Due to a production error, the Louisiana Horse article on Ova Charged got dropped from the magazine article about Louisiana Champions Day. Our sincerest apologies to Evelyn Benoit, Brittlyn Stables, Shane Wilson and J A Guerrero. Below is the section on Ova Charged that should have been included in the magazine.
(Austin, Texas – January 15, 2024) – Texas champion Sunlit Song’s 2023 campaign earned him Horse of the Year honors and Champion Older Horse among Texas-breds. Owned by Carolyn Barnett and Becky Harding, Sunlit Song continued his high-level performance on track in 2023 with five wins and a second in 6 starts in 2023, including four stakes victories.
Sunlit Song opened his 2023 campaign with three straight wins, including wins in the Houston Turf Stakes and the Richard King Turf Stakes for Texas-breds, at Sam Houston Race Park. He moved to Lone Star Park and earned his fourth consecutive victory in 2023 with a going-away score in the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame Stakes.
The now nine-year-old My Golden Song gelding closed his eight-year-old season with a driving finish in the Remington Green Stakes against open company at Remington Park. His 2023 concluded with five wins and $227,192 in earnings marking his best year to date as an eight-year-old. In his six racing seasons, Sunlit Song has amassed more than $730,000 in earnings with 18 wins in 43 lifetime starts.
Sunlit Song’s dam, Fly So True, has been named the 2023 Texas Broodmare of the Year.
The leading Accredited Texas-Bred money earner for 2023 was Douglas Scharbauer/Valor Horse Farm LLC.
The winner of the 2023 Allen Bogan Memorial Award for TTA Member of the Year is Danny Pish. Mary Ruyle will receive the T. I. “Pops” Harkins Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Following is the complete list of the 2023 champion horses:
2-Year-Old Filly: CLOSING ACT (by Munnings) • Owner: Douglas Scharbauer • Breeder: Douglas Scharbauer
2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: MARFA SKY (by Bradester) • Owner: Macassar Corporation • Breeder: Macassar Corporation
3-Year-Old Filly: IZATIZ (by My Golden Song) • Owner: Billy Clevenger • Breeder: Billy Clevenger
3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: WILD ON ICE (by Tapizar) • Owner: Frank Sumpter • Breeder: Frank Sumpter
Older Filly/Mare: IMALUCKYCHARM (by My Golden Song) • Owner: Carl R. Moore Management LLC • Breeder: Ronald & Margaret Ellerbee
Champion Older Horse: SUNLIT SONG (by My Golden Song) • Owner: Carolyn Barnett & Becky Harding • Breeder: Carolyn Barnett
Champion Broodmare: FLY SO TRUE (by Early Flyer)
Horse of the Year: SUNLIT SONG (by My Golden Song)
New Orleans, La (Dec. 31, 2023) – With a change of tactics and a change in riders, Clyde Moran Sr and Jeff Plotkin’s Stovall won Sunday’s $100,000 Louisiana Futurity (Boys) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. After being in the thick of the early mix in each of the juvenile’s five races, Stovall’s trainer Samuel Breaux called upon Corey Lanerie to settle the son of Half Ours early and save his run for the last two furlongs.
“We did a few adjustments and decided to come off the pace instead of going up there,” Breaux said. “There was lots of speed in there, and he stopped the other day (in the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile), so we decided to change strategies.”
With his eyes set on the even-money favorite Carpis throughout, Stovall followed that leader through the far turn. At the top of the stretch, Lanerie showed him daylight and Stovall responded to run down Carpis, officially beating that foe by a 1/2 length. Going six furlongs, the colts & geldings division of the Futurity was run in 1:11.54.
“I looked at his form and he’s always up front battling and he always sort of stops,” Lanerie said. “I hadn’t spoken to Sam (Breaux) until I got into the paddock, and he said ‘there’s a lot of speed, maybe we got to come from behind.’ We both agreed we shouldn’t take him back but we wouldn’t send him. He put me in a great spot right behind the favorite. He’s pretty strong. He wasn’t really wanting to sit back there but he wasn’t crazy rank. When I showed him daylight, he gave me another gear and it was enough.”
Later in the card, Lanerie won the fillies division aboard Guitar Solo.
