Rain Doesn’t Dampen Legends Night
by Chad Cooper
Category: Chu Chu’s Legacy
LOUISIANA CUP DAY FILLED WITH THRILLING FINISHES AND PRIDE FROM EACH OF THE WINNING CONNECTIONS
Trainer Allen Landry Wins Two of the Six Features
Bossier City, LA – Temperatures rose into the upper 90’s Saturday afternoon at Louisiana Downs but excellent efforts were on display in each of the six black-type stakes on Louisiana Cup Day.
Driving Finish By Wholelottamo in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies
Stakes action began with the running of the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies. A very competitive field of eight accredited 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies entered the gate for the six furlong contest with a confident score by Wholelottamo.
Owned by Thompson Racing LLC, the daughter of Mo Tom made her Louisiana Downs debut after two starts at Lone Star Park. Tim Thornton, who is just one win away from his 2,500th career victory, guided the chestnut filly to the wire in 1:12.97, winning by a margin of 2 ½ lengths. Trainer Scott Gelner was not surprised at her victory, citing the tough company she faced in her June 5 debut.
“She ran against two really nice fillies in that race,” said Gelner. “One of them (Wicked Halo) won a Grade 2 at Saratoga. I have to give credit to my son (assistant trainer, JJ). He’s not here; he;s on vacation in the Bahamas!”
Early pacesetter Streak of Silver hung on for second under Lindey Wade, followed by Free Like a Girl and Buckely Bunny.
Bred by Cloyce C. Clark, Jr., Wholelottamo ($5.20) has now won two of her three starts and banked $57,925.
Net a Bear Turned Back Five Rivals in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff
The first turf stakes of the card, the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff, drew six fillies and mares who traveled a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course. Due to heavy rain earlier this week, it was listed as good and proved no obstacle for Net a Bear.
The 5-year-old filly by Awesome Bet out of the Eddington mare Edacious Reality, owned by Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro, was the 3-2 morning line favorite. The multiple-stakes winner for breeders Lora Pitre and Elaine Carroll exited a victory in the $60,000 Opelousas Stakes at Evangeline Downs on July 2.
Tim Thornton patiently saved ground, tracking familiar foe Offspring in splits of :24.47; :49.51 and 1:14.18 before taking the lead and finishing in 1:45.01.
“She’s such a nice filly to ride,” said Thornton. “I have always ridden her with a game plan, but know she will be there when I call on her. I let her settle and when I called on her, she was game. Allen’s done a great job with her.”
Net a Bear (4.40) improved her record to seven wins from 25 starts. Her check for $30,000 increased her earnings to $352,070.
Oak Tree Stable’s Offspring completed the exacta with Fort Polk running third and Freda’s Smooth Air running fourth.
True Deal Resurgent in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile
The fourth race of the afternoon was the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings.
Morning line favoritism in the six furlong stakes went to Norman Stables LLC True Deal, a colt by True Deal out of the Big Brown mare Hilarious Brown. Although he did not leave the gates as the favorite, he would not be denied as he closed gamely under jockey Joe Stokes to win his first career stakes.
Sent off as the third choice in the nine horse field, True Deal (12.60) finished by a neck over Family Creed in a final time of 1:12.97.
Trainer Lonnie Briley has been pleased with efforts of his colt who is sired by leading first crop Louisiana stallion El Deal.
“I’ve liked him a lot,” said Briley. “He’s easy to train and doesn’t make any mistakes. His sire is by Munnings, so even though he ran well today, I think he can go faster and should do very well either stretching out or on the turf.”
The victory marked the second win for breeder Cloyce C. Clark Jr.Tambourine Star finished third behind Family Creed with longshot Son Carlos completing the superfecta.
Chu Chu’s Legacy Earns His Second Louisiana Cup Day Score Taking the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint
Allen Landry’s Chu Chu’s Legacy is no stranger to success on statebred racing stakes days. He won the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile last year and turned back a very tough field of sprinters today as he captured the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint.
It was the second 2021 Louisiana Cup victory for owner/trainer Landry, who was reached by phone following the win.
“He’s just amazing,” said Landry who purchased the colt for a modest $4,000 at the Equine Sales Mixed Sale. “I was a little leary of running him against older horses, but he does everything I have asked him to do.”
Rider Joe Stokes took control at the top of the stretch and drew off to finish 1 ½ lengths ahead of Scarlettsblackjack in 1:10.79.
“He broke well and sat behind the speed,” said Stokes. “When I asked him, he just responded. He’s a hell of a horse!”
Landry’s wife Sandra named the colt after Chu Chu Perez who worked for the couple as a groom, but passed away last year.
Monte Man, who won the 2018 Louisiana Cup Sprint, ran a game third under Gerard Melancon, followed by Half Again..
Sent off at odds of 7-1, Chu Chu’s Legacy paid $15.80 for the win, which was his sixth in ten starts. With today’s winner’s share of $30,000, his earnings stand at $206,350.
Carlea’s Dream Splits Rivals in an Exciting $50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic
The $50,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic an excellent group of turf specialists competing a mile and one sixteenth over the good turf course.
Carlea’s Dream, was installed as the 5-2 morning line choice, lived up to his billing for owner Carl Moore Management. Lindey Wade made the trip to Louisiana Downs to pilot the 4-year-old son of Lea out of the Corinthian mare Beat The Street. Bred by Time Will Tell LLC, Carlea’s Dream won in 1:44.37.
“It was so nice to come home and I am grateful to Karen for bringing me in to ride,” said Wade. “I knew this horse had it in him and could win a Louisiana-bred stakes.
The bay gelding had won two turf races this year in Texas. Trainer Karen Jacks said that he will stay in Louisiana and run in an upcoming turf stakes.
“He’s just like his name, a dream to train,” she said. “He loves the turf, like all horses sired by
Lea. His only two bad efforts were races taken off the turf.”
Britts a Closer, who broke his maiden on the Franks Turf Course last year, was in contention and held for second under leading rider Joel Dominguez. Mangelsen was third with Unrestricted completing the superfecta.
Strong Beauty Won Her First Stakes in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
Trainer Ron Faucheux had a full group of stakes entrants, but had to wait until the final feature of the day, the $50,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint, to visit the winner’s circle.
