Faucheux, Graham, Brittlyn Stables Take Home Meet Titles as Fair Grounds Closes Out 150th Season of Racing

Top Kentucky Derby contender Epicenter puts on a season-long show

 

(New Orleans, Louisiana – Tuesday, March 29, 2022) – Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots wrapped up its sesquicentennial (150th) season of racing on Sunday, March 27, and although the destruction caused by Hurricane Ida (late August/early September) offered plenty of challenges, fans were welcomed back to the facility as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic slowed and business was solid due to the tremendous support from both horseman and bettors alike. The meet, which kicked off with the traditional Thanksgiving Day opener on November 26, included 80 racing days and it was highlighted, as always, by the 109thrunning of the $1 million TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2).

“The damage to the barn area, parts of the facility and the loss of the infield tote board due to Hurricane Ida leading into our meet caused some challenges, but we are New Orleans, and we are resilient,” Fair Grounds senior director of racing Jason Boulet said. “We are extremely proud of everyone who came together to put out a great product on a day-in, day-out basis and as always, we are extremely grateful to the horseman for their continued support throughout the meet. The return of the fans after a difficult, prolonged stretch with the COVID-19 pandemic brought renewed energy to the racetrack, and we look forward to what should be a very special 2022-23 season.”

As the calendar turned over to 2022, Fair Grounds announced a 15% across the board purse increase and the meet reached its zenith on March 26, when the Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) highlighted a robust 12-race card that included eight stakes. Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Epicenter, who earlier in the meet won the inaugural Gun Runner Stakes and the Risen Star (G2) presented by Lamarque Ford, captured Fair Grounds’ signature event over Zozos and Pioneer of Medina, establishing a new track record for 1 3/16ths miles in the process. The Not This Time colt now storms into Louisville as one of the favorites for the 148th Run for the Roses for trainer Steve Asmussen, who hopes to add a first Kentucky Derby win to his amazing resume.

The co-featured TwinSires.com Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) marked the sophomore debut of 2021 Two-Year-Old Filly Champion Echo Zulu, and the Eclipse Award winner did not disappoint, scoring a gate-to-wire victory over a hard-charging Hidden Connection to remain undefeated from five starts for owners L and N Racing and Winchell Thoroughbreds and trainer Steve Asmussen. It was a banner Louisiana Derby Day for Asmussen and jockey Joel Rosario, who teamed up to win five races on the card.

On the Louisiana Derby Day undercard, Grandview Equine, Cheyenne Stable and LNJ Foxwoods’ Olympiad won the New Orleans Classic (G2) as the odds-on favorite under Junior Alvarado, nearly breaking the nine furlong track record in the process for trainer Bill Mott. Earlier in the meet, the son of Speightstown shaved .01 off the 1 1/16 mile track record when winning the Mineshaft (G3). In the Muniz Memorial Classic (G2) presented by Horse Racing Nation, Two Emmys took the field gate to wire for Wolfe Racing, owner/trainer Hugh Robertson and the meet’s leading rider James Graham.

Louisiana native Ron Faucheux won his second consecutive training title with 43 wins, ten more than four-time champion and Brad Cox (33), who was named the Eclipse Award winner for the second consecutive year in 2021. 11-time local titlist Tom Amoss, Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, Chris Hartman and Bret Calhoun tied for third with 29 wins apiece, and Jose Camejo, who trains for the meet’s leading owner Brittlyn Stables, was next with 27.

Faucheux won three stakes at the meet, including a repeat score with fan favorite Monte Man in the Louisiana Champions’ Day Sprint. The meet highlights for Cox were his upset win with Turnerloose in the Rachel Alexandra (G2) presented by Fasig-Tipton and a victory by Mandaloun in the Louisiana (G3), a race in which he defeated arch rival Midnight Bourbon in the process. Amoss bagged a pair of turf stakes for 3-year-olds, winning the Black Gold with Dowagiac Chief and the Lacombe Memorial with Kneesnhips. Calhoun won four stakes with four different horses – Lovely Ride (Pago Hop), Who Took the Money (Louisiana Champions’ Day Turf), Excess Magic (Woodchopper) and Winning Romance (Shantel Lanerie Memorial). Hartman scored the 1,500th win of his career on February 4 with Ekati’s Verve, and his turf sprint mare Elle Z won three stakes at the meet – the Menard Memorial, the Aime Memorial and the Mardi Gras. Camejo took down a pair of stakes with Ova Charged (Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint and the Page Cortex) and added another with Behemah Star (Star Guitar).

With 72 wins, James Graham captured his fourth Fair Grounds riding title and third in a row. His top moment came when Call Me Midnight posted a 27-1 upset over eventual Risen Star and Louisiana Derby winner Epicenter in the Lecomte (G3) for trainer Keith Desormeaux. With a late surge, Mitchell Murrill, who won his 1,000th career race on February 6 aboard Yin Yang in what was his first ever mount for trainer Brad Cox, surged late for second with 62 wins. Colby Hernandez, who led the way most of the meet, wound up third with 60 scores. Brian Hernandez, Jr., who led all local riders in percentage with 22% and Reylu Gutierrez, in his first season at Fair Grounds, rounded out the top five with 53 and 51 wins respectively.

