Category: El Deal

BISPING PROVES BEST IN $60,000 D.S. “SHINE” YOUNG FUTURITY AT EVANGELINE DOWNS

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RICKY COURVILLE TRAINEE PICKS UP SECOND STAKES VICTORY

 

Bisping earns 2nd stakes victory in the 2022 Colt and Gelding Division of the D.S. Shine Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs. Coady Photography.

 

 

OPELOUSAS, LA – The curtain closed on the 2022 Thoroughbred season at Evangeline Downs with a sharp performance from Anna Guillot’s Bisping in the D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity.  The stakes for Louisiana-bred colts and geldings highlighted the card that also recognized the top horsemen of the season.

Breaking smoothly from the center of the starting gate, jockey Devin Magnon and Bisping were out quickly and joined Easy Chance in a battle for the lead down the backstretch.  The Boss Soss, Kajun Karma and Ranch Water were all in the early mix as the leaders traveled the opening quarter-mile in 22.18 seconds.  As the field moved through the far turn, Bisping assumed command and opened up a one-length lead.  The Boss Soss, Kajun Karma and Ranch Water were all giving chase as the field moved to the top of the stretch.

Past the half-mile split in 45.89 seconds, the Ricky Courville trainee was increasing the lead to 3-1/2 lengths with The Boss Soss giving chase, as Kajun Karma and Ranch Water were battling for minor awards.  Inside the final 100 yards Bisping had to dig deep as The Boss Soss made a final lunge at the leader.  The winning margin was ¾-lengths, with another 3-1/4 lengths back to Kajun Karma in third and a neck to Ranch Water in fourth.  The winner stopped the timer in 1:05.54 for 5-1/2 furlongs over a fast track.

The win by Bisping was the second consecutive stakes victory and is the third win from four career starts.  The $36,000 winner’s share increased his lifetime bankroll to $94,050.

Bred in Louisiana by the partnership of Adcock’s Red River Farm, LLC & J. Adcock, Bisping is a 2-year-old colt by El Deal, out of the More Than Ready mare Delta Sierra.

Sent off as the solid 3/5 favorite, Bisping returned $3.20 to win, $2.40 to place and $2.40 to show.  Longshots followed with 40-1 outsider The Boss Soss paying $18 to place and $14.40 to show, with 45-1 Kajun Karma worth $15.20 to show.

Leading horsemen for the 2022 season were honored between races with winner’s circle presentations.  Apprentice Vicente Del Cid captured his first career riding title with an impressive 124 wins on the season.  Karl Broberg (assisted by Darwin Quevedo) led the trainer standings with 44 wins.  The leading owner title went to End Zone Athletics Inc. (Karl Broberg and Matt Johanson) with 37 wins over the 84-day season.

Evangeline Downs kicks off the 2022 American Quarter Horse season on Wednesday, October 5.  The highlight of the season will take place on December 17 when the track hosts the Louisiana Million Futurity for 2-year-olds. First post time each Wednesday through Saturday night during the season will be at 5:35pm.

THRILLING FINISHES FOR EACH OF THE LOUISIANA CUP DAY STAKES AT LOUISIANA DOWNS

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Trainer Chasey Deville Pomier Wins Two of the Six Features

 

Bossier City, LA – It was another outstanding edition of  Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 6  at Louisiana Downs. The quality of the Louisiana Thoroughbred breeding industry shone brightly in each of the six stakes on the program.

Despite temperatures in the high 90’s, tremendous performances were noted throughout the afternoon with glory to several experienced runners as well as the younger horses testing stakes level competition!  Here is a recap of the six Louisiana Cup stakes.

 

Bisping Triumphs in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile

Stakes action got underway in the second race with the running of the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings. A field of eight competed at five and one-half furlongs on the main track.

The winner was Anna Guillot’s Bisping, a son of El Deal, bred by Adcock’s Red River Farm LLC & J. Adcock.  He reunited with jockey Devin Magnon this afternoon, who guided him from his inside post, taking command at the 3/8thpole and drawing clear. He prevailed by a margin of 3 ¾ lengths over Ranch Water in a final time of 1.05.90.

“Before he ever ran, I knew he was special,” said Magnon. “We have a bond, and he does everything you ask of him very professionally.”

Trained by Ricky Courville, the dark bay gelding broke his maiden on May 19 at Evangeline Downs prior to running sixth in the $150,000 Tremont Stakes at Belmont Park.

“I had a race in him and took a shot,” said Courville. “We faced big horses in New York.”

World War IV Racing’s Ranch Water ran second for trainer Allen Landry followed by Norman Racing Stables LLC’s Easy Chance. Post time favorite King’s Lute completed the superfecta for owner Claiming Cajuns LLC.

Sent off as the second choice in the wagering, Bisping paid $9.60 for the win, which was his second in three starts. With today’s winner’s share of $40,200, his earnings stand at $58,050. Courville said that Bisping will be pointed to the D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs.