Stovall returned $22.60, $6.40, $3.80. Carpis offered $2.60, $2.40. Tdzshininluckystar paid out $4.80.
After winning his first stake in his fourth try, Stovall’s 2-year-old record tops off at 6-3-0-1 with $105,850 in earnings.
Guitar Solo Bests Freeburn in Fillies Futurity
Though she came up short on Louisiana Champions Day, Guitar Solo substantiated her monster debut effort with a dominant win in Sunday’s $100,000 Louisiana Futurity (Girls) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. With the lead and the rail, World War IV Racing’s homebred trained by Allen Landry saved every inch to beat six Louisiana-bred juvenile fillies to the wire by 2 1/4 lengths over Freeburn.
“She showed up today,” Landry said. “Last time (in the Lassie) we ran her back in just nine days. It was a little quick, but we just sort of had to.”
Being pressured throughout by Freeburn, Guitar Solo ran professionally and in tune with her jockey Corey Lanerie throughout to cover the six furlongs in 1:10.87, over a half-second faster than the winner of the Boys division earlier on the card.
“I really just had to be a good passenger and hope we got a good break and she did the rest,” Lanerie said. “(Freeburn) came up to me around the turn and I wasn’t sure, I thought it was going to be close all the way to the end. She proved to be the best horse today and got the job done.”
The Star Guitar filly could be even better covering a route of ground.
“I think once we get to stretching out she’ll be better,” Landry said.
Guitar Solo paid $6.20, $3.80, $2.80. Freeburn returned $3.40, $2.60. Platinum Minit scrambled down the center of the track to edge out Clearly a Test and pay $4.20.
Capping off her freshman year at 3-2-0-1, Guitar Solo has earned $96,800.
The race week concludes on New Year’s Day with a 9-race program. First post is 12:45 p.m. CT.
VINTON, LA. – Race fans were treated to a pair of stakes races at Delta Downs on Friday night as the track embarked on its final race weekend of calendar year 2023. The featured races were the $70,000 Boyd Rewards and the $70,000 Rosewater Stakes.
A field of 10 went postward in the Boyd Rewards, a Louisiana-bred event for 3-year-olds and up competing at 7-1/2 furlongs. The race was won by Jeffery A. Reeves’ Ballinonabudjet under jockey Devin Magnon.
Ballinonabudjet, who is trained by Jeffery Reeves, Jr., dropped back in the field early after the break before moving into contention up the backstretch. In the meantime, it was Jack Bob and Larry who set the early pace of 23.62 seconds for the opening quarter mile and 48.27 for the half mile while being pressed by Venn. That pair reached the far turn together before Jack Bob and Larry threw in the towel and receded.
At the head of the lane Play Mo took a narrow lead while battling with a tenacious Venn through the stretch before Ballinonabudjet rallied late to collar the pair just before the finish line. The winning margin for Ballinonabudget was one length while Venn settled for second, a head better than Play Mo. The final running time for the race was 1:33.72 over a fast track. It was the first career stakes winner for trainer Reeves.
The win by Ballinonabudjet was the seventh of his 30-race career. He banked $42,000 for the effort and has now earned $332,314.
Bred in Louisiana by Spartan Team Investments LLC, Ballinonabudjet is a 5-year-old bay gelding by Sky Kingdom, out of the Wildcat Heir mare Heir to Glory.
Sent off at odds of 6-1, Ballinonabudjet paid $14.20 to win, $6.80 to place and $4.60 to show. Venn was worth $13.20 to place and $8.40 to show. Play Mo returned $3.60 to show.
The Rosewater appeared to be a two-horse race on paper and that’s what it turned into until the final strides. Basalt Street and World War hooked up in a speed duel for most of the 7-1/2 furlongs while setting fractional times of 23.81 seconds for the opening quarter mile and 48.28 for the half. But as the pair turned for home World War backed off and left the lead to Basalt Street, who appeared to be a clear winner until Muchmorethanready launched a furious late rally that resulted in a tight photo finish. The result was a narrow win by Basalt Street over Muchmorethanready while World War wound up third, another 2-3/4 lengths behind the top pair.
The final time for Basalt Street, who was ridden to victory by jockey Tim Thornton, was 1:34.35.
