Noble Indy holds off Benson-owned Lone Sailor to win Louisiana Derby

Noble Indy ran like a big boy in winning the 105th running of the Grade II, $1 million Louisiana Derby for 3-year-old colts Saturday at the Fair Grounds, holding on at the end by a neck.

However, for Lone Sailor, finishing a close second was not only more than good enough, it was cause for excitement for New Orleans fans at the track.

Noble Indy, which went off as the 2-1 favorite, fought off challengers down the stretch to give trainer Todd Pletcher his fourth Louisiana Derby crown and gain a spot in the Kentucky Derby with 100 points.

With the second place finish, Lone Sailor qualified for this year’s Kentucky Derby for GMB Racing and owner Gayle Benson.

Lone Sailor had to finish in the top two Saturday in order to qualify for the first leg of this year’s Triple Crown. For Mrs. Benson on the day after her husband Tom Benson’s funeral, second place has never felt so good.