 

Cheapskate Diva Thrills Her Connections in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff

The first turf stakes of the card, the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff, drew nine fillies and mares who traveled a mile and one-sixteenth over the firm Franks Turf Course.

Cheapskate Diva was in fine form as she made her stakes debut for breeder/owner Keith Plaisance The 4-year-old filly by Animal Kingdom last ran here on July 3, drawing off in a $25,000 turf allowance by 10 lengths under Carlos Marquez. Confidently handled today, she was forwardly placed through early fractions of :23.77 and 48.39 before taking the lead at the top of the stretch and drawing clear by 1 ½ lengths. The final time, over the firm turf course was 1.41.92.

This was the first stakes win for the filly and her trainer Joseph “Bobby” Felks.

“I give all the credit to Bobby,” said Marquez. “She used to be more hyper, but Bobby has worked with her, and she did it easy for me today.”

Plaisance also praised Felks in the post-race interview.

“It was his idea to enter her in this,” said Plaisance. “Bobby felt she deserved a shot and to win over tough mares like Net a Bear and Fort Polk was amazing. My hat’s off to Bobby!”

Fort Polk, a 6-year-old daughter of Behindatthebar, trained by Pat Mouton for owners Steve and Pat Roe completed the exacta. She won her last two turf races at Louisiana Downs, with a total of nine victories in 35 starts. Juan Vargas had the call. Alliaceous closed for third under rider Vicente Del-Cid and longshot Eve’s Delight rounded out the top four.

Defending champion Net a Bear finished seventh and trainer Allen Landry felt the heat might have taken its toll on his multiple-stakes winner.

“She was sweating when we hauled in this morning,” said Landry. “We will give her some time off and see how she does.”

Cheapskate Diva has now won four of her ten efforts with earnings of $101,740. Her connections were undecided on her next start.

 

Free Like a Girl Sensational in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

The $67,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint showcased a field of 11 exceptional Louisiana-bred fillies and mares going six furlongs on the fast main track.

Free Like a Girl returned to Louisiana Downs on Cup Day as the 3-1 morning-line favorite in  the six-furlong sprint.Bred by retired jockey Kim Renee Stover and her sister, Lisa Osborne, the daughter of Flashy Prize, sired by El Deal, had won seven of her 14 starts for owners Gerald Bruno, Jr; Carl J, Deville; Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom. She was honored as 2021 Louisiana Thoroughbred  Breeders Association (LTBA) Champion 2-year-old filly and continues to progress through her 3-year-old campaign.

She was back in state bred company today following starts in the Grade 3, $300,000 Honeybee at Oaklawn Park February 26 against the much heralded Secret Oath and her most recent race, a  credible third in the $225,000 Iowa Oaks (G3) on July 9 at Prairie Meadows.

Quite simply, today she was exceptional! Jockey Pedro Cotto, Jr. was content to let her break from her far inside post, track the front-running Drop Dead Sexy, and confidently circle the field. She drew clear at the eighth pole and crossed the wire by a margin of 6 ½ lengths in 1.10.69.

“She likes being on the outside and having something to run at,” explained Pomier. “We were facing older horses and were not sure how it would pan out, but she’s shown time and time again how much she loves her job!”

The connections remain loyal to Cotto, who has piloted Free Like a Girl in each of her Louisiana races.

“He rode for my dad when I was a kid and worked this filly as a baby,” Pomier added. “Pedro fits her and tells us that all he ever wants is to ride our filly!”

Drop Dead Sexy held on for second for current leading trainer Shane Wilson and
2021 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint champion, Snowball completed the trifecta, followed by Spirited Beauty and Canada’s Customs.

Free Like a Girl ($4.20) has now won eight of her fifteen career starts, boosting her earnings to $464,073.

 

City Park Springs the Upset in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic

The $67,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic attracted eleven runners going a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course.

City Park, a 5-year-old son of Temple City, bred by Warren Harang, returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in 2022, under very confident handling by rider Joel Dominguez. Breaking from the rail, he was eighth after the half-mile, before advancing four-wide and drawing clear in 1:40.79 over the firm turf course.

Owned by MAT Investments, LLC, City Park exited a seventh-place finish in the John Henry at Evangeline Downs last month.

“You can always make it happen when you are on the right horse and I had the right horse today,” said Dominguez. “The race set up well. I knew if they went fast up front, he would come running and that’s what happened.”

Charlie G rallied for second under rider Joe Stokes, followed by Big Chopper and Jaci’s Royalty. Defending champion Carlea’s Dream, sent off as the favorite, ran fifth under Iram Diego.

City Park was bet down from his 12-1 morning line and rewarded his backers with a $12.80 win payout. Trained by Eduardo Ramirez, this was the first stakes victory for the bay gelding who has won six of his career efforts, increasing his earning to $210,484 this afternoon.

 

Janet is Ready Lived up to her Name in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies

Nine accredited 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies competed in one of the best fields ever for the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies.  Several first-time winners faced off in the five and one-half main track sprint.