Strong Beauty, owned by Golden Rock Thoroughbreds, defeated a highly competitive group of distaffers, including defending champion Tin Roof Farms LLC’s Snowball, and LTBA champion 4-year-old filly Our Lost Love.
Ridden by Carlos Marquez, the daughter of Overanalyze, earned her first stakes score, closing from off the pace to win the six furlong contest in 1:11.69.
“We got her at the Fair Grounds and she has just continued to progress,”said Faucheaux. “She is now in her top form and I expect good things from her as we move forward. Carlos rode a perfect race. This was very exciting!”
Crescentcitypretty ran second, followed by Snowball and Dance Away.
Strong Beauty ($10.80) will be pointed to Louisiana Champions Day at Fair Grounds, according to her trainer.
Registration Still Open for the Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Louisiana Downs will host its annual Charity Golf Tournament at Northwood Hills Golf Club in Shreveport, Louisiana on Wednesday September 1.The event will benefit The Winner’s Circle Church and Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk for his many programs to assist the Louisiana Downs racing community and backstretch workers.
Sign in for the event’s Four Person Scramble kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with tee off at 10:30 a.m. The fee is $80 per personor $320 for a four-person team. The fee includes green fees, golf cart, lunch, and Super Derby t-shirt/cap. Trophies will be presented to the first, second and third-place teams.
The deadline to enter is Wednesday, August 25th. Attendees can register in person in the Louisiana Downs Racing office, or by mail. Checks should be payable to The Backside Benevolence Fund and mailed to: Jennifer Sokol, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, 8000 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana, 71111. For further information, please contact Jennifer Sokol at (318) 741-2512 or (318) 573-5830.
Louisiana Downs Live Racing Schedule
Live racing takes place Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday until the conclusion of the 2021 Thoroughbred meet on Tuesday, September 21. For more information on the 84-day racing season and special events, visit https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-louisiana-downs/racing.
LOUISIANA LEGENDS NIGHT EXCITEMENT THRILLS FANS AT EVANGELINE DOWNS
CILLA BECOMES FIRST BLACK-TYPE WINNER FOR CALIFORNIA CHROME
OPELOUSAS, LA –Evangeline Downs hosted the annual celebration of the Louisiana-bred Thoroughbreds with Louisiana Legends Night on Saturday. The exciting card featured six stakes races, each with a purse of $70,000 highlighted the card.
Persistent rains throughout the week forced all the races to be run on the main track. The Soiree was contested over a muddy track, but a downpour after that race left the card sloppy for the remaining races.
The $70,000 Mademoiselle featured what may have been the most impressive performance of the evening as Cilla powered away to victory. The 3-year-old Brett Brinkman trainee scratched out of the one-mile Soiree to face older fillies and mares in the Mademoiselle. That decision proved fruitful with the sensational turn of foot produced on the far turn. Traveling in mid-pack as Strong Beauty and Southern Beauty battled through fractions of 21.64 and 45.05, jockey Joel Dominguez sent Cilla up to challenge with a four-wide move at the top of the lane. While racing six wide, Cilla stormed away from her rivals to win by 4-1/4 lengths, stopping the timer in 1:03.74. Evangeline Downs Distaff winner Snowball rallied up the rail to finish second and Strong Beauty held on well for third.
Campaigned by P. Dale Ladner, and was bred by the partnership of Brinkman and Ladner. Sired by California Chrome, she is out of the Into Mischief mare Sittin at the Bar. The Mademoiselle victory was the second impressive win over a sloppy track, along with a win at Delaware Park last August.
Cilla returned $19.60 as the winner, $6.20 to place and $4.20 to show. Snowball paid $4.20 to place and $2.60 to show. Strong Beauty paid $4.40 to show. With the $42,000 winner’s prize, Cilla pushed her career earnings to $143,500.
The $70,000 Soiree, for 3-year-old fillies, was contested by a field of just four runners over the one-mile distance. Winning Romance, trained by W. Bret Calhoun, broke alertly and traveled comfortably in tandem with Half Koo Koo for the first half-mile. Jockey Diego Saenz asked his runner for more on the far turn, and she quickly responded. Winning Romance’s lead widened throughout the lane with the winning margin an incredible 20-3/4 lengths. Inawic, who tracked the leaders down the backside, finished second and Tecate Time was along for third. The final time was a hand-timed 1:38.75.
Winning Romance, sired by First Samurai, and out of the Flatter mare Lipstick Junky, returned $2.60 to win and $2.10 to place. Inawic returned $4.00 to place. There was no show wagering in the short field. The Allied Racing Stables, LLC (Chester Thomas) runner pushed her career earnings to $135,441.
The $70,000 Cheval was contested in a torrential rainstorm that arrived shortly before post-time. Chu Chu’s Legacy was quickly away in the one-mile affair, and was never headed, scoring a front-running six-length victory. The winner owned and trained by Allen Landry is a son of Bind, out of the Johannesburg mare Bond’s Babe. Jockey Joe Stokes urged his runner along in splits of 23.59, 47.41 and 1:12.36, before stopping the timer in 1:39.18 for the eight furlongs.
Runner-up Wise Verdict made a move inside of rivals on the turn to get in position turning for home, while third-place finisher Beauregard was well placed throughout, but unable to threaten the leader.
The winner returned $10.60 to win, $6.40 to place and $4.80 to show. Wise Verdict rewarded backers with $9.60 to place and $6.00 to show. Longshot Beauregard paid $13.80 to show. Chu Chu’s Legacy ran his total earnings to $176,350 with the triumph.
The $70,000 Sprint, over a distance of 5-1/2 furlongs, was a family affair as half-siblings Bertie’s Galaxy and Wild Bert battled from the start and finished one-two. Both runners are out of the Wild Rush dam, Wild Bertie, with the winner being the younger brother and sired by Greeley’s Galaxy.
Wild Bert sped through early fractions of 21.86 and 45.04, with Bertie’s Galaxy in close attendance to the outside of the leader. Moving to challenge on the far turn, jockey Diego Saenz swept up with the Ron Faucheux runner to take the lead approaching the quarter pole. The pair steadily drew away through the lane to win by 3-1/4 lengths in a time of 1:03.53. Wild Bertie was well clear as the runner-up, with Laughingsaintssong another 3-1/2 lengths back in third.