Adam Beschizza, who finished sixth in the standings, scored his 500th career win in North America on January 29 aboard the Joe Sharp-trained Holy Emperor. Graham and Marcelino Pedroza, Jr. were the only two riders to win as many as five races on a single card. Jack Gilligan and Gabriel Saez both returned from extended injury rehabs to score victories at the meet.

The owners’ race was dominated from start to finish by Evelyn Benoit’s Brittlyn Stable, who won 22 races at an amazing 33% clip, all with horses sired by her Clear Creek Farm’s stallion and Louisiana legend Star Guitar. It was the first local title for Brittlyn Stables, who nearly tripled their eight-win total from the 2020-21 meet. Allied Racing Stable of Chester Thomas finished second with 14 wins, and last year’s champ Godolphin checked in third with ten.

Following a break for the Christmas Holiday, Fair Grounds returned with a newly anointed “Road to the Derby Kickoff Day” card on December 26. The program offered six stakes and featured a pair of brand-new added money events for the late season 2-year-olds, each offering 10-4-2-1 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks respectively – the Gun Runner (won by Epicenter) and the Untapable (won by North County).

On Saturday, February 12, Fair Grounds hosted the second annual “New Vocations Day at the Races”. Hosted on the simulcast show by retired jockey Rosie Napravnik, a four-time local champion, and Fair Grounds personality Joe Kristufek, the event raised over $5,000 and awareness for all aspects of racehorse aftercare. In addition to on-line donations, several jockeys, trainers and owners contributed a percentage of that day’s earnings to help support the Louisiana division of New Vocations.

Buoyed by a track record handle recorded on a spectacular 14-race “Louisiana Derby Preview Day” card on February 19, handle and betting support were strong from opening day to closing day, no doubt helped by the increased popularity of the traditional Pick Five, following the elimination of the Black Gold 5 “jackpot” wager last season.

“We would like to thank all the horsemen for their continued support which makes Fair Grounds one of the premier winter destinations,” Fair Grounds racing secretary Scott Jones said. “With daily purses expected to noticeably increase and a strong stakes schedule, we are looking extremely forward to the 2022-23 Thoroughbred racing season.”

Leading Owner Brittlyn Stables Ends Season with a Bang

 

Evelyn Benoit & trainer Jose Camejo win two stakes on closing day

(New Orleans, Louisiana – Sunday, March 27, 2022) – In a banner season that saw her top the owner’s standings with 22 wins, eight more than her closest pursuer Allied Racing Stables, Evelyn Benoit’s Brittlyn Stables won a pair of $75,000 stakes on closing day at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. She took the Page Cortez Memorial with Ova Charged, and fittingly, the Star Guitar with a son of that stallion, Behemah Star. Both horses are trained by Jose Camejo.

All 22 of Benoit’s meet wins were by horses sired by Star Guitar, whom she stands at Clear Creek Stud in Louisiana for $7,500 per live foal. With 27 wins from 100 starts, Camejo finished seventh in the trainer’s standings.

In the Page Cortez, which is named for the longtime Louisiana senator, the .60-1 favorite Ova Charged, dominated from start to finish. In what was her turf debut and first start since her Louisiana Champions Day victory in the Ladies Sprint on December 11, the 4-year-old daughter of Star Guitar was pressed early by Offspring through early fractions of 22.47 and 46.46. She put that foe away at the top of the stretch and was not menaced thereafter, stopping the timer in 1:04.44 for 5 ½ furlongs on firm turf with the rails down, even jumping a shadow in the stretch along the way. Defeated by seven lengths, Offspring held off Snowball by a nose for second.

It was the third consecutive win and fifth in six starts for Ova Charged, with her only defeat coming behind Super Sensational in the Victory Ride (G3) last summer at Belmont. The career bankroll now stands a $219,600.

One race later, Behemah Star scored a mild upset at 9.30-1 in the Star Guitar for Brittlyn Stables and Camejo, defeating a pair of Allied Racing Stable runners in Highland Creek and .90-1 favorite Who Took the Money. Earlier in the day, Chester Thomas (Allied Racing Stable) scored a stakes win of his own with trainer Bret Calhoun, taking the $75,000 Shantel Lanerie Memorial with his homebred Winning Romance.

Statebreds Outrun their Odds in the Crescent City Derby, Oaks, and Costa Rising Cosmic Train Holds Off More Memories To Win Crescent City Derby Thriller

New Orleans, LA (March 26, 2022) — Delanie Calais Jr.’s Cosmic Train, under jockey James Graham, made a bold rally to the inside of More Memories to win a thrilling rendition of the 50th running of the $75,000 Crescent City Derby.

