Creative Cause’s outstanding 3-year-old colt Running Mate is being targeted for the Jan. 21 LeComte S. (G3) at Fair Grounds, the track’s first step on the 2017 Triple Crown trail.
Earning the coveted TDN Rising Star tag following a sparkling six-length debut maiden special weight win Oct. 5, Running Mate followed that win up with another stellar performance in a Nov. 25 allowance, winning by nearly eight lengths in 1:10 2/5 for the six furlongs.
Making his third straight start at six panels in the Dec. 17 Sugar Bowl S., Running Mate crossed the wire in second, leaving his trainer Larry Jones, Jr. looking to the first two-turn start for the colt.
“That’s our game plan,” the trainer said, referring to the Lecomte. “He had a nice breeze and I think two turns is what the horse is wanting. We saw no reason to be discouraged from his effort and everything seems good so far, so we’ll give it a try.”
Creative Cause wrapped up 2016 as a top-10 First Crop Sire by both progeny earnings, of $881,942 and by winners, with 17. He is standing the 2017 season at Airdrie Stud for a fee of $15,000 live foal guarantee.