Bertie’s Galaxy’s pushed his career earnings to $225,750. Owned by Allen Cassedy and trained by Ron Faucheux, Bertie’s Galaxy was sent off as the second choice at 2-1 and paid $6.00 to win, $3.60 to place and $2.80 to show. Wild Bert returned $7.20 to place and $4.60 to show. Laughingsaintssong returned $5.00 to show.
The $70,000 Turf Distaff was the second straight stakes victory for Offspring. The 5-year-old mare by Into Mischief, out of the Pioneering mare Pioneer Gal, had previously won a stakes at the Fair Grounds. Away in good order under jockey Roberto Morales, Offspring was allowed to settle off the moderate fractions being set by Distractor Factor, traveling just off the leader through splits of 25.06 and 49.68. Saber Cut was up to put pressure on Distractor Factor as Offspring moved alongside, while Quikfast N Ahurry ranged up four-wide past 6-furlongs in 1:14.55. As they straightened away, Offspring surged between rivals to poke her head in front at the top of the lane and fought off her rivals for a 1-3/4 length victory in 1:39.57. Quikfast N Ahurry battled on for second, 1-1/4 lengths in front of favored Net a Bear in third.
Owned by Oak Tree Stable (Bennett E. Powel) and trained by Edward J. Johnston, Offspring rewarded backers with a win price of $7.80, $4.80 to place and $2.60 to show. Quikfast N Ahurry paid $5.60 to place and $3.20 to show, with Net a Bear at $2.40 to show. The career bankroll increased to $219,478 with the winning share of the purse.
The $70,000 Turf was the final stakes race of the night and was won in wire-to-wire fashion by Maga Man. A quick start from the inside post allowed Maga Man, with jockey Kevin Smith, to set reasonable fractions of 48.17 for a half-mile and 1:12.74 for the six-furlong split. With Grand Luwegee in close attendance throughout, Maga Man repelled that challenge at the top of the lane and held sway in the final yards to hold off a late rally up the rail from Jax Man in a time of 1:38.36. The rider of Jax Man, Casey Fusilier, lodged an objection and the stewards also posted the inquiry sign regarding the final yards of the one-mile race. After reviewing the videotapes, the stewards found there was insufficient evidence to change the order of finish.
The 6-year-old son of Musket Man, and out of the Pulling Punches mare Lew’s Gray, runs for the Whispering Oaks Farm, LLC of Carrol Castille. Trained by Steven B. Flint, the winner returned $11.80 to win, $5.20 to place and $3.20 to show. Runner-up Jax Man paid $6.20 to place and $2.80 to show. Grand Luwegee paid $3.20 to show. With the victory, Maga Man increased his career bankroll to $233,960.
For more information on racing at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website atwww.evdracing.com and on Twitter @evdracing. Racing continues on a Wednesday thru Saturday schedule until the end of the meet on September 18.
Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana, off I-49 on Cresswell Lane at Exit 18.
Chu Chu’s Legacy tries to stretch his speed in Louisiana Legacy Stakes
Mary Rampellini Jan 08, 2021
Chu Chu’s Legacy will be looking for the third stakes win of his young career Monday, when he makes his two-turn debut in the $75,000 Louisiana Legacy at Delta Downs.
The stakes, which is for 3-year-olds bred in Louisiana, will be run over 7 1/2 furlongs. It goes as the second race.
Delta had scheduled a stakes double for Monday, but the $75,000 Gold Cup did not fill, according to Chris Warren, director of racing for Boyd Gaming, the parent company of Delta and sister track Evangeline Downs.
Chu Chu’s Legacy Proves Best in Louisiana Cup Juvenile
Louisiana Cup Juvenile
Louisiana Downs, 9-19-20, 6 furlongs
2YO Accredited Louisiana Breds, $50,000
CHU CHU’S LEGACY
Bind–Bond’s Babe
Breeder: J. Adcock & Hume Wornall
Owner: Allen Landry
Trainer: Allen Landry
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
2nd
Janets Jay Jay
Orthodox–Just Call Me Janet
Breeder: Bentley T Early
Owner: William Dees
Trainer: William Dees
Jockey: Luis Batista
3rd
Creole Charlie
My Pal Charlie–Cajun Yankee
Breeder: Horseplayers Racing LLC
Owner: Horseplayers Racing LLC
Trainer: Justin Jeansonne
Jockey: Pedro L. Cotto, Jr.
FULL FIELDS AND EXCITING FINISHES FOR EACH OF THE LOUISIANA CUP DAY STAKES AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS
Defending Champions Is Too Takes the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff
Leading Louisiana Downs Jockey Joel Dominguez Wins Two of the Six Features
Bossier City, LA – To say that 2020 has been a challenge for the Louisiana racing industry is a tremendous understatement. However, on Saturday, September 19, Louisiana-bred Thoroughbreds showcased their talent and gave breeders, owners, trainers and jockeys a well-deserved break from the stress of COVID-19 and hurricanes targeting the Gulf Coast. An enthusiastic crowd enjoyed the gorgeous weather, full fields and thrilling finishes in each of the six featured stakes on Louisiana Cup Day.
Mirabeau Powers to Her Second Stakes Victory in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies
Stakes action gets underway in the second race, the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies. A very competitive field of 11 accredited 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies entered the gate for the six furlong contest with a commanding victory by Mirabeau.
Owned by Larry Romero and Ron Faucheux, the daughter of Bind out of the Speightstown mare, Smittystown, was bred by J. Adcock and Nathan Granger and is trained by Faucheux. She was a commanding ten-length winner in the filly’s division of the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity on August 29 at Evangeline Downs and did not disappoint today.
“She gets better every time,” said jockey Diego Saenz, who patiently sat off the early pace before joining Ru Lala at the top of the stretch.
Mirabeau crossed the wire in 1:12.66, winning by a margin of six lengths. She has now won four of her five career efforts, banking $105,350.
“We couldn’t ask for anything more from a 2-year-old filly”, stated Faucheux. “I really liked her draw; there wasn’t much speed on the outside. I figured she might hook up with Asmussen’s filly, so our goal was to sit off the pace and make a run around the turn. It worked perfect for us! She keeps maturing. We aimed at this race after the “Shine” and will go right into Champions Day at Fair Grounds. Our goal is to keep her healthy, sound and fit and hopefully she will continue on like this.”