Owned by Al and Bill Ulwelling and trained by Gary Scherer, Basalt Street has now won seven of 24 starts. The $42,000 paycheck on Friday night raised her overall bankroll to $311,613.
Bred in Louisiana by Paul Pruett & Lindsay Syler, Basalt Street id a 4-year-old dark bay or brown filly by Uncaptured, out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Shirley Street.
Basalt Street paid $4.60 to win, $3.20 to place and $2.40 to show. Muchmorethanready returned $4 to place and $2.80 to show. World War paid $2.60 to show.
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North America’s all-time winningest trainer Steve Asmussen has added to his list of endless accolades and awards, winning an unprecedented 18th Chuck Taliaferro training title at Remington Park. The 2023 Thoroughbred Season came to a close on Saturday.
Asmussen’s colleague in the Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Donnie Von Hemel, is the closest to him with 12 training titles at Remington Park. Asmussen’s first training title came in the fall of 1991 at Remington. He added this season’s title when he won 43 times, 16 more than runner-up Karl Broberg. Broberg is the only reason Asmussen hasn’t won 17 training titles in a row at Remington Park. He has won 15 of the past 17 and Broberg has edged him out in the other two in 2022 and 2015. Asmussen has won every other title since 2007.
Asmussen also was top conditioner here in the fall of 1995, the fall of 1992 and the fall of 1991. Asmussen has trained here since the track opened in 1988.
“All the credit goes to (assistant trainer at Remington Park) Pablo (Ocampo),” Asmussen said Friday night as he witnessed one of the two biggest wins of the meet, Otto the Conqueror getting 10 Kentucky Derby points by winning the $300,000 Springboard Mile. Asmussen also won the Grade 3, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby with How Did He Do That.
“Pablo deserves it for all 18 titles,” Asmussen continued. “It has been a great association with him all these years. I’ve worked with him here since 1989 and I am extra fortunate to have had him. Winning the first one is one of my fondest memories and I love coming here.”
In the early years, Remington Park ran Spring and Fall thoroughbred meets and consequently they were shorter. Hence, the fewer wins it took to win the title. Asmussen set the record here is 2018 when his horses made 104 trips to the winner’s circle. Here is a look at all Asmussen’s yearly titles and how many races his horses won:
* 2023 – 43; 2021 – 42; 2020 – 73; 2019 – 83; 2018 – 104; 2017 – 81; 2016 – 63; 2014 – 49; 2013 – 38; 2012 – 47; 2011 – 50; 2010 – 47; 2009 – 102; 2008 – 57; 2007 – 48; Fall 1995 – 20; Fall 1992 – tie with Donnie Von Hemel with 21, and Fall 1991 – 20.
This Fall, other than Otto the Conqueror in the Springboard and How Did He Do That in the Oklahoma Derby, Asmussen also won the Red Earth Stakes with Tap the Dot.
Rounding out the top five for trainers this meet behind Asmussen and Broberg were Ronnie Cravens III (26 wins) with Ray Ashford and Mindy Willis tied for fourth (20).
In his 37-year training career, Asmussen has won 10,332 races and his horses have earned more than $430 million since 1986, according to Equibase statistics. His top horses include three Horses of the Year – Curlin (twice), Gun Runner and Rachel Alexandra.
The Remington Park leading trainer award is named after Chuck Taliaferro, a two-time leading trainer here in the formative years of the track and a fellow Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Famer with Asmussen. Taliaferro passed in 1994.
Elliott Wins First Remington Title
In the jockey’s standings race this meet, Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Stewart Elliott won his first title at Remington Park in runaway fashion, capturing the Pat Steinberg Award.
Elliott posted 74 wins, 29 more than runner-up Lindey Wade at 45. Elliott made Remington Park his regular fall stop in 2019. He won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness aboard Smarty Jones in 2004.
Elliott’s 74 victories were three more than last year’s top rider Cristian Torres’ 71. Torres did not ride regularly at Remington Park this Fall. The high mark historically at Remington Park is 126 wins by Tim Doocy in 1997.
“I’m thankful I’ve had a lot of support here at Remington with Steve (Asmussen) loading me up with live horses and all the other trainers,” said Elliott. “I’m fortunate I have had such good business here and my agent Scott Hare gets a lot of the credit.”
