Larry Jones has possible Triple Crown horse

By: SPORTS NETWORK

New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - Trainer Larry Jones sent out the winner of Saturday's $60,000 Sugar Bowl Stakes at Fair Grounds and now has plans to make for the 2-year-old colt.

Owned by former Kentucky governor Brereton Jones, Albano posted a 1 1/4-length win in the six-furlong Sugar Bowl as he notched his second victory in three career starts.

"We'll do what we always do," said Larry Jones on Sunday. "We'll try to get on the Triple Crown trail with Albano, try to bring him up to the Lecomte (Jan 18), go on and shoot next for the Risen Star (Feb. 22) and then the Louisiana Derby (March 29). The idea is rack up enough points to get on to the Kentucky Derby, but of course we have to take these things one step at a time."

Two years ago, Jones had Mark Valeski, Albano's half-brother, at Fair Grounds where he finished second in both the Risen Star Stakes and Louisiana Derby.

"I feel this one is better to get around (two turns) than Mark Valeski did," said the trainer. "We felt that 'Mark' was a little speedier and had more acceleration than this horse but we are high on him. We hope he does what Mark Valeski did and maybe one better."

In 2009, Larry Jones swept Fair Grounds' three-race Kentucky Derby prep series with Friesan Fire. Owned by Fox Hill Farm and Vinery Stables, Friesan Fire won the Lecomte, Risen Star and Louisiana Derby and was the post-time favorite for the Kentucky Derby.

"We'll just keep trying until we get it right," Larry Jones said. "As for Albano, we'll just hope he turns out to be a few steps better than his older brother."

Albano, the 3-2 Sugar Bowl favorite, has banked $58,100.