(March 7, 2004) - Wimbledon and jockey Javier Santiago used a stalking trip to take advantage of a very quick pace to capture the 1 1/16 miles Louisiana Derby (GII) Sunday at Fair Grounds Race Course. The win was the first stakes for both horse and rider; Wimbledon coming in off a maiden victory at Santa Anita, and Santiago just recently began riding in Southern California after leaving his native Puerto Rico.

With most of the speed horses in the outside post positions, Wimbledon, in post three, was allowed to settle in eighth by Santiago. The pace was quick, with Indian War Dance, Fire Slam, and Nightlifeatbigblue in a three way battle through the first quarter mile in :22.48 and :45.27 for the half mile. Wimbledon advanced closer as the field entered the far turn. The pace took its toll first on Nightlifeatbigblue, who faded quickly on the turn.

Meanwhile, Pollard's Vision, who was stalking in fourth behind the top three, moved to take the lead as the field entered the homestretch, when Indian War Dance also began to fade. Simultaneously, Wimbledon was swung four wide to get a clear run around the slowing frontrunners. Three wide at the eighth mile pole, Wimbledon took over from Pollard's Vision, edging away to win by 2 1/4 lengths, tying the stakes record of 1:42.71. Borrego, another California shipper, closed from tenth to take the place by a neck over Pollard's Vision for trainer Beau Greely and jockey Victor Espinoza. Breakaway made a big move from last place to finish fourth.

The disappointment of the race was the favorite Gradepoint, who never got into the race and finished eighth as the 2-1 favorite.

For Wimbledon, his first stakes win was worth $360,000, raising his lifetime earnings to $415,980 with a 2-3-0 record from six starts. The gray or roan son of Wild Rush has always been highly regarded by Baffert, but had some trouble breaking his maiden in California, where he has faced some very tough maiden fields. Baffert took the blinkers off in his previous start, resulting in an eight length win.

Going off at 7-1, Wimbledon paid $16.40, $8.40, and $6.60. Borrego's place was worth $6.00 and $5.40. Pollard's Vision paid $7.20 to show. The $2 exacta paid $110.00.

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