Cosmic Train, conditioned by Jerry Delhomme completed 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.78.

In the early stages of the Crescent City Derby, Jack Bob and Larry took command of the field into the first turn but was soon passed by Bind Faith, who established command after a quarter-mile in :23.43. Soon after Bind Faith completed a half-mile in :47.32, Jack Bob and Larry began to re-pressure the lone leader. Meanwhile, Cosmic Train and More Memories began their rally to the front and quickly passed the tiring pacesetters. Inside the 1/16 pole, Cosmic Train and More Memories spurted clear from the field and battled to the wire where the Delhomme trainee held on for a head victory.

“It was a thrilling win to all of us and special to the owner,” said trainer Jerry Delhomme. “This horse has been great to us so far.”

Cosmic Train returned mutuel payoffs of $26.40, $8.20 and $4.60. More Memories, with Joel Rosario, paid $3.20 and $2.80. Jack Bob and Larry, under Jorge Guzman, gamely held third and paid $5.60.

Tambourine Star closed for fourth followed by Play Mo, Its Wild Again, Fiesty Fist, Vodka Gimlet, Bind Faith and Illtellyouthefacts.

Cosmic Train earned $45,000 for his victory and boosted his career record to 4-3-0-0.

Cosmic Train is a son of Klimt out of the Any Given Saturday mare Cosmic Emergency. He was bred in Louisiana by Coteau Grove Farms.

 

DREAMING OF NEANY RALLIES LATE TO WIN THE 17TH RUNNING OF $75,000 CRESCENT CITY OAKS

New Orleans, LA (March 26, 2022) — Steve Landry, John Duvielih and Earl and Keith Hernandez’ Dreaming of Neany boldy split horses in mid-stretch under jockey Marcelino Pedroza Jr. to overtake 63-1 longshot Courtly Doc to win the $75,000 Crescent City Oaks by one-length.

Dreaming of Neany, named in honor of trainer Sam David Jr.’s late wife, covered the 1 mile and 70 yard Crescent City Oaks in 1:44.05.

Said David, “She’s got a special place in our heart. The owners named her after my late wife, who died suddenly a few years ago. She’s a great filly. She her first start going 6 ½ furlongs. We ran her back sprinting but the further she goes the better she gets.”

Even-money favorite Serape was sent to the early lead under Brian Hernandez Jr. and settled through an opening quarter-mile fraction in :23.29. Following a half-mile in :47.07, Serape received pressure on the lead by longshot Courtly Doc and Miss Jana. Around the far turn, Dreaming of Neany began to make her move closer to the leaders after tracking in fourth through the early stages of the race. At the eighth-pole, Dreaming of Neany was able to rally past a tiring Serape and grudgingly got by Courtly Doc for a one-length score.

Marcelino Pedroza Jr. said of the filly, “She broke OK but we were a little wide in first turn. After that we were able to save all ground. She just took me there and I just had to be patient. I knew when a hole opened she would have energy left to give me in the stretch.”

Dreaming of Neany rewarded her backers with $2 mutuel payouts of $19.60, $8,80 and $5.60. Courtly Doc and Alexander Castillo returned $42.80 and $17.40. Bode’s Connection, ridden by Emmanuel Nieves, rallied for third and returned $18.80.

Dreaming of Neany is a 3-year-old chestnut filly by Distorted Humor out of the Heatseeker (IRE) mare Hot Tempo. She was bred in the Bayou State by her owners.

Mishpachah finished fourth followed by Wholelottamo, Miss Jana, My Nanny’s a Hoot, Serape and Buckley Bunny.

 

 

Yankee Seven’s Third Costa Rising is the Charm

L and G Racing’s former $25,000 claim Yankee Seven rallied past pacesetting Bertie’s Galaxy to win Saturday’s 12th running of the Costa Rising Stakes at Fair Grounds.

Trained by Eduardo Ramirez and ridden by Marcelino Pedroza Jr., Yankee Seven completed the 5 ½ furlong turf dash in 1:03.78. It was Pedroza’s second stakes victory Saturday afternoon after winning aboard Dreaming of Neany in the $75,000 Crescent City Oaks.

Bertie’s Galaxy was hustled out of the starting gate by jockey Jareth Loveberry to secure a lone lead through a swift opening fraction of :22.31. Yankee Seven tracked just off the lead of Bertie’s Galaxy until the far turn when Pedroza began his charge. Following a half-mile clocking of :45.71, Yankee Seven was able to rally alongside Bertie’s Galaxy and drew clear inside the 1/16th pole for a two-length victory.

It was 4 ¾ lengths back to Alterana followed by Hail State, X Clown, Custom Deelite, Swot Analysis, Half Again, A Song for Arch, Classy John, Smooth Colliery and Jake the Band Man.

