—Jan 13— Jerry Hollendorfer’s Instilled Regard took home the Grade III Lecomte Stakes at the Fair Grounds in impressive fashion, pulling away from the 9/5 favorite and pacesetter, Trigger Warning, to win by four lengths. The 3/1 third choice in the betting, his victory wasn’t as improbable as the fact he was in the race in the first place.
In a career that has included more than 32,000 starters, Jerry Hollendorfer has rarely sent his horses to the Fair Grounds, but, after talking it over with owner, Larry Best, the two men decided to try their luck with Instilled Regard. Getting away from what appears to be a strong California contingent that includes McKinizie, Bolt d’Oro and Solomini may also have played a role.
“It was mostly Larry’s idea but as you can see, it worked out,” Hollendorfer said. “We haven’t been around here much, but this was a good race to run in and the timing was pretty good.”
To say it was a “good race to run in” is a bit of an understatement. Instilled Regard was simply dominant in the Lecomte and should be considered among the favorites for the Kentucky Derby moving forward.
Retro Horse Racing Game 