Friesan Fire returns in Fair Grounds feature

Friesan Fire returns to the scene of his greatest triumph (Lou Hodges Jr./Fair Grounds)

Louisiana Derby (G2) romper FRIESAN FIRE (A.P. Indy), who has been sidelined

by injury for the past six months, will make his comeback in Thursday's

8TH

and featured race at Fair Grounds. The Vinery Stables and Fox Hill Farms colt

will face five older rivals in the one mile and 40-yard affair, his debut for

new trainer Steve Asmussen.

Friesan Fire began his career for the now-retired Larry Jones. After a

promising juvenile campaign, in which he finished third in the Futurity S. (G2)

and fourth in the Nashua S. (G3), the well-bred bay developed into a leading

classic prospect over the winter at Fair Grounds. He became only the third horse

in local history to sweep the New Orleans oval's big three races for sophomores

-- the Lecomte S. (G3), the Risen Star S. (G3) and Louisiana Derby.

Largely on the strength of his 7 1/4-length rout in the Louisiana Derby,

Friesan Fire was dispatched as the 7-2 favorite in the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Unfortunately, he was bumped, squeezed, and grabbed a quarter early on and wound

up an uncharacteristic 18th. Friesan Fire proceeded to the May 16 Preakness S.

(G1) in hopes of a better effort, but he bobbled at the start, flashed brief

speed and quickly faded to finish 10th.