Ru Lala, trained by Steve Asmussen who won his 9,000th career race last night at Remington Park, held for second. Longshot Tecate Timeclosed for third and Inawic completed the superfecta.
Chu Chu’s Legacy Denied His Rivals in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile
It was another solid field of Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile going six furlongs on the main track.
The victory went to Allen Landry’s Chu Chu’s Legacy, who broke in front under jockey Tim Thornton and never relinquished the lead, drawing clear in a final time of 1:13.41.
The son of Bind, who won the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity division for colts and geldings was bred by J. Adcock and Hume Warnell.
“He’s a real professional horse,” said Thorton. “Mr. Allen has done a great job with him. He looks like he has a bright future ahead of him.”
Owner/trainer Landry was pleased with the tenacity of his colt.
“He does what he has to do,” said Landry who purchased the colt for a modest $4,000 at the Equine Sales Mixed Sale. “He was pressured again today, but Tim said he stayed relaxed and just did his thing.”
Landry’s wife Sandra named the colt after Chu Chu Perez who worked for the couple as a groom and recently passed away.
Running second was 35-1 entrant Janets Jay Jay under rider Luis Batista, followed by Creole Charlie and G’wildcat.
Sent off as the favorite, Chu Chu’s Legacy paid $5.20 for the win, which was his third in four starts. With today’s winner’s share of $30,000, his earnings stand at $90,800.
Defending Champion Is Too Triumphs in Gate to Wire Fashion in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff
There was little pressure for defending champion Is Too who schooled a very nice field of fillies and mares in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff.
The 5-year-old daughter of Midshipman is owned by Barrone Farms LLC, and won last year under Colby Hernandez. This year, jockey Diego Saenz had the call and set very comfortable early fractions of :25.06; 50:47 before drawing clear in 1:43.33 over a firm Franks Turf Course.
“She was very relaxed,” said Saenz. “They let me set the fractions and I was able to walk the dog, like they say! I was a little nervous as I have ridden several of these mares, but she got it done.”
Trainer Edward Johnston was reached on the phone following the victory.
“Diego did a tremendous job setting the fractions,” he said. “I knew he would have plenty left when he was able to slow it down on the lead. They weren’t going to catch her today.”
Is Too ($7.20) won her seventh race from 22 starts and has now won $249,730..
Stakes winner Mariah’s Galaxy was running late under rider Kevin Smith to complete the exacta with Room To Finish and Alliceous completing the top four spots.
Snowball Surges to Capture the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
The $50,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint attracted a highly competitive group of distaffers competing at the distance of six furlongs.
Tin Roof Farms LLC’s Snowball, a 4-year-old daughter of Apriority, won her last two races at Evangeline Downs, including the $60,000 Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle Stakes on July 4. Trained by Samuel Breaux, the gray filly broke from post position three with Diego Saenz in the saddle. Bred by 4M Ranch, Snowball made one previous start at Louisiana Downs in 2019, running fourth in the Elge Rasberry, which was run at a mile on the turf.
Sprinting has become her forte, according to her conditioner as he watched her cross the wire of the six furlong contest in 1:12.02.
“She had lots of traffic in the front,” said Breaux. “But Diego got her through it and she did the rest. We changed her style from a route horse to a sprinter and she has taken advantage of it.”
Owner Matt Jeffrey was on hand to see his filly pick up her third race in a row.
“It’s been a blast,” said Jeffrey. ”To be here with our family and friends is something we look forward to. Sam does an amazing job.”
Jeffrey’s 7-year-old daughter Payton named the filly after admiring her at the sale, she told her parents that the potential racehorse reminded her of a snowball!
Trainer Ron Faucheux saddled runner-up Play Unified, a 7-year-old mare by Exchange Rate, who rallied under Erica Murray. Our Lost Love, Louisiana 2-year-old champion filly, ran third followed by Miss Pat’s Girl.
Budro Talking Returned to the Winner’s Circle $50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic
The $50,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic attracted 12 runners going a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course.
Budro Talking had an excellent turf record for owner Jack Randall and has won five of his eight Louisiana Downs starts, including last year’s Sunday Silence. Joel Dominguez piloted the 5-year-old son of Tale of Ekati, advancing gamely down the stretch over longshot Nippy Red and previous champion In The Navy.
In one of the most animated winner’s circle celebrations in Louisiana Cup history, trainer Keith Austin saluted owner Jack Randall and was thrilled to notch his first stakes win as a conditioner.
“I rode for 23 years and never won a stakes,” said Austin. “I said that if I ever got the opportunity to train horses, and rode the horses I trained, I would have won a stakes. Joel Dominguez was Superman today and Jack Randall is the reason I am here today. He gave me the opportunity to train when nobody else would. He believed in me. I had to make this horse happy and make him feel at home.”
“He’s just a champ; I was just the passenger,” said rider Dominguez. “I saved ground on the first turn and gave him a clean trip. I knew he was going to come running.”
Sydster followed Nippy Red and In the Navy to the wire. Budro Talking ($6.40) won in a final time of 1:41.9, earning his eighth win in 24 starts.
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First Stakes Score for Saltee Stark in the $50,000 Louisiana Sprint
Two previous champions of the $50,000 Louisiana Sprint were denied in the finale when Saltee Stark finished with a rush under Louisiana Downs leading rider Joel Dominguez.
The 5-year-old son of Calibrachoa was making his 17th career start for trainer Joe O. Duhon, who felt his runner would be competitive based on his August 14 win here.
“I decided to run him in this because he had a good recent race,” explained Duhon. “Fellow trainer Shane Wilson and I talked about it and he felt my horse could compete. I want give thanks to my owner, John S. Turner, who passed away a couple of weeks ago.”
This was the second stakes victory on the card for Dominguez, who will be honored with his first leading rider title on Wednesday.
“Joe and I talked and said if he ran like he did last time, he would win,” said Dominguez.
Defending champion Laughingsaintssong had the lead in the first half-mile, but faded to fifth/ Trainer Ron Faucheux looked for a good effort from his two entrants, Bertie’s Galaxy, who was game throughout the race under Erica Murray, finishing second and 2018 champion Monte Man, who rallied for third.
Saltee Stark ($12.00) was bred by Moon Lake Equine Center LLC and was clocked in 1:11.19. He will be pointed to Fair Grounds according to Duhon.