Among the top winners Elliott brought back to the winner’s circle this meet were How Did He Do That (Oklahoma Derby), Run Slewpy Run (Bob Barry Memorial Stakes, Oklahoma Classics Distaff Turf), Fly to the Bank (Silver Goblin Stakes), Tap the Dot (Red Earth Stakes), Medalla Match (Ricks Memorial Stakes) and Sunlit Song (Remington Green Stakes).
In his career, Elliott has had more than 35,000 mounts, winning with 5,626 of them and their earnings in excess of $123 million, according to Equibase statistics.
Rounding out the top five riders behind Elliott and Wade were Richard Eramia in third (44 wins), Jose Alvarez in fourth (42) and Floyd Wethey Jr. fifth (40). The leading jockey award is named after Pat Steinberg who dominated he Remington Park colony in the track’s first five years, winning nine riding title before his passing in 1993.
End Zone Athletics Gains Third Owner Title
In the owners’ standings, Broberg’s outfit End Zone Athletics, Inc., of Mansfield, Texas, won its second title in a row and third in the last five years. End Zone was responsible for 18 wins this meet, five more than runner-up L and G Racing Stables (Silvia Castillo) at 13. Following the top two were George A. Sharp and Bryan Hawk tied with 12 and Asmussen rounded out the five in fifth with 11.
The leading owner award at Remington Park is named in honor of Ran Ricks, Jr., the very first owner with horses on the grounds at Remington Park, Ricks won six owning titles in Oklahoma City prior to his passing in 1996.
Remington Park has provided more than $340 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. Remington Park presents simulcast racing daily and non-stop casino gaming. Parking and admission are always free. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.
By Martha Claussen
VINTON, LA—December 8, 2023—Chris Warren, who has served as Director of Racing for both Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs, will depart and head home to Ruidoso, New Mexico. His last day will be December 15.
His Beginning
Warren, 64, grew up in Ruidoso, and credits his dad, Bill Warren, for introducing him to the Sport of Kings. He was a contractor, carpenter and builder by trade. Chris enjoyed watching the races at Ruidoso Downs and earned money in high school by writing and selling a tip sheet he titled “Simon Says.”
“My dad loved horse racing and definitely got me started,” acknowledged Warren.
He worked summers at Ruidoso Downs and attended the University of Arizona Racetrack Industry program in Tucson.
“I remember in 1987 I worked as assistant clerk of scales at Santa Anita,” he said. “The first rider in the room was Billy Shoemaker. That was like a football fan interacting with Tom Brady; he could not have been nice; it was a big moment for me.”
In addition to Santa Anita, Warren traversed the country in various racing office positions early in his career. His employers included The Downs at Santa Fe and Canterbury Park in Minnesota. He first worked at Delta Downs when he was 22 year-old, serving as assistant racing secretary to Jim Grundy. He spent eight years at Delaware Park before returning to Delta Downs in 2001.
Demanding Job Description
The role of director of racing in Louisiana entails a myriad of responsibilities from interacting with horsemen and horsemen’s organizations, attending racing commission meetings, overseeing purses and condition books for Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing and ensuring racetrack safety. Hiring competent racing office staff is also a key element of the job, and there are far more positions than the average racing fan knows about! Placing judges, entry clerks, starter and assistants, gate crew, jockey room clerk of scales, valets and more! When Boyd Gaming acquired its second track in Louisiana in 2013, Warren was asked to take over the role at Evangeline Downs in addition to Delta.
“In hindsight, I should have said no,” quipped Warren. “In the beginning, I put a lot of miles making the 120 mile (one-way) commute between the two tracks. Those trips have not been as necessary in the last few years.”
He earned respect from both Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred trainers throughout his tenure.
Kenneth Roberts, Sr. has been one of the leading Louisiana Quarter Horse trainers for decades and credited Warren for his commitment to the horsemen.
“I have always had a good relationship with Chris,” stated Roberts. “You could call him with concerns, and he listened. His hands were tied sometimes, but he pulled for the horsemen and was there for us.”
Allen Landry, who runs Thoroughbreds at both Delta and Evangeline, echoed the sentiments of Roberts.
