Favorites Sweep Trio of Louisiana Derby Day Undercard Stakes
NEW ORLEANS (March 21, 2026) – Way to Be Marie successfully defended her title in the $150,000 Tom Benson Memorial, while Nine Part captured his first stakes victory in the $100,000 Costa Rising and heavily favored Braken Poppa delivered a dominant performance in the Fasig-Tipton Crescent City Oaks, as all three favorites prevailed in a trio of non-graded undercard stakes on Louisiana Derby Day at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
After settling near the back early and losing ground throughout, Way to Be Marie rallied gamely down the center of the stretch to edge race leader Sophie’s Cruiser by a neck, capturing the Tom Benson Memorial for the second straight year.
Stakes-placed Way to Be Marie made her first start for trainer Eddie Kenneally in the Benson after being purchased by Twin Oaks Bloodstock for $750,000 at Keeneland’s January Horses of All Ages Sale. Luis Saez piloted the Not This Time mare to victory over five older female rivals, stopping the clock in 1:41.78 for 1 1/16 miles over a turf course rated “firm.”
“I had a lot of faith in the filly and a whole lot of faith in Luis Saez,” Kenneally said. “He rode her with a lot of confidence, and I think that’s kind of how she needs to be ridden. This was the very first race on the calendar that we were pointing towards, and thankfully, everything worked out good. We were able to get her here, and she was ready to go, and she likes this turf course.”
Sent off as the even-money favorite, Way to Be Marie paid $4.20, $3 and $2.40. The 5-year-old mare now owns a 16-4-5-2 record with earnings of $853,200.
Earlier on the card, Bradley Kent and Ken Reimer’s Braken Poppa went straight to the lead and never looked back as the 1-9 favorite in the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Crescent City Oaks.
Ridden by José Ortiz for trainer Steve Asmussen, Braken Poppa led throughout against five Louisiana-bred 3-year-old fillies and completed the 1 mile, 70-yard distance in 1:41.86.
“When the gates opened, I was able to clear (Thrill Seeker) and get to the lead,” Ortiz said. “So, I was very happy throughout, and honestly, when we passed the three-eighths pole, I was just waiting for the right moment to let it go, and she responded beautifully.”
“Another beautiful daughter of Aurelius Maximus, and we’re very fortunate to have her for Ken Reimer and partners,” Asmussen said. “Since she stretched out, she’s looked beautiful. We’ll most likely try some open company with her. But as usual, Jose had her in the spot to win.”
Braken Poppa’s win earned $60,000, increasing her total earnings to $196,200 and improving her record to 5-4-1-0.
In the $100,000 Costa Rising, Keith Plaisance’s Nine Part secured his first stakes victory in just his second turf start, defeating 11 older Louisiana-breds by one length.
Trained by Bobby Felks and also ridden by José Ortiz, Nine Part covered 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:02.71. After breaking well from the rail, he settled in midpack before angling out at the quarter pole and finishing strongly to the wire. Smash It ran second, followed by Monsieur Candy.
Bet down to odds-on favoritism, Nine Part returned $3.40, $2.60 and $2.10.
“Unfortunately last year he had a tendency to break slow, if not I think he’d be undefeated,” Ortiz said. “It’s nice to see him take to the turf well. I’m very happy for Bobby and the barn.”
Felks has enjoyed a strong meet at Fair Grounds, recording nine wins from 12 starters.
Nine Part, now just a neck shy of a perfect record, owns a 7-6-1-0 mark with earnings of $227,200.
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About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, one of the nation’s oldest racetracks, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, La, Fair Grounds, which is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN), also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 13 off-track betting parlors throughout Southeast Louisiana. The 154th Thoroughbred Racing Season–highlighted by the 113th running of the Louisiana Derby–will run from Nov. 20, 2025 through March 22, 2026. More information is available online at www.fgno.com.
