Noble Indy headed to Kentucky after $1 million Louisiana Derby (G2) triumph

WinStar Farm and Repole Stables’ 3-year-old colt Noble Indy earned a berth in the May 5th Kentucky Derby (G1) after a very game victory in Saturday’s Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds.

Trained by Todd Pletcher, who teamed up with WinStar to take the 2010 Run for the Roses with Super Saver, Noble Indy came into Saturday’s $1 million contest off a close third in the the Risen Star S. (G2) last month, his stakes debut.

Breaking from post 2 in the field of 10, Noble Indy got away cleanly and was second just behind longshot Marmello. Going along comfortably under John Velazquez, Noble Indy took over the lead going into the final bend. He was still on top at the head of the stretch, when Lone Sailor came along side and took the lead.

Lone Sailor still had the lead in deep stretch and My Boy Jack loomed large on the outside, but Noble Indy dug back in and took the lead in the final strides, winning by a neck in 1:50.28 for the 1 1/8-miles.

The victory earned Noble Indy 100 points in the road to the Kentucky Derby challenge, assuring himself a spot in the starting gate the first Saturday in May. He now has three wins in four starts and has earned $691,600.