Sippin On Gin Slips Up Rail to Win Crescent City Derby

Sippin On Gin with Axel Concepcion gets a nose in front to win the 53rd running of the $100,000 Crescent City Derby at Fair Grounds.  Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr. 

New Orleans, La (March 22, 2025) – Allied Racing Stable’s homebred Sippin On Gin slipped up the rail and held on in a thrilling photo finish to take the $100,000 Crescent City Derby at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

The Brett Calhoun trained son of Mr. Money covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.24, besting a field of 14 Louisiana-bred 3-year-old males. 

“The colt and filly division of Louisiana-bred 3-year-olds are outstanding,” Calhoun said. “Big field, great race and our colt has been getting better every day. This is a special homebred for Chester and Jennifer (Thomas).”

Back aboard after guiding Sippin On Gin to win the Louisiana Stallion of the Year Star Guitar Stakes, Axel Concepcion produced a carbon copy trip to get up by a nose over 57-1 He’s Late Again. In contention until the end, Classic Time finished third. Dapper Moon, the 9-5 post-time favorite, ran sixth.

“I’m really happy with how (Sippin on Gin) ran,” Concepcion said. “He’s a nice horse with a lot of heart. He broke sharply and I tried to save ground. I knew I had a lot of horse down the stretch. Thanks to everyone for this opportunity.”

Sent off as the 9-2, Sippin On Gin returned $11.20, $5.60, and $3.60. He’s Late Again paid $38.40 and $17.00. Classic Time returned $4.20.returned $6.80, $4.40, and $3.80. Monsieur Candy paid $8.80 and $7.40. Mark’s Promise returned $8.60.

In just 4 races, Sippin On Gin has earned $166,400 from three wins and a second.