International Star listed as early Louisiana Derby favorite

NEW ORLEANS (AP) International Star, who is aiming to sweep all three Kentucky Derby prep races at the New Orleans Fair Grounds, has been made the 3-1 early favorite and drew the No. 9 post for Saturday's $750,000 Louisiana Derby.

Trained by Mike Maker and ridden by Miguel Mena, International Star won the Risen Star last month and the Lecomte in January.

In both victories, International Star rallied to beat War Story, a Tom Amoss-trained horse listed as one of two 4-1 second choices in Wednesday's draw.

War Story will break from the No. 6 post. Mr. Z, trained by D. Wayne Lukas and also at 4-1 in the nine-horse field, leaves from the No. 2 post.

International Star ranks second in Kentucky Derby qualifying points with 71. The Louisiana Derby winner earns 100 points, with 40 for second, 20 for third and 10 for fourth.