VINTON, LA. – In the first of two stakes hosted by Delta Downs  Tuesday afternoon, Jean Etinne Dubois’s Australasia won the $75,000 Louisiana Jewel.

 

 

The win by Australasia came in smashing style as the Brad Cox trainee pressed the early pace set by Taylor Avenue and others before taking off in the lane under jockey Diego Saenz and winning by a widening six lengths.

The pace of the race was solid as Taylor Avenue, Inawic and Non Binding all vied for the early lead while covering the opening quarter mile in 23.49 seconds and the half in 48.52. As the field entered the second turn of the race, Australasia took command and never looked back, recording the easy win. Inawic stayed on for second while Tecate Time rallied for third, another 3 ¼-lengths behind the runner up.  

Australasia covered the 7-1/2 furlongs of the Louisiana Jewel in a time of 1:34.35 while racing over a fast track.

Now undefeated in two lifetime starts, Australasia has a bankroll of $73,200 after earning $45,000 for her effort in the first stakes race of her career. She broke her maiden at first asking on November 26 at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. 

Australasia is a 3-year-old dark bay or brown filly by Sky Kingdom, out of the Tiznow mare Ayala Strand. She was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall. 

Sent to the gate as the odds-on favorite at odds of 2-5, Australasia paid $2.80 to win, $2.20 to place and $2.10 to show. Inawic was worth $10.20 to place and $7 to show. Tecate Time returned $3.60 to show.