The 2023 Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred season kicked off with a pair of stake races Friday night.  A G’s Charlotte picked up a stylish looking victory in the Spotted Horse, while Taylors Tap rallied in the final yards to capture the Acadiana.  The opening night card was contested over a track listed as muddy after substantial overnight rains.

A G’s Charlotte, owned by Thomas Galvin, broke alertly from her inside post position and was quickly in front as the field entered the first turn.  Sassy Beast was her closest pursuer in the early stages, with Another Hot Mess saving ground along the rail in third.  Jockey C.J. McMahon had A G’s Charlotte traveling comfortably through an opening quarter-mile in 24.35 seconds and a half-mile in 48.61.  As the field entered the far turn, the Patricia West trainee was a half-length in front of Sassy Beast, with Majestic Ways splitting rivals to move into contention alongside Another Hot Mess.

Through six furlongs in 1:13.49, A G’s Charlotte, still traveling smoothly, continued to fend off a stubborn Sassy Beast, as the pair kicked clear of the rest.  Inside the final furlong A G’s Charlotte spurted clear with a burst to finish 4-1/4 lengths clear of Sassy Beast.  It was another 2-1/2 lengths back to Another Hot Mess in third.  The final running time for the mile distance for the 3-year-old and upward fillies and mares was 1:39.10.

A G’s Charlotte earned $36,000 in capturing her sixth victory from 16 career starts.  Her career bankroll now stands at $263,160.

The winner is a 4-year-old bred in Louisiana by the owner.  The dark bay or brown filly was sired by Mo Tom and is out of the Indygo Shiner mare Adrianne G.

A G’s Charlotte returned $4.80 to win as the wagering favorite, $2.80 to place and $2.20 to show.  Sassy Beast paid $6.40 to place, $3.60 to show and Another Hot Mess paid $2.60 to show.