 |
|
| Sumita Pawar |
 |
Preparing for the US$20 million Gr.1 Saudi Cup on 24th Feb, Saudi Crown displayed his dominance in the US$169,750 Gr.3 Louisiana Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on 20th Jan.
Jockey Florent Geroux positioned the 4YO son of Always Dreaming in the lead from the start, dropping to the rail and overtaking Five Star General, a group three winner, in the first turn. Geroux then kept Five Star General two lengths back and ran splits of :24.14, :47.93, and 1:12.10 before unleashing Saudi Crown in the stretch.
Red Route One and defending Louisiana Stakes winner Happy American closed in on Five Star General, but Saudi Crown had already pulled away, finishing the race with a 5 3/4-length victory in 1:43.20. Geroux celebrated his fifth win of the day while the Saudi Arabian-based FMQ Stables rejoiced in the win and now set their sights on the Saudi Cup, hoping to secure the biggest prize in their country and the world.
"Exactly what we wanted and what we needed to go to Riyadh next month," Geroux said in the winner's circle. "Hopefully the horse comes back in good order and we can move forward and try to represent America nicely."