Yankee Seven returned $12.80, $6.20 and $4.60. Bertie’s Galaxy paid $5 and $4 while Alterana returned $9.

Yankee Seven is a 6-year-old gelded son of Yankee Gentleman out of the War Front mare Real Peace. Yankee Seven was bred in the Pelican State by his former trainer Steve Margolis along with Wahl & Assoc., George Messina and Kerima Haddad.

With his victory in the Costa Rising, Yankee Seven improved his career mark to 24-6-3-2 with earnings of $216,950.

 

Un Ojo Among Trio To Post Final Workouts For Arkansas Derby

Three projected starters for the $1.25 million Arkansas Derby (G1) April 2 recorded their final workouts over a fast track Saturday morning at Oaklawn.

The trio of workers included Un Ojo, the one-eyed gelding who recorded an upset victory in Oaklawn’s final major Arkansas Derby prep, the $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) Feb. 26, for Louisiana-based trainer Ricky Courville.

Un Ojo breezed by himself after the surface renovation break under Rebel-winning rider Ramon Vazquez and covered a half-mile in :48.80. The gelding galloped out 5 furlongs in 1:02.

“Easy half, in hand,” said Clay Courville, who assists his father and regularly gallops Un Ojo. “Just a maintenance work. Northing hard. Just something to keep him happy.”

Un Ojo was breezing for the second time since winning the 1 1/16-mile Rebel at odds of 75-1. Un Ojo arrived Wednesday afternoon after a 5 ½-hour van ride from his south Louisiana base, The Training Center At Copper Crowne. Un Ojo returned to the work tab March 19 at The Training Center At Copper Crowne, clocking 5 furlongs in 1:03.

Working a half-mile approximately 15 minutes after the track opened at 7 a.m. (Central) was unbeaten We the People for trainer Rodolphe Brisset. We the People, as he normally does, breezed in company, this time with Triple Crown nominee and stablemate Kuchar, who is being pointed for the $150,000 Oaklawn Stakes April 23. We the People went in :47.80 and galloped out 5 furlongs in 1:00.80 under Brisset, his normal morning partner.

“Very good,” Brisset said. “Usual work for him. Same work we did last time before the allowance – :48, a minute and change – galloped out strong. Just a maintenance work at seven days. It was very good. Hopefully, he came out of it OK and we go from there.”

Also working in company just after the track opened was Ben Diesel for trainer Dallas Stewart. A full brother to multiple Oaklawn stakes winner Girls Secret, Ben Diesel recorded a 5-furlong bullet (:59) under regular rider Jon Court. Ben Diesel breezed with older stablemate Last Samurai, who won the $150,000 Poinsettia Stakes for 3-year-olds Dec. 11.

 

Obituary: Louie Randolph Davis, Jr.

Louie Randolph Davis, Jr. (Randy) was born on September 13th, 1952. He
passed away on March 19th after a brief illness.

Randy attended Fair Park High School and graduated from Louisiana Tech University. He went on to work alongside his father, Louie, and mother, Tootsie at the family business, South States, Incorporated.

Randy was very social, often hosting parties, and had a deep affection for the annual Cross Lake Flotilla. He enjoyed raising race horses and adored animals, especially his rescue dogs. His sarcasm and wit were unparalleled.

Randy was preceded in death by his father, Louie Randolph Davis, Senior, and mother, Edna Irene “Tootsie” Davis. He is survived by his sister, Dianne Davis Hanes, and husband Gordon, his nieces, Lee Anne Tilley, Joni Tilley Deardorff and husband Chad, April Tilley Mobley and husband Mark, along with six great nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins. The family would like to thank Marco Contreras, Susan Overstreet, Lamar Pugh, Bobby Pugh, Jean Cottingham, Heather Tolbert Miller, Cindy Walker, and Jessica Ray for their support of Randy.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 1 pm on March 26th at Forest Park West (4000 Meriwether Road, Shreveport, LA). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Randy’s name to The Tootsie Davis Family Education Program at CADA https://www.cadanwla.org/famsupport or the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana.

Trio of Extremely Competitive Louisiana-Bred Stakes on the Louisiana Derby Day Undercard

Two Stakes Wins in and Thirsty For More: Vodka Gimlet Looks to Extend Perfect 3-Year-Old Season in Crescent City Derby

2021 LTBA 2-year-old colt of the year Unified Report returns to the two-turns question

New Orleans, LA (March 23, 2022) — Not much separates the top contenders in the 50th running of the $75,000 Crescent City Derby. In a field of eleven 3-year-old colts and geldings set to run 1 1/16 mile at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, eight of them are exiting a win, eight of them have earned between $35,000 and $65,000, and seven of them have proven themselves around two turns. But three stand-outs have the accolades, earnings, and resume which will keep the rest of the field in tune to their whereabouts as the race for the top Louisiana-bred 3-year-olds unfolds. Based on their resumes, Vodka Gimlet, Unified Report, and More Memories have earned the targets on their backs.

