2010 Louisiana Derby Preview Day Part 1

By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide

Closing out Louisiana Derby Preview Day was the $100,000 Mineshaft Handicap (G3) for older horses going 1 1/16 miles on the main track. 2009 Louisiana Derby winner Friesan Fire was sent off as the 3-5 favorite exiting a win in the Louisiana Handicap. In to challenge him included 5-2 second choice General Quarters, second in the Louisiana Handicap last out, and 9-2 third choice Giant Oak, unraced since finishing fourth in the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs.

Jockey Shaun Bridgmohan sent Friesan Fire to the lead immediately and he was joined by General Quarters to his inside. The pair battled for the lead for the first 7/8 mile through fractions of 24.73, 48.20, and 1:12.17. Entering the stretch, Stonehouse, who had stalked the pace in third the whole way under new jockey Miguel Mena, came out wide to pass Friesan Fire at the 1/8 pole. Friesan Fire faded from the pace duel but General Quarters continued to rally on the inside. Stonehouse held him off in the final strides to get the win by a neck in 1:44.09. It was another 1 3/4 lengths back to Giant Oak third, and 3 3/4 more to favorite Friesan Fire fourth.