“Despite his busy schedule, Chris would always take my call,” said Landry. “He would do his best in taking care of what I asked him to look into. We will miss him!”
The memories are plentiful for Warren for both breeds. Each year, Delta Downs concludes its Quarter Horse meet with the running of the Lee Berwick Memorial Futurity. Named in honor of the late Louisiana horseman who developed the Vinton racetrack and served as its first president. Warren extends an invitation to the entire Berwick family to watch the ten juveniles compete for the championship. Berwick’s widow, Betty, attends and is escorted to the very crowded winner’s circle by Warren.
“The race is always exciting and it’s nice to spend a few minutes with Betty,” acknowledged Warren. “I will miss her a lot.”
The $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot was held for 15 years, and Warren enjoyed the high profile Thoroughbred event, which served as a springboard to the Kentucky Derby. A total of 16 Delta Jackpot participants made it to the starting gate on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs.
“It was cool to follow our Jackpot winners on the Triple Crown trail,” said Warren. “We welcomed many high profile trainers and saw some really great horses including Exaggerator, Goldencents and 2010 Eclipse Award Sprint winner Big Drama.”
Steve Kuypers, Vice President and General Manager of Delta Downs praised Warren for his commitment and years of service to the Vinton, Louisiana racetrack.
“Chris’s dedication and intense passion for the sport had a tremendous impact on Delta Downs, as well as horse racing across the state of Louisiana,” said Kuypers. “His contributions helped make Delta Downs the #1 racetrack in the United States in USA Today’s Reader’s Choice poll earlier this year. Chris is a great colleague and friend, and he leaves behind an incredible legacy at Delta Downs. We will all miss him greatly and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
Smooth Transition to Come
John Simon, currently the racing secretary at Delta Downs, will serve as Director of Racing at the Vinton racetrack and Tracey Coonce takes on the same role at Evangeline Downs.
“They have done a great job and get along well with their staff,” said Warren.
Don Stevens, the popular announcer at Delta Downs, also worked closely with Warren.
“I have worked with Chris for over 20 years at Delta Downs,” said Stevens. “His extensive experience in the racing industry, along with his ability to look at things from a unique perspective, have been an asset to Boyd Gaming and he will be sorely missed.”
Warren will return to his home in Ruidoso to the delight of his wife of 40 years, Patricia, and their feline family. He has no plans for retirement and hopes to remain in the racing industry in a smaller capacity.
“I’m looking forward to regrouping, enjoying the holidays and playing some golf when it gets warmer,” stated Warren. “Right now, I have no interest in working full time, but hope to do something to help pay the cat food bill!”
Touchuponastar Turns Back Tumbarumba for Consecutive Classic
New Orleans, La (Dec. 9, 2023) – Set-Hut’s phenom Touchuponastar set the pace and turned back Tumbarumba’s far-turn bid to win his second $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The 4-year-old son of Star Guitar out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic was bred by Coteau Grove, along with the second and third-place finishers, Tumbarumba and Cosmic Train.
When the top two Classic finishers went eyeball to eyeball in the far turn, it was only a matter of a few strides before Touchuponastar put Tumbarumba away and quickly took an insurmountable 3-length advantage. Tumbarumba never stopped trying to re-engage, making up ground late.
Trained by Jeff Delhomme and guided by jockey Tim Thornton, Touchuponastar finished 1 1/4 lengths in front of Tumbarumba and covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.12.
“He’s all class,” Thornton said. “I knew when he got away clean in the first jump that they were going to have to run today to beat him. I was in-hand waiting. He’s such a great horse, they’ve done such a great job with him. It’s a joy to ride him.”
With a lifetime record of 13-10-2-1 and $618,100 in purses, the question remains could former NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme’s Touchuponastar step out of Louisiana and take on top stakes routers.
“The Louisiana breeders program is so great over here,” trainer Jeff Delhomme said. “It gives us the opportunity to run for the money. We don’t need to chase the money. We can stay right here. Would we like another chance next year in the Steve Sexton? Yes. Maybe try him this year in the New Orleans Classic? Yes. I don’t think we need to go far to take on better competition but I think all these Louisiana-breds are giving us all we can handle right now.”