Just three more days remain in the 2020 Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred meet. Live racing continues Monday, September 21. Tuesday, September 22 and will conclude on Wednesday, September 23 with the presentation of the End of the Meet awards to the leading owner, trainer and jockey.
About Harrah’s Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December, 2002. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.
Photos: Hodges Photography
FULL FIELDS SET FOR LOUISIANA CUP DAY AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Shantel Lanerie Breast Cancer Foundation Fundraiser and Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) Scholarship Drawings Also on Tap
Bossier City, LA – Full fields are set for Louisiana Cup Day at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs on Saturday, September 19. First post is 3:05 pm (Central) for the eight-race card which will feature six stakes for accredited Louisiana-breds.Originally announced to run as $40,000, each of the stakes will now have a purse of $50,000 with full fields set throughout the card.
Mirabeau Looks for Her Second Stakes Score in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies
Stakes action gets underway in the second race, the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies. A very competitive field of 12 accredited 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies will vie six furlongs.
Five competitors from the filly’s division of the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity on August 29 at Evangeline Downs are entered, including Larry Romero and Ron Faucheux’s Mirabeau. The daughter of Bind out of the Speightstown mare, Smittystown, was bred by J. Adcock and Nathan Granger and is trained by Faucheux. She was a commanding ten-length winner, covering 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.90 for her third victory in four career starts. The talented filly, who has been installed as the 3-2 morning-line favorite, will reunite with rider Diego Saenz.
“I wasn’t too sure about running her back so quickly,” admitted Faucheux. “But there is a nice gap between this stakes and Louisiana Champions Day (in December at Fair Grounds). She is so classy and mature for her age; we’re looking forward to it.”
Other contenders include Laurence Jones’ Squox and Mamas Gone Crazy, owned and trained by Carl DeVille, who ran second and third, respectively, behind Mirabeau. Another filly to watch is Rue Lala, breaking her maiden impressively here on September 5 for owners Spendthrift Farm LLC and William and Corinne Heiligbrodt. The daughter of Star Guitar, who is trained by Steve Asmussen, won by 7 ¾ lengths under leading Louisiana Downs rider Joel Dominguez, who will be back in the saddle on Saturday.
Louisiana native Faucheux, who has been training since 2009, has runners in five of the six Louisiana Cup Day stakes.
“These state-bred stakes days are so important for Louisiana racing,” he added. “Everyone has gone through so much this year with the pandemic, delayed race days and hurricanes! Hats off to David Heitzmann and LTBA for pushing for Louisiana Cup Day. My owners are pleased with the purse increase to $50,000; we are ready and will be bringing a full crew up on Saturday.”
Chu Chu’s Legacy Leads the Field in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile
The fourth race of the afternoon is the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings. A field of 13 will compete at six furlongs on the main track.
Allen Landry owns and trains Chu Chu’s Legacy, a son of Bind, who won the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity division for colts and geldings. Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Hume Warnell, he drew off to a four length victory on August 29, which was his second victory in three lifetime starts. The 2-1 choice boasts career earnings of $60,800. Landry will give a leg up to rider Tim Thornton, who has guided the dark bay colt to his last two victories.
“He’s been doing so well, there was no reason not to run him,” Landry said of wheeling back in three weeks. “In his first start (on July 18), he got shuffled back, but made up ground. In the “Shine”, he was pressured the whole way, but drew clear on his own.”
Schnell, G’wildcat and Jimmy Two Times, who ran second, third and fifth in the “Shine” Futurity will also return to action. Schnell, a colt by Star Guitar is owned by Kaleem Shah, Inc., will make his fourth career start for Faucheux. He competed in the Grade 2, Best Pal at Del Mar on August 8, where he finished fifth.
The field also includes Von Dom, owned by Gulf Coast Stables, LLC, who won his debut at Evangeline Downs on July 30 for trainer William Meaux; Lt Bonura, who romped to a nine-length score here on August 12 for trainer Mike Stidham and Ready for Love, a half-brother to Our Lost Love, 2019 LTBA champion 2-year-old Filly.
Post time for the Louisiana Cup Juvenile will be 4:26 pm (Central).
Defending Champion Is Too Faces Eleven Rivals in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff
Twelve accredited Louisiana-bred fillies and mares will take to the Franks Turf Course for the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff.
Is Too, a 5-year-old daughter of Midshipman, was bred by J. Adcock and Montgomery Training Center. Owned byBaronne Farms LLC, the chestnut mare has won six of her 21 starts for trainer Edward Johnston. She surged past her six rivals in last year’s edition of the stakes, but will be tested by several stakes winners on Saturday at odds of 7-2. Diego Saenz has the call aboard the talented mare, who drew post position two in the mile and one-sixteenth stakes.
“She’s doing well,” said Johnston. “That’s a good post for her; she likes the rail.”
Room to Finish has been installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite and will break from the rail under jockey Gerardo Mora. The 5-year-old daughter of Giant Oak was bred by Mike Meeks and is owned by Westpoint Thoroughbreds, Forge Ahead Stables and Jerry Caroom. She has earned $224,105 in 18 efforts. This will be her first start at Louisiana Downs; she ships in off a turf allowance victory on August 5 at Arlington Park.
“She’s a very consistent mare,” stated trainer Wayne Catalano. “She ran second in her first two starts at Del Mar before we got her. I’m happier with her rail draw, versus the far outside.”
That far outside post belongs to multiple stakes winner Mariah’s Galaxy, trained by Victor Arceneaux and owned by Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte. Regular pilot Kevin Smith has the call aboard the 6-year-old mare sired by Greeley’s Galaxy. She is the high earner in the field with $420,985 banked in 27 starts. Bred by Margie K. Averett, the winner of five career stakes will also be making her debut at Louisiana Downs.
The contentious field also includes Net A Bear, a 4-year-old filly by Awesome Bet owned by Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro. She is also a multiple-stakes winner for breeder Lora Pitre with victories in the 2019 Elge Rasberry at Louisiana Downs and Louisiana Champions Day Turf at Fair Grounds. Trainer Allen Landry will give a leg up to Tim Thornton. Stakes winners Yes Gorgeous and Vacherie Girl are also among the contenders in the Louisiana Cup Distaff, which will run as the fifth race on the card.
