Louisiana Breds Shine in Derby Day Undercard Stakes

Kevin Kilroy
Racing Analyst/Notes Writer
Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Colonial Downs

Braken Poppa, with Jose Ortiz aboard, wins the 21st running of the Crescent City Oaks at Fairgrounds Racecourse in New Orleans, LA.

Hodges Photography

NEW ORLEANS (March 21, 2026) 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.

Nine Part, with Jose Ortiz aboard, wins the 16th running of the Costa Rising Turf Sprint Stakes at Fairgrounds Racecourse in New Orleans, LA.

Hodges Photography/Jamie Newell

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.