Sierra Leone, the reigning 3-year-old champion male, came out of his third-place finish in the Grade 2 New Orleans Classic on March 22 in good order, said trainer Chad Brown, who added that he does not have a definitive next spot picked out.
In his first start since winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar last November, Sierra Leone was beaten 4 1/2 lengths by Touchuponastar in the New Orleans Classic.
“I thought he ran a very solid race. It was a bit hard to make up ground on that track that day,” Brown said. “I thought it was a very solid race and his number came back good. I was disappointed he didn’t win. I wasn’t disappointed in his effort. He always shows up. There were a couple of things working against him over there. It was a good spot to start and go forward from. He’s back at Payson Park, traveling well and sound.”
Sierra Leone earned a 103 Beyer Speed Figure for the race, the third highest figure of his 10-race career. Sierra Leone had been originally targeting the $20 million Saudi Cup at Riyadh in February for his seasonal debut, but he missed some training time due to a foot abscess.
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