Overflow Field of Fourteen Drawn in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
The $50,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint is another Louisiana Cup Day feature that attracted a highly competitive group of distaffers competing at the distance of six furlongs.
Our Lost Love will seek her third stakes win for trainer Joey Foster. Bred and owned by Tri-Star Racing LLC, the 3-year-old daughter of Half Ours has already eclipsed the $200,000 earnings mark with five wins from nine starts. The talented filly broke her maiden at Louisiana Downs last September and won her first stakes, the $93,700 Louisiana Futurity on December 29 at Fair Grounds. Two months later, she added a victory in the $70,000 Take Charge Brandi at Delta Downs. On August 8, she made easy work of her rivals, winning a five-furlong turf sprint here in :57.35 seconds. Carlos Lozada has the return call on the dark bay filly at odds of 7-2.
“She’s a very special filly and we are thrilled that Louisiana Cup Day will take place this year after so many challenges,” said Foster. “I am very happy with her draw; really wanted an outside post.”
Tin Roof Farms LLC’s Snowball, a 4-year-old daughter of Apriority, won her last two races at Evangeline Downs, including the $60,000 Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle Stakes on July 4. Trained by Samuel Breaux, the gray filly will break from post position three with Diego Saenz in the saddle. Bred by 4M Ranch, Snowball made one previous start at Louisiana Downs in 2019, running fourth in the Elge Rasberry, which was run at a mile on the turf.
“She’s turned into a sprinter and is definitely on top of her game,” said Breaux. “We gave her a work (on September 9) in Opelousas and she is ready.”
Trainer Ron Faucheux looks for a good effort from Play Unified, a 7-year-old mare by Exchange Rate, who has earned $324,737. Erica Murray has the mount and will break from post position 13.
“She’s very sound,” he said. “She can be her own worst enemy; sometimes being too fractious in the gate, but she is very talented.”
Sydster Takes on His Elders in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic
The $50,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic attracted thirteen runners going a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course. Several proven turf stakes winners are entered with a firm turf course expected for Saturday afternoon.
Sydster, a 3-year-old son of Power Broker, has won three of his six starts for owner Baronne Farms LLC. Bred by J.Adcock & Montgomery Equine Center, he broke his maiden last December and won the $75,000 Crescent City Derby on February 17. He ran second on July 4 in the Louisiana Legends Cheval Stakes at Evangeline Downs.
“He’s a young horse,” admitted Johnston. “He’ll be running against older horses for the first time, but I know he will like the nice sweeping Louisiana Downs turf course. Diego knows him well; he’ll put him in a good spot.”
In the Navy, owned by Kendel D. Standlee, won the 2018 edition of the race and finished second last year for trainer Scott Gelner. The 6-year-old son of Midshipman will be ridden by Alexander Castillo and will be making his 33rd career start. His last appearance in the winner’s circle came one year ago here at Louisiana Downs when he won the Frank L. Brothers Stakes.
“I’ve only been able to run him once this summer with so many races forced off the turf,” said Gelner. “He’s just a great turf horse and I am proud of the fact that he has won on each of the Louisiana turf courses.”
Other contenders include Snake Racing LLC’s Treys Midnite Moon, who has won nine of his 34 starts for trainer Corale Richards. Rider Devin Magnon has the call on the 5-year-old son of Neko Bay. Budro Talking has an excellent turf record for owner Jack Randall and has won five of his eight Louisiana Downs starts. Joel Dominguez will ride the 5-year-old son of Tale of Ekati for trainer Keith Austin.
Champions Laughingsaintssong and Monte Man Headline the $50,000 Louisiana Sprint
The final stakes on Saturday’s card is the $50,000 Louisiana Sprint which also drew an exceptional field, including two past champions, going six furlongs on the main track.
Rodney Verret’s Laughingsaintssong, a 6-year-old gelding bred by J.E. Jumonville and his wife, Bunny, who own one of the top Quarter Horse farms in Louisiana. They own a Vindication mare Laughing Saint and bred her to Grade 1 winner Songandaprayer. He boasts a record of ten wins and earnings of $363,010 and exits a confident victory in the $60,000 Louisiana Legends Sprint at Evangeline Downs on July 4. Tim Thornton rode the bay gelding and will ride him in his 27th start this Saturday for conditioner Allen Landry.
“He’s a war horse,” stated Landry. “He ran a great race at Evangeline Downs and has been training very well. He’s fired up and ready to defend his title!”
Monte Man, the pride and joy of Ivery Sisters Racing, won the 2018 Louisiana Cup Sprint and will be in pursuit of his 16th career victory on Saturday afternoon. Claimed for $25,000 in October, 2017, bay gelded son of Custom For Carlos was sent to Faucheux in Louisiana and reeled off seven wins in a row. Five of the victories were black-type stakes and he was honored as 2018 Louisiana Bred Horse of the Year. Bred by Val C. Murrell. Monte Man has banked $610,923 and is still going strong as a 7-year-old. Jockey Gerard Melancon has the call on the 9-2 second choice.
“We love this horse,” said Faucheux. “Drawing outside suits him and he ran a really good allowance race, in hand, to prep for this. His numbers might suggest that he is not as good as he has been in the past, but he’s still got a lot of fight in him.”
The field also includes Bertie’s Galaxy, also trained by Faucheux and 2019 Louisiana Cup Juvenile winner Scotty Boyfrom the barn of Ronnie Ward.
Post time for the Louisiana Cup Sprint, which runs as the final race on the card, is 6:15 pm.
Louisiana Cup Day News and Notes
Saturday’s weather forecast calls for a picture perfect afternoon with a high of 82 degrees and just 49% humidity! The public is invited to enjoy live racing, and culinary delights from the most popular food trucks in Shreveport-Bossier City.The following special events are set for Cup Day:
Handicapping Preview Show Begins at 2:00 pm
Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and regional racing publicist Martha Claussen will team up for a pre-race handicapping preview at 2:00 pm in the Inside Rail, located on the first floor of the grandstand. They will offer analysis and their selections for each of the races on the Louisiana Cup Day card. The seminar is free and open to all racing fans.
