Larry and Cindy Jones homebred Jensen (Haynesfield) is possible for the GII Louisiana Derby Mar. 26 after an impressive allowance victory at Fair Grounds Thursday.
“Everything seems good with him [Friday] morning,” reported Jones, who also trains the sophomore. “Being the owner, I definitely like to keep everything open with him. We'll look around, but the Louisiana Derby is definitely on the radar. I paid $100 early [nomination] for that.”
The hulking chestnut currently has no GI Kentucky Derby qualifying points and is not nominated to the Triple Crown. However, Jones said he would nominate the colt to the Run for the Roses if he gave a big effort in the Louisiana Derby.
Runner-up in his six-panel unveiling in New Orleans Dec. 17, Jensen rebounded with a solid graduation at that track and trip Jan. 10. He was a close second to Dolphus (Lookin at Lucky)–a half-brother to Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro)–next out when stretched to a mile and 70 yards at Fair Grounds Jan. 31.
Originally under consideration for last week's GII Risen Star S., Jensen was instead pointed to another mile and 70-yard allowance in Nola Thursday, where he powered home to an impressive 6 3/4-length victory under a hand ride from Florent Geroux. Stopping the clock in 1:42.98, the sophomore earned a 89 Beyer Speed Figure for that effort, which is just one point lower than Risen Star winner Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}).
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