Pyro stays ablaze in Louisiana Derby

Winchell Thoroughbreds' homebred PYRO (Pulpit) confirmed his status as a leading Kentucky Derby (G1) contender with a decisive, three-length tally in Saturday's $600,000 Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds. This time around, however, the Steve Asmussen pupil didn't have to employ quite the same fancy footwork as he did en route to his impressive Risen Star S. (G3) victory here in his prior start.

Unlike the Risen Star, when Pyro lagged at the tail of the field through the first six furlongs, the dark bay sophomore raced much closer to the Louisiana Derby pace. Traveling comfortably in fourth beneath regular rider Shaun Bridgmohan, Pyro was within shouting distance in the early going.

At the head of proceedings was nearly 61-1 longshot My Pal Charlie (Indian Charlie), who established moderate fractions of :24, :48 and 1:13 4/5. J Be K (Silver Deputy) was applying pressure in second, with Blackberry Road (Gone West) taking up a more forward position in third, just to the outside of Pyro. Straightening into the stretch, My Pal Charlie proved to be a stubborn customer as he clung to the lead along the rail.

Pyro was full of run just behind him, but needed a seam to open up before launching his move. When J Be K tired and drifted out, the door swung wide open for Pyro, who roared through and rapidly spurted clear. Proving himself once again much the best, Pyro reeled off 1 1/16 miles on the fast track in 1:44 2/5. The 4-5 favorite returned $3.60, $2.80 and $2.20 while keying exotics to the tune of $81.20 (exacta), $556 (trifecta) and $3,021.20 (3-2-8-7 superfecta).

"I was not panicking with my position at all," Bridgmohan said. "I knew what I had, and he gave it to me. A spot opened for him on the straightaway for home, and he went about his business."

"It looks like he's right on target," Asmussen said, alluding to his Kentucky Derby plans.

My Pal Charlie kept on doggedly for second, paying $26 and $10.80 to his faithful backers. California shipper Yankee Bravo (Yankee Gentleman) turned in a commendable effort in his first attempt on dirt. Rallying from last in the nine-horse field, he closed for third-place honors, just a half-length astern of My Pal Charlie. Yankee Bravo yielded $5.20 to show at 12-1. Another length back came Blackberry Road, followed by Stevil (Maria's Mon), Tale of Ekati (Tale of the Cat), Majestic Warrior (A.P. Indy), J Be K and Unbridled Vicar (Vicar).

Now a millionaire with $1,056,718 in earnings, Pyro improved his record to 6-3-2-1. The highly regarded colt captured his debut at Churchill Downs last July, then had the misfortune to run into the undefeated War Pass (Cherokee Run) in his three remaining outings as a juvenile. Pyro finished an honorable runner-up to the champion in the Champagne S. (G1) and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). He found a War Pass-free zone at Fair Grounds and promptly broke through with his first stakes coup in the Risen Star.

The Kentucky-bred Pyro is the second registered foal from the winning Wild Again mare Wild Vision, who is a full sister to Grade 2 hero and sire Wild Wonder. Wild Vision has also produced an unnamed juvenile three-quarter sister to Pyro by Tapit, as well as an unnamed yearling colt by Gulch. This is the family of Grade 1 stars Olympio (Naskra) and Cuvee (Carson City) as well as Grade 2 winners Bien Nicole (Bien Bien), Early Flyer (Gilded Time), Fun House (Prized) and Call Now (Wild Again).

Louisiana Derby (GII) Replay