Papa Joe Grabs Derby Spot

This is what the “Derby Lock” races are all about…

As the horses thundered around the final turn in the All Saints Derby, it looked like the battle was going to be won by one of the established stars. PRESPECTOR was hitting the front and LOOKING FOR SUMMER and L’ARPEGE were right there, but lightly-raced PAPA JOE was making his presence known, drawing even with the two leaders.

Who would win the coveted “Golden Ticket” into the Bluegrass Derby?

To the surprise of many except rider J Wilson, who must have known just how much horse was under him, PAPA JOE made his 2-turn debut a winning one, drawing off smartly to post an impressive 2-length win, stopping the timer in a quick 1:41.04 for the 8.5 furlongs of Louisiana real estate. The mutual was $25.20.

The strapping brown Monsun colt earned a strong 113 speed rating, but much more importantly a guaranteed spot in the gate at Louisville on the First Saturday In May.

Trainer lukester01 was understandably ecstatic over his runner’s performance and said afterward, “He looked great coming back to the winner’s circle, hardly turned a hair. We’ve got a big shot in five weeks!”

PAPA JOE is now 4-for-5 lifetime with just one 2nd blemishing his record.