On hand in the winner’s circle, Keith and Ginger Myers of Coteau Grove Farms were able to witness a few of the best of their breeding program run first, second, and third in the Classic.
“What’s special is where we are,” Keith Myers said. “We’re here at home in Louisiana. We’re very close to Jake (Delhomme), and we see the Delhommes as our family. Having success together makes it more special. To have three who were bred at the farm run one, two, three–it’s quite rewarding. Touchuponastar was big and athletic (as a yearling), but I don’t remember having thoughts that this was going to be the one. Really it was a little bit of a surprise.”
Mangum Cuts Back, Surges Late to Win $100,000 Sprint
After winning the Classic with Touchuponastar earlier in the card, Jake Delhomme’s Set-Hut stepped back into the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots winner’s circle as Mangum surged late through traffic to surprise Bron and Brow in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint.
Finishing 1/2 lengths back, Bron and Brow survived a steward’s review to secure place honors. Trained by Jeff Delhomme, Mangum covered the six furlongs in 1:10.83.
“Jake (brother Delhomme) studied the Form last night,” Jeff said. “And the best numbers he threw were sprinting at Evangeline and Delta so we took a chance (running in the Sprint) and it worked out. We’ve got the entire family here. Winning big races on a day like this is like a dream come true.”
Winner of the Jacob V. Morreale going 1 mile 70 yards over opening weekend, Mangum was guided by Corey Lanerie in both stakes scores.
“Hats off to the entire team,” Lanerie said. “They had this horse ready. He was a lot better than the last time I rode him. We took a lot of dirt early and I was running out of goggles. We had to find somewhere to go. I was rerouting. We found a hole and luckily we had the horse to do it. It’s fun when you get there in time because a lot of times you don’t.”
In the mix against a full field of 14, bettors backed Mangum to the tune of 9-2.
With the Sprint score, the rising 3-year-old now boasts a 12-7-1-3 lifetime record totaling $315,360 in purse earnings.
According to Design Behemah Star Shines on Turf
With little early speed signed on for the 33rd running of the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Turf, Behemah Star stole to the front ahead of the far turn and turned back Who Took the Money in the final stages to win by 1 1/4 lengths.
Trainer Shane Wilson had cross-entered Brittlyn Stable’s son of Star Guitar in the Classic, but opted for the Turf.
“This was the total plan,” Wilson said. “We entered in both races. Earlier in the week I got beat on the turf when speed went to the front and we tried to be tactical but they didn’t come back to us. I handicapped this race and didn’t see any speed in here so we decided to go in this spot. (Behemah Star) had run once on the turf and he was forward to run second. We wanted to do something similar again today. It worked out.”
Ridden by jockey Jose Guerrero, Behemah Star pressed the pace through the first two calls and covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.76.
“The plan was to get him out aggressively from the gate,” Guerrero said. “It worked pretty well. I was able to get in a perfect spot behind the inside horse and he slowed down so I slowed down with him, saving energy, and when we got to the 3/8ths pole he exploded and finished it off in front from there.”
Behemah Star rewarded his backers to the tune of 18-1. With a career record of 19-5-5-4, Behmah Star’s first turf tally upped his bank to $309,821.
Ova Charged Survives Photo for Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint Three-peat
Employing her signature stalking speed, Ova Charged beat Basalt Street by a thin lip to take her third $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint in a row. Stablemate Spirited Beauty ran third. Together with Behemah Star’s Turf win, Brittlyn Stable added two on the day for a record 17 Louisiana Champions Day victories in 33 years of running
By the ubiquitous stallion Star Guitar, the Shane Wilson trainee ran the 6 furlongs in 1:10.67. At 7-5 under jockey Jose Guerrero, Ova Charged has now won 9 times in 12 tries with one place-finish, racking up $428,780 in purses along the way.
After the race trainer Shane Wilson said, “She was coming off the layoff and we’re trying to get her ready for this date. We skipped the race opening day because I didn’t think she was ready….We hoped her talent and guts would get us there and it worked out. She got a little heavy (tired) at the end but she got there. If you want to win races in Louisiana, then breed to Star Guitar. He’s had more starters and winners today than any other stallion. If you want to be in these big races, then breed to Star Guitar. The credit goes to Miss Evelyn (Benoit). Instead of standing him in Kentucky she kept him here for the local people so we have a chance to have horses like this.”