Shantel Lanerie Breast Cancer Fundraiser To Take Place on Louisiana Cup Day
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will conduct a fundraiser on Saturday, September 19 in support of the Shantel Lanerie Cancer Breast Foundation. The beloved Louisiana native and wife of jockey Corey Lanerie was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in January, 2018 and passed away just six months later. She is survived by her parents, husband and daughter, Brittlyn.
Rick Mocklin, who was Lanerie’s agent for ten years and his wife, Janette, were close friends of Shantel. Mocklin serves as founder and president of the Shantel Lanerie Breast Cancer Foundation (SLBCF). The 501(c)(3) organization was founded in September, 2018 with a mission of educating, empowering and encouraging women to become pro-active in early detection, and if diagnosed, surviving breast cancer. Acknowledging that breast cancer impacts the entire family, the Foundation designates funds raised through donations and fundraisers to assist with basic needs of breast cancer patients through every stage of diagnosis and treatment.
Beginning at 2:00 pm on Louisiana Cup Day, a table will be set up in the grandstand with monogrammed apparel and memorabilia. Jockeys will be on hand to autograph the items, with all proceeds to benefit the foundation. Fans will be able to stop by the table, purchase items or make donations until 6:00 pm.
LTBA To Award Scholarships on Louisiana Cup Day
Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will draw for two $1,000 scholarships on September 19 via Facebook Live during Louisiana Cup Day at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. The drawings will be between the fifth and sixth races in the winner’s circle. *Due to the COVID-19 students do not have to be present to win a scholarship. For more information about Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association visit louisianabred.com or call 1-800-772-1195.
Post Times and Racing Dates
The 2020 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs got underway on Saturday, June 6. The 64-day meet will run Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday through September 23. Post time is 3:05 pm (Central).
About Harrah’s Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December, 2002. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.
INTEREST STRONG FOR LOUISIANA CUP DAY AT HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Nominations Close This Saturday for the Six Louisiana-bred Stakes
Bossier City, LA – There is a lot of activity this week in the Louisiana Downs racing office as this Saturday is the deadline to nominate for Louisiana Cup Day. The annual event featuring six stakes saluting Louisiana-bred Thoroughbreds set for Saturday, September 19.
Last weekend, Evangeline Downs hosted the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity for accredited Louisiana-bred 2-year-olds. Both the winner of the filly and colts/gelding divisions are under consideration for Cup Day.
Mirabeau, a daughter of Bind, was nothing short of sensational as she drew off by a margin of
10 ¼ lengths under jockey Diego Saenz. Owned by Larry Romero and Ron Faucheux, she covered 5-1/2 furlongs in 1:04.90, which impressed both her connections and racing fans.
As reported by Mary Rampellini in the Daily Racing Form, Mirabeau was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Nathan Granger. Faucheux purchased Mirabeau as a yearling at the Equine Sales of Louisiana auction in 2019. Not long afterward, he sold an interest in the daughter of Bind to Larry Romero. Mirabeau is by Bind and is out of the Speightstown mare, Smittystown.
She has won three of four lifetime starts and the $36,000 first-place purse increases her lifetime earnings to $75,350. Faucheaux was asked about the next start for Mirabeau.
“We will probably nominate her for Louisiana Cup Day, but have not made a decision,” said Faucheaux.. “There’s a chance; we were ecstatic with her stakes win Saturday night.”
Faucheaux acknowledges that he has several runners in mind for Cup Day, including Monte Man, who won the 2018 Louisiana Cup Sprint. Bred by Val Murrell, the son of Custom For Carlos is a multiple-stakes winner who has earned $610,923. Claimed for just $5,000 by Ivery Sisters Racing, the now 7-year-old gelding won an allowance race at Evangeline Downs on August 20.
“He’s still got a lot of fight in him,” added Faucheaux.
$60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity Chu Chu’s Legacy is also under consideration for Louisiana Cup Day according to his conditioner Allen Landry. Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Hume Warnell, and also sired by Bind, the gelding drew off to a four length victory under rider Tim Thornton.
He has won two of three lifetime starts and the $36,000 first-place purse pushes his career earnings to $60,800.
“It was really exciting,” Landry said of the stakes score. “He will be nominated (for Cup Day) and we’ll see how he is doing. He’s certainly heading in the right direction.”
Landry had confirmed that he will have two previous Louisiana Cup Day winners set for the September 19th event. Rodney Verret’s Laughingsaintssong, a 6-year-old gelding bred by J.E. Jumonville and his wife, Bunny, who own one of the top Quarter Horse farms in Louisiana. They own a Vindication mare Laughing Saint and bred her to Grade 1 winner Songandaprayer. He boasts a record of ten wins and earnings of $363,010 and won the 2019 Louisiana Cup Sprint as well as the Louisiana Champions Day Sprint at Fair Grounds. Landry will look to the turf for
Net A Bear, a 4-year-old filly by Awesome Bet owned by Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro. She is also a multiple-stakes winner for breeder Lora Pitre with victories in the 2019 Elge Rasberry at Louisiana Downs and Louisiana Champions Day Turf at Fair Grounds.
Trainer Scott Gelner is pointing In The Navy to the Louisiana Cup Turf Classic. Owned by Kendall Standlee, the 6-year-old son of Midshipman won the 2018 edition of the race and was a convincing winner in the 2019 Frank Brothers, also contested on the Louisiana Downs turf course last September.
“I’ve only been able to run him once this summer with so many races forced off the turf,” said Gelner. “He had a good work on Monday; I think he’s back on target.”
G’Wildcat, who ran third to Chu Chu’s Legacy in the D. S. “Shine” Futurity, may return to action in the Louisiana Cup Juvenile, according to Gelner.
“He won his first out, but on Saturday, they got away from him,” he said. “He galloped out well, so we’ll see about heading to Cup Day.”
As previously mentioned, trainer Joey Foster confirmed that Our Lost Love will seek her third stakes win. Bred and owned by Tri-Star Racing LLC, the 3-year-old daughter of Half Ours has already eclipsed the $200,000 earnings mark with five wins from nine starts. The talented filly broke her maiden at Louisiana Downs last September and won her first stakes, the $93,700 Louisiana Futurity on December 29 at Fair Grounds. Two months later, she added a victory in the $70,000 Take Charge Brandi at Delta Downs. On August 8, she made easy work of her rivals, winning a five-furlong sprint in :57.35 seconds.