Ellen Epstein’s Vodka Gimlet has enjoyed a perfect sophomore season to this point, winning Delta Down’s Big Drama and Premier Prince in his two 2022 starts. The son of Goldencents has won three races, earned $147,645, and finished ahead of Rebel (G2) winner Un Ojo as a 2-year-old in the Jean Lafitte. Tabbed as the 3-1 morning line favorite, Vodka Gimlet has never been sent out as public choice in any of his seven races. After piloting in both stakes scores, trainer Allen Landry calls on jockey Tommy Pompell to ride from post seven.

Following a perfect 2021 campaign from three starts, Valene Farms’ Unified Report earned LTBA’s top 2-year-old Louisiana-bred colt honors. Among those tallies was a thrilling Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile score at six furlongs. Trainer Dallas Stewart took a shot against open company with his Unified colt in the Lecomte (G3), but that two-turn, 14-length loss as well as his Premier Prince 16-length defeat begs the obvious question — distance. Winner of his last, a March 12 open company optional claiming sprint at Fair Grounds, Unified Report certainly has form and the two-turn question will be in Brian Hernandez, Jr.’s hands, breaking from post nine.

As a Triple Crown nominee, Maggi Moss’ More Memories has the stamp of a 3-year-old’s loftiest expectations. Winner of three of his last four tries at two turns, trainer Tom Amoss has been patient with this More Than Ready colt, running him through his allowance conditions. Impressively beating older state-breds last out attracted the attention of the 2021 Eclipse award winning jockey Joel Rosario, who will leave from post six to take aim at More Memories’ first stakes score.

The field for the $75,000 Crescent City Derby (race 5 at 2:02 pm CT) with post position, jockey/trainer and morning line odds: Whispering Oaks Farm’s Feisty Fist (post one, Kevin Smith/Steve Flint, 8-1 ML), exits five sprint stakes races, including the September win in Evangeline Downs’ D.S. Shine Young Futurity win in the mud; Set-Hut’s Play Mo (post two, Colby Hernandez/Jeff Delhomme, 12-1 ML), recently won a first-level allowance last out on March 16, his first go at two turns; meet-leading owner Brittlyn Stables’ Tambourine Star (post three, Tyler Gaffalione/Jose Camejo, 12-1 ML), goes for his second win after finishing third in his first two attempts at two turns this spring; C and R Racing’s Its Wild Again (post four, Adam Beschizza/Ron Faucheux, 12-1 ML), broke his maiden going two turns last out on second asking; Delanie Calais Jr.’s Cosmic Train (post five, James Graham/Jerry Delhomme, 10-1 ML), took a big step up beating two in this field in early March’s first-level allowance going 1 mile; Maggi Moss’s Triple Crown nominee More Memories (post six, Joel Rosario/Tom Amoss, 5-1 ML), scored his third win against older company in a second-level allowance early March; Ellen Epstein’s Vodka Gimlet (post seven, Tommy Pompell/Allen Landry, 3-1), exits two stakes victories in a row; Dennis Milligan’s Jack Bob and Larry (post eight, Jorge Guzman/Henry Johnson Jr., 8-1 ML), broke his maiden sprinting last out on second asking; Valene Farms’ Unified Report (post nine, Brian Hernandez Jr./Dallas Stewart, 4-1 ML) was voted LTBA’s 2021 2-year-old Colt of the year and he notched his fourth win in six tries last out against open optional claiming company; Dale Ladner’s Bind Faith (post ten, Emanuel Nieves/Brett Brinkman, 12-1 ML), broke his maiden going two turns two races back, then finished fourth to foes Cosmic Train and Tambourine Star last out; Run Bayou Racing’s Itellyouthefacts (post eleven, Roberto Morales/Shane Wilson, 12-1 ML), will make his first start for Shane Wilson after being claimed for $20,000 from his front-running score last out for trainer Bret Calhoun.

 

Living In the Money: Front Runner Serape Puts It on the Line in Crescent City Oaks

Wholelottamo will look to run the front runner down late to win her thirds stakes

Seven of the nine fillies entered in the 17th running of the $75,000 Crescent City Oaks have their confidences boosted by last-out wins, but none won more impressively than Serape.

Eight-for-eight in the money, Harry Benoit’s Serape made the most of her 3-year-old debut, leading from go to woe to win by 8 ½ lengths. In winning against two of her Crescent City Oaks foes in a second-level allowance, she recorded the highest Brisnet Speed Figure of the field with an 89. With the deja vu rail draw/Brian Hernandez Jr. advantage, arguably Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots’ top forward rider winning 24% of his last 202 races onboard an “E” type, there’s little doubt that Brett Brinkman’s daughter by Cinco Charlie will send and set the fractions. Tabbed the 5-2 morning line favorite, Serape’s three show finishes all came in her three previous juvenile stakes attempts.