Free Like a Girl Wires the $100,000 Distaff
Leading the pack of fillies at every call, Gerald Bruno Jr., Chasey Deville Pomier, and Jerry Caroom’s Free Like a Girl proved much the best wiring the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Distaff field on Saturday. Holding off all advances, the 4-year-old daughter of El Deal rolled down the homestretch as A G’s Charlotte scrambled to get second, a distant 4 3/4 lengths back.
Trainer Chasey Pomier had entered the versatile 4-year-old in both the Distaff and the Sprint, and just like ahead of her score last out in the Doris Hebert, it was a last-minute decision.
With Vicente Del-Cid back in the irons, Free Like a Girl covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.49.
“We made the decision to run in the Distaff instead of the Ladies Sprint this morning. It’s what we needed to do for her.” said Chasey Pomier, trainer and part-owner. “We thought about the route race last year but ended up going in the Sprint (second to Ova Charged). She’s matured (since then) and we thought she could go the distance today. Going right to the lead was not in my plan but it worked. I take it race by race. She’s going to tell me when she wants to go.”
The recently minted millionaire added $60,000 to bump her bankroll to $1,066,578 and her career record to a hard-knocking 32-15-8-4. The fans knew, making Free Like a Girl the 8-5 favorite.
Good and Stout Just Good Enough in $100,000 Juvenile
C.J. McMahon’s first win at the meet came on the center stage as he guided Whispering Oaks Farm’s Good and Stout to the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile winner’s circle on Saturday at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
Going 6 furlongs in 1:12.22, the son of Coal Front held off the late rail rally of El Dinero by a nose. Trained by Carol Castille, Good and Stout’s freshman grade card tallies up to 5-2-1-1 along with $101,000 in the piggy bank. Prescient backers were paid $4.80 on each dollar wagered.
Owner and trainer, Carrol Castille, said of his of Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile winner Good and Stout, “We breed a bunch but we buy some at the sales too, kind of a mixture of both. He was a nice looking individual. We like him a lot. Got lucky and were able to buy the right one. Louisiana-breds dominate our stable and we like to run at home. This colt has been great from day one. He’s very smart, does everything right and he’s a really nice horse to be around. We had a little misfortune at Delta. That DQ was tough, but it’s horse racing and you just have to roll with it. He showed his talent and we got some redemption today, that’s all that matters. I think this horse will want to go further. He’s still learning and developing.
Accommodate Eva Flies Late in Lassie
Flying down the center of the track late, Valene Farm’s Accommodate Eva nailed Clearly a Test to win the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Lassie by 3/4 lengths. After routing in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies, trainer Dallas Stewart’s decision to cut back the freshman daughter proved wise.
Under Brian Hernandez Jr., Accommodate Eva was sent postward at 4-1 and covered the six furlongs in 1:11.98. With a 6-2-0-1 record, the daughter of Munnings, maiden win came at Keeneland against open company. Accommodate Eva’s freshman earnings tally $126,230.
After the race Dallas Stewart, trainer of Lassie winner Accommodate Eva, said “I love the filly. She trains great all the time. Murray Valene picked her out as a yearling. We think she’s got everything in front of her, we think she’ll be a two-turn horse, and she’s going to be very nice.”
Coming off convincing stakes victories, including one against open company, Touchuponastar did exactly as expected back in against fellow Louisiana-breds, dominating the Dec. 9 Louisiana Champions Day Classic Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. With Tim Thornton aboard, the 4-year-old Star Guitar gelding led gate to wire, taking the $145,500 feature by a geared-down 1 1/4 lengths in 1:50.12 for 1 1/8 miles over a fast surface.
Tumbarumba was second, 16 1/2 lengths clear of Cosmic Train in third. Bayou Jam was fourth and last.
Touchuponastar, sent off at 1/5, also won this race last year, clinching Louisiana’s champion 3-year-old colt or gelding honors. Jeff Delhomme trains the regional sensation for his brother, former New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, and father, Jerry Delhomme, who race as Set-Hut. Jerry Delhomme trains Cosmic Train and all runners were individual betting interests.
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