arlington-Washington Futurity (G3).
Jockey John Jacinto sent 8-1 Alexander Thegreat to the lead first time past the stands and he set fractions of 23.21, 47.22, and 1:12.88 over the fast track while pressed by 58-1 Hero of Order around the clubhouse turn and down the backstretch. On the far turn, the pacesetters tired as Mr. Bowling, 6th early, moved up to take the lead into the final furlong, getting the mile in 1:39.35. Z Dager, who stalked the early pace in 3rd, rallied late but Mr. Bowling held him off by a head to get the win in 1:43.49. It was another 1/2 length back to late-running Shared Property third.