Stakes-tested six times over, including the win in August’s Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies, Thompson Racing’s Wholelottamo beat Jerry Cart’s Miss Jana by a head last out in the Take Charge Brandi. But those two stakes wins plus her maiden opener isn’t enough to earn morning-line favorite status, being designated 3-1 morning line second-favorite, likely because her speed figures fall short of the speed Serape just flashed in her recent win. Tommy Pompell will have his second go aboard the Mo Tom filly breaking from post five.

The field for the $75,000 Crescent City Oaks (race 3 at 1:00 pm CST) with post position, jockey/trainer and morning line odds: Harry Benoit’s Serape (post one, Brian Hernandez Jr./Brett Brinkman, 5-2 ML), is two-for-two going two turns after winning a first-level allowance by 8 ½ lengths last out at Fair Grounds in February; Jerry Cart and Marion Lanasa Jr’s Courtly Doc (post two, Alexander Castillo/Jerry Cart, 12-1 ML), is six-for-six in the money after winning her last two Delta Downs sprints in the mud; the second entry for owner and trainer Jerry Cart, Miss Jana (post three, Jose Guerrero/Jerry Cart, 5-1 ML), was a head short of winner Wholelottamo in the Take Charge Brandi last out; Earl and Keith Hernandez, John Duvieilh, and Steve Landry’s Dreaming of Neany (post four, Marcelino Pedroza, Jr./Sam David Jr., 6-1 ML), recorded her second win going a mile against first-level allowance company last out; Thompson Racing’s Wholelottamo (post five, Tommy Pompell/Jayde Gelner, 3-1 ML), racked up her second stakes victory last out beating Miss Jana by a head in the Take Charge Brandi; Phyllis Hodges’ Bode’s Connection (post six, Emanuel Nieves/James Hodges, 15-1 ML), broke her maiden against $12,500 claimers last out going two turns in her sixth start; William Yarmuth, Susan Yarmuth, and Coteau Grove Farms’ Mishpachah (post seven, Adam Beschizza/Bret Calhoun, 8-1 ML), goes for her second win having won first time out in November and finishing in the top four her next three outings; Billy Lawson and Jeanne Doi’s My Nanny’s a Hoot (post eight, James Graham/Eric Scherer, 8-1 ML), has two turf wins to her resume, including a last-out score in a first-level allowance going a mile; Whispering Oaks Farms’ Buckley Bunny (post nine, Kevin Smith/Steve Flint, 10-1 ML), upset the apple cart winning the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie at 93.20-1 in December.

Bertie’s Galaxy and Alterna Look to Transfer Dirt Hot Streak to the Costa Rising Turf

Majority of connections taking a green stab with their state-bred sprinters

Many of the participants entered in the overflow field of fifteen 3-year-old and up LA-bred turf sprinters for the 12th running of the $75,000 Costa Rising can be similarly summed up in one phrase – unproven on turf. Such uncertainty creates exactly the type of potential chaos that Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots’ bettors love to feast on, as well as the identity-defining win on which a breeder can hang their sire and dam’s turf-sprint hat. Eight entrants are untried or goose-egged on the turf, five have notched one green win, leaving only two of the fifteen with a trio or more grass scores. With the portable rail down after being set at 8 feet or further since March 3rd, the inside part of the course will be fresh and ready for these sprinters’ rail runs.

They may be unproven on the turf, but many of these sprinters have been scorching hot on the dirt, none more so than Alterana. Owned and trained by Keith Charles, the 5-year-old by Alternation has won seven of his last eight since being claimed by Charles for $5,000 last June. The highlight of the run came two back winning the five furlong Ragin Cajun on Delta Downs Premier night. Gerald “G Money” Melancon, who won his 5,000th race in 2021, has been up for all but one of Alterana’s mounts while in Charles’ barn (post nine, 8-1 ML).

In similar fashion, Allen Cassedy’s Bertie’s Galaxy comes blazing into the Costa Rising having won five of his last seven for Fair Grounds’ leading trainer Ron Faucheux. Though all of these have come on the dirt, the Greeley’s Galaxy 6-year-old did score in one of his two turf tries, back in August of 2020. Breaking from post seven, Jareth Loveberry is up again on the 7-2 morning line favorite after guiding the open length wire-to-wire romp in the Premier Sprint at Delta Downs, where Bertie’s Galaxy received a 98 – the highest career Brisnet Speed Figure of anyone in the field.

Three of Valene Farms’ Classy John’s four wins are stakes victories, including last year’s Costa Rising. The Songandaprayer 6-year-old only boasts one win from nine turf tries, but he is grade 2 placed on turf, having run third in the Turf Sprint at Churchill last April the start after his Costa Rising score. Bred by Tom Curtis and Wayne Simpson, Classy John will make his fourth start from Sturges Ducoing’s barn and star-rider Brian Hernandez Jr. who was aboard for the 2021 Costa Rising victory over X Clown will guide 9-2 morning line second-favorite from post two.

