Revolutionary claims Louisiana Derby

By: SPORTS NETWORK

New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - Revolutionary, the 2-1 post-time favorite, battled with Mylute down the stretch and was able to prevail in winning the 100th Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds Race Course on Saturday.

Winning the $1 million Louisiana Derby, part of the new Kentucky Derby points system, gives Revolutionary 100 points. The colt now has 110 points assuring him a spot in the starting field for the Run for the Roses on May 4.

Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Javier Castellano, Revolutionary was racing 12th well off the pace that was being set by Hip Four Sixtynine and Titletown Five in the 14-horse field.

The top two runners dueled up the backstretch followed by 9-2 third pick Code West, Ground Transport and 7-2 second choice Palace Malice, another Pletcher- trained 3-year-old.

Coming off the final turn into the stretch most of the field was on or near the lead in the 1 1/8-mile race. Finding room along the inside Revolutionary moved to the lead and was joined by Mylute.

Those two battled down the stretch with Revolutionary posting a neck victory over 19-1 Mylute. Departing, the 9-2 co-third pick, rallied to finish third followed by Golden Soul, Ground Transport, Code West, Palace Malice, Sunbean, Titletown Five, Proud Strike, Hip Four Sixtynine, Nina's Dragon, Brazilian Court and Whiskey Bravo.

The time for the Louisiana Derby was 1:50.28 on a fast track.

"He came from pretty far back today," Pletcher said about the winning colt's effort. "He faced a better field than he did before."

Owned by WinStar Farm, Revolutionary adds $600,000 to his bankroll. The colt has three wins in six starts for $788,500.

Revolutionary won the Withers Stakes in his season debut last month at Aqueduct and has won his last three starts.

Revolutionary paid $6.80, $4.20 and $3.00. Mylute returned $12.60 and $6.80, and Departing paid $4.40 to show.