“Knowing that we can run on Cup Day means everything for me and my owners,” said Foster. “Our Lost Love showed us she is ready, getting the win (on August 8) so easily with the rail out. We’ve got big plans for Cup Day!”
Further information on the following Louisiana Cup Day features is posted on Equibase.
$40,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile 2 YO LA-Bred Six furlongs
$40,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies 2 YO Fillies LA-Bred Six furlongs
$40,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint 3 YO & Up F&M, LA-Bred Six furlongs
$40,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint 3 YO & Up LA-Bred Six furlongs
$40,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic 3 YO & Up LA-Bred 1 1/16 miles (T)
$40,000 Louisiana Distaff 3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred 1 1/16 miles (T)
Nominations will close on Saturday, September 5. Contact David Heitzmann atdheitzmann@caesars.com or by calling (318) 741-2511.
Shantel Lanerie Breast Cancer Fundraiser To Take Place on Louisiana Cup Day
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs will conduct a fundraiser on Saturday, September 19 in support of the Shantel Lanerie Cancer Breast Foundation. The beloved Louisiana native and wife of jockey Corey Lanerie was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in January, 2018 and passed away just six months later. She is survived by her parents, husband and daughter, Brittlyn.
Rick Mocklin, who was Lanerie’s agent for ten years and his wife, Janette, were close friends of Shantel. Mocklin serves as founder and president of the Shantel Lanerie Breast Cancer Foundation (SLBCF). The 501(c)(3) organization was founded in September, 2018 with a mission of educating, empowering and encouraging women to become pro-active in early detection, and if diagnosed, surviving breast cancer. Acknowledging that breast cancer impacts the entire family, the Foundation designates funds raised through donations and fundraisers to assist with basic needs of breast cancer patients through every stage of diagnosis and treatment.
Beginning at 2:00 pm on Louisiana Cup Day, a table will be set up in the grandstand with monogrammed apparel and memorabilia. Jockeys will be on hand to autograph the items, with all proceeds to benefit the foundation. Fans will be able to stop by the table, purchase items or make donations until 6:00 pm.
Mocklin has reached out to each of the Louisiana racetracks on their premier racing days to support fundraising efforts for the foundation. Sadly, due to COVID-19, many of the scheduled events this year have been canceled.
“The pandemic has affected so many people this year and events at many tracks were not able to take place,” said Mocklin. “We are grateful to Louisiana Downs for welcoming us back on Cup Day again this year.
“Breast cancer can be devastating for so many people,” added Mocklin. “To lose Shantel when she was just 42 years-old was heartbreaking for her family and many friends. The foundation has already helped 40 women diagnosed with breast cancer and we want to keep raising funds to support those in need.”
Handicapping Preview Show Set for Saturday, September 19
Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and regional racing publicist Martha Claussen will team up for a pre-race handicapping preview at 2:00 pm in the Inside Rail, located on the first floor of the grandstand. They will offer analysis and their selections for each of the races on the Louisiana Cup Day card. The seminar is free and open to all racing fans.
Post Times and Racing Dates
The 2020 Thoroughbred racing season at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs got underway on Saturday, June 6. The 64-day meet will run Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday through September 23. Post time is 3:05 pm (Central).
About Harrah’s Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December, 2002. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.
MIRABEAU AND CHU CHU’S LEGACY WIN BIG IN THE “SHINE” YOUNG FUTURITY AT EVANGELINE DOWNS
BIND SIRES THE WINNERS OF BOTH DIVISIONS ON SATURDAY NIGHT
OPELOUSAS, LA – Evangeline Downs hosted two divisions of the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity for accredited Louisiana-bred 2-year-olds during the closing night program on Saturday night.
- Mirabeau, with Diego Saenz aboard wins the filly division of the D.S. “Shine” Young Memorial Stakes at Evangeline Downs. Coady Photography.
The fillies’ division of the “Shine” Young Futurity was a victory procession for Mirabeau. She started off well and sat just off the pace set by Mamas Gone Crazy, a 39-1 longshot, who led through early fractions of 22.07 seconds for the quarter and 46.19 seconds for the half. Once the field reached the top of the stretch, however, Mirabeau took the lead and never looked back. She kept widening her lead until she crossed the finish line 10-1/4 lengths ahead of Squox, who rallied from last to be second, while Mamas Gone Crazy held on for third. Mirabeau covered the 5-1/2 furlongs in 1:04.90 over the fast track.
Mirabeau paid $3.60 to win, $2.80 to place and $2.60 to show. Squox returned $6.80 to place and $6.60 to show and Mamas Gone Crazy paid $10 to show.
Mirabeau was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Nathan Granger. The 2-year-old filly is owned by Larry Romero and Ron Faucheux, who doubles as the trainer. Diego Saenz was aboard for the victory. Mirabeau is by Bind and is out of the Speightstown mare, Smittystown. She has won three of four lifetime starts and the $36,000 first-place purse increases her lifetime earnings to $75,350.
The colts and geldings division of the “Shine” Young Futurity resulted in a big win for Chu Chu’s Legacy. The leading rider for the Evangeline Downs season, Tim Thornton, had the colt well-positioned right from the start as part of a duel for the lead with Bernie Special through fractions of 21.81 seconds for the quarter and 45.73 seconds for the half. Chu Chu’s Legacy shook clear of his challenger entering the stretch and won easily by four lengths. The 3-5 betting favorite, Schnell, got off to a slow start, but rallied late to finish second over G’Wildcat. Chu Chu’s Legacy finished the 5-1/2 furlongs in a time of 1:05.42.
Chu Chu’s Legacy won at odds of 4-1 and returned $10.20 to win, $3.20 to place and $2.60 to show. Schnell returned $2.20 to place and $2.20 to show, while G’Wildcat paid $6.60 to show.
Chu Chu’s Legacy was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Hume Warnell. The 2-year-old colt is owned and trained by Allen Landry. Chu Chu’s Legacy was sired by Bind and is out of the Johannesburg mare, Bond’s Babe. He has won two of three lifetime starts and the $36,000 first-place purse increases his career earnings to $60,800.
Live racing at Evangeline Downs will resume Thursday, September 17 with the beginning of the American Quarter Horse season. Post time during this season will be 5:35 pm Central Time.
For more information on racing at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com. Evangeline Downs’ Twitter handle is @EVDRacing and the racetrack is also accessible on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacing.
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