The field for the $75,000 Costa Rising at 5 ½ furlongs on turf with the rails down (race 6 at 2:33 pm CT) with post position, jockey/trainer and morning line odds: Israel Flores Horses’ Custom Deelite (post one, Aubrie Green/Andrea Ali,  30-1 ML), took a major step forward last race, winning a second-level, five furlong dirt allowance at Delta Downs by four lengths; Valene Farms’ Classy John (post two, Brian Hernandez, Jr./Sturges Ducoing, 9-2 ML), finished ½ length short against X Clown in a February state-bred optional claimer at Fair Grounds; Set-Hut’s X Clown (post three, James Graham/Jerry Delhomme, 9-2 ML), beat several in the field last out in a February state-bred optional claimer at Fair Grounds; Allen Cassedy and Winalot Racing’s Half Again (post four, Florent Geroux/Ron Faucheux, 8-1 ML), has been sharp in the mornings but has not raced since September’s 4th place finish in a third-level allowance at Louisiana Downs; Brandon Hebert’s Double Barrel Man (post five, Joel Dominguez/Eduardo Ramirez, 15-1 ML), is a 12-time winning 9-year-old making his second start for trainer Ramirez, having won his last outing at Delta Downs against $20,000 claiming company; Dale White Sr.’s Smooth Colliery (post six, Casey Fusilier/Dale White, Sr., 20-1 ML), a 7-year-old looking for win number ten, but he is 0 for 7 on the turf; Allen Cassedy’s Bertie’s Galaxy (post seven, Jareth Loveberry/Ron Faucheux, 7-2 ML), has won five of his last seven races, including last out’s Premier Sprint stakes score on the Delta Downs dirt track, but is only one for two on turf; Larry and Katherine Menard’s A Song for Arch (post eight, Adam Beschizza/Brett Brinkman, 8-1 ML), a turf specialist who tops the filed with five turf sprint wins, including two-back at Fair Grounds over X Clown and Classy John; owned and trained by Keith Charles, Alterana (post nine, Gerald Melancon, 8-1 ML), has won five in a row including the Premier Ragin Cajun two back on the Delta Downs dirt track, but is 0 for 3 on the turf; World War IV Racing’s Hail State (post ten, Joe Stokes/Allen Landry, 12-1 ML), has performed well on the turf, winning and placing over the summer at Evangeline Downs in his only two attempts; owned and trained by Jonah Fuselier, Jake the Band Man (post eleven, Jose Riquelme, 15-1), adds blinkers going for his fourth turf sprint win after finishing third to X Clown and Classy John in a February state-bred optional claimer at Fair Grounds; Land G Racing Stable’s Yankee Seven (post twelve, Marcelino Pedroza Jr./Eduardo Ramirez, 8-1 ML), won his last outing sprinting on Sam Houston’s turf course against second-level allowance foes. Also eligibles include: Treanor MD’s Black Sword (post thirteen, Vicente Del-Cid/Ronnie Averett, 10-1 ML), makes his second turf start after winning Delta Downs optional claiming dirt contest last out; D.J. Stable, Cash is King and West Point Thoroughbreds’ Swot Analysis (post fourteen, Tyler Gaffalione/Mark Casse, 6-1 ML), took a major step forward winning a state-bred optional claiming dirt sprint at Fair Grounds by open lengths last out; Gulf Heaven Farms’ Slither (post fifteen, Emanuel Nieves/Ronnie Ward, 12-1 ML), looks to try turf for the first time after exiting a game place-finish to Black Sword in a February Delta Downs optional claiming dirt contest.

Past performances for all of Fair Grounds races are available on www.Brisnet.com and fans can wager onwww.TwinSpires.com, the official wagering provider of Churchill Downs Inc.

Emmit O. Pickett Obituary

Emmit O. Pickett

Doyline – Emmit Ovie Pickett, age 76, passed away on March 19, 2022, after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He died peacefully with his loving family by his side.

Services will be held to celebrate the life of Emmit Ovie Pickett at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022, at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. until service time.

Emmit, known to most as “Punkin” was born on March 24, 1945, in Minden, LA, to Eugenia and Ovie Felix Pickett. He attended elementary and secondary school in Doyline, where he graduated in 1963.

Punkin was quite the athlete lettering in baseball and basketball. He was a member of the State Baseball Championship Team in 1962 and All-State Basketball Player in ’62 and ’63. He was honored by his classmates as Most Athletic at Doyline High School. He continued his love for playing ball in college where he attended Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, LA.

After college, he joined the Army National Guards and worked at Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant and then for KCS Railroad for 35 years retiring as Conductor. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Doyline.

Punkin had many hobbies such as playing league ball, racing his stock car at Hilltop Speedway, and when Louisiana Downs was built… horse racing!! And those who knew Punkin knew how much he loved the sound of bell going off and those magical words “and they’re off!” Through the years he had numerous winning horses and quite a few favorites… Nitro Chip, Ovie, Benwill, The Pickett Factor, End Up, and Cajun Country.

His love and compassion for animals was evident by his support for various animal rescue facilities. His last rescue and companion was his little dog he lovingly named “Webster.”

Punkin is survived by his son, Russel “Bud” Pickett and wife Jennifer of Shreveport; daughter, Robin Pickett Stewart and husband Chuck of Madison, MS; grandchildren, Benjamin “Ben” Pickett, William “Will” Pickett, Megan Stewart Slee and husband Eric of Madison, MS, Charles “CJ” Stewart III and wife Danielle of Chattanooga, TN; great-grandchildren, Paisley Stewart, Aubree Stewart, Kennedy Slee; sister-in-law, Willie Pickett of Doyline, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, O.F. and Eugenia Pickett; brothers, Bobby “Bob” Pickett, James “Wick” Pickett; sister, Marion “Black” McBride; and sister-in-law, Ann “Net” Pickett.

Pallbearers will be Cory Pickett, Paul Wilson, David Beaird III, Sonny Cox, Nicky Rawls, and James Serio.

Honorary Pallbearers are his grandsons, CJ Stewart, Ben Pickett, and Will Pickett.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the doctors and staff at Willis Knighton Hospital in Bossier City. In addition, the compassionate care that was provided to Punkin at Colonial Oaks Nursing Center and Amedisys Hospice will forever be appreciated.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. or your favorite animal rescue center.

Midway University to Offer Fully Online Equine Degree

Midway University, through an article in the Lane Report, has announced that the Board of Trustees has approved an additional new degree program within the School of Business, Equine, and Sports Studies: a fully remote, and set to begin immediately, Bachelor of Science in Equine Business and Sales.

Course work in the program will cover broad topics including equine anatomy and equine healthcare management, as well as courses focused on the marketing, legal, and financial aspects of buying and selling horses, regardless of breed. Students will also cover concepts focused on building and developing a fan base through equine tourism. Courses are formatted in eight-week modules, with many starting five times a year to allow students to take them around busy work and home schedules. Previous college credit or an associate degree can be transferred toward this one and interested students are encouraged to call the admissions office for more information.

OBS Spring Sale catalog now online

The catalog for the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2022 Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training is now available via the OBS website: View Here

A total of 1,231 juveniles have been cataloged for the four-day sale, now set for Tuesday through Friday, April 19th – April 22nd. All sessions will begin at 10:30 a.m.

  • Hip No 1 – 308 will sell Tuesday, April 19th.
  • Hip No. 309 – 616 will be sold Wednesday, April 20th.
  • Hip No. 617 – 924 will sell Thursday, April 21st.
  • Hip No. 925 – 1231 will be sold Friday, April 22nd.

The Under Tack Show will be divided into seven sessions, set for Sunday through Saturday, April 10th – April 16th, all beginning at 8:00 a.m.

  • Sunday, April 10: Hip No. 1 – 176
  • Monday, April 11: Hip No. 177 – 352
  • Tuesday, April 12: Hip No. 353 – 528
  • Wednesday, April 13: Hip No. 529 – 704
  • Thursday, April 14: Hip No. 705 – 880
  • Friday, April 15: Hip No. 881 – 1056
  • Saturday, April 16: Hip No. 1057 – 1231

OBS will again offer Online Bidding during the Spring Sale. Buyers will be able to go to the OBS website and register to gain bidding approval, then access the OBS Bidding Screen with their credentials. For complete information on registration and online bidding please go to the OBS website: obs-online-bidding

The Under Tack Show and Sale will be streamed live via the OBS website as well as the DRF, TDN, BloodHorse and Past The Wire websites.

The online catalog’s main page contains a link to a sortable master index providing searchable pedigree and consignor information as well as access to pedigree updates occurring since the catalog was printed. Under Tack videos, walking videos and conformation photos are also available.

The iPad version of the catalog can be accessed via the equineline Sales Catalog App. The App allows users to download and view the catalog, receive updates and results, record notes and also provides innovative search, sort and rating capability. For more information and downloads go to: equineline.com/SalesCatalogApp/

Current information about OBS sales, consignors and graduates is now also available via social media sites Facebook and Twitter. A link on the homepage directs users to either site.

Sales results will be available on the OBS website, updated during each session of the Spring Sale.  In addition, the latest news regarding OBS graduates, sales schedules, nominations, credit requests, travel information and other news relevant to OBS consignors and customers is also available. E-mail should be addressed to obs@obssales.com.

For more information regarding the Spring Sale or OBS website, please call (352) 237-2154.