Saddling her second winner on the Cup Day card was Chasey Deville Pomier as Janet is Ready notched the win in gate-to-wire fashion under rider Vicente Del-Cid. This was the third victory for the daughter of Custom for Carlos, who made her debut on May 13 in a $98,000 maiden special weight at Churchill Downs. After running second in Kentucky, she broke her maiden at Evangeline Downs and won the $100,000 Prairie Gold Lassie on July 8 in Iowa, at odds of 21-1.

She drifted out as she approached the wire today, but still prevailed by one-length in 1:05.65, over Guitar Woman, Lady Flurry, the heavy post time favorite and Nodah.

Owner Gerry Bruno was on hand for the race and talked about the team behind the filly, who was bred by Bentley T. Early.

“We bought her at the LTBA Yearling Sale ($5,500),” said Bruno. “She was impressive today, despite drifting at the end! No one knows that I was Carl Deville’s assistant at Monmouth Park when Chasey was seven, so we’ve been around for a long time ”

Flurry Racing Stable LLC’s homebred Lady Flurry turned heads at Louisiana Downs with a riveting nine-length maiden score on June 20. Owner Staton Flurry, who won the 201- Super Derby (on turf) with Mr Misunderstood, bred the daughter of Lord Nelson out of the Storm and a Half mare Patchofbadweather.

Janet Is Ready ($13.20)  has now won $121,100 and may be pointed to the D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity Filly Division at Evangeline Downs.

 

Front-Running Score by Takes Two to Tango in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint

The $67,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Sprint closed out the Louisiana Cup Day card with eleven talented Louisiana-breds traveling six furlongs on the main track.

Takes Two to Tango, a 6-year-old son of Half Ours, added his sixth career victory for breeder/owner Melissa Cantacuzene. Jockey Luis Quinonez guided the bay gelding to the wire in 1:10.89 in front-running fashion over the fast track. He spoke about his improvement following his third-place finish in the Louisiana Legends Sprint at Evangeline Downs.

“He broke very well today,” said Quinonez.  “Was very alert and when I called on him, he finished well. I thank the owner for this opportunity.”

Trained by J. Luis Garcia, Takes Two to Tango, has won five of his seven outs at Louisiana Downs.

“He never holds back,” said Cantacuzene. “He always gives 100%.”

Black Sword ran second under Vicente Del-Cid, followed by Brian’s Iron Mike and Creole Charlie.

Takes Two to Tango broke his maiden at first asking here on May 6, 2019 and has increased his career bankroll to $164,190 in 16 starts.

Equibase Chart:  https://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/LAD080622USA.pdf

Photos courtesy Hodges Photography

Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred Meet Continues Through September 27

Live racing at Louisiana Downs continues Sunday, August 7 with Thoroughbred action each Saturday, Sunday, Mondayand Tuesday through September 27. For further information on upcoming events, visit ladowns.com.

 

About Louisiana Downs

Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. 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.

EVANGELINE DOWNS WELCOMES LARGE CROWD FOR LOUISIANA LEGENDS NIGHT

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TRAINER RON FAUCHEUX AND JOCKEY JARETH LOVEBERRY TEAM UP FOR TWO STAKES VICTORIES

 

OPELOUSAS, LA –Evangeline Downs hosted the annual celebration of the Louisiana-bred Thoroughbreds with an exciting Louisiana Legends Night card on Saturday.  A large crowd was on hand for the night of stakes action that included six stakes races each worth $75,000 for state-bred runners.  Pleasant weather greeted race goers and the races were contested over tracks rated fast and firm.

Maga Man takes the Louisiana Legends Turf Stakes. Coady Photography.

Maga Man displayed a new dimension by sitting off the early speed and rallying to a thrilling victory in the $75,000 Turf.  Normally a runner found battling for the lead, jockey Joe Stokes was able to get Maga Man to settle off the hot early pace being fought by Forestdungone, Mangelsen and Behemah Star through snappy fractions of 23.21, 47.28 and 1:11.63.  Maga Man was ready to launch a four-wide rally at the top of the lane and engaged the leaders as they reached the furlong marker.  While Behemah Star continued to battle on as the only survivor of the early pace, Jaci’s Royalty and City Park were closing from the back of the pack.  Trained by Norman Miller, III, Maga Man was able to dig in and prevailed in a finish that saw the first four finishers separated by less than a combined length.

Maga Man stopped the clock in 1:43.33 over the 1-1/16 mile distance with the official winning margin of ½-length over Jaci’s Royalty.  It was a head back to third place finisher Behemah Star and a nose to City Park in fourth.  Maga Man defends his title in the Legends Turf, although last year’s running was contested over a sloppy main track.

Owned by Norman Miller IV, Maga Man returned $17.20 to his backers, $9.20 to place and $5.60 to show.  Jaci’s Royalty paid $8.20 and $6, with Behemah Star paying $4.60 to show.  The winning purse pushed the career totals for Maga Man to 10 victories in 39 career starts and $369,880 in earnings.

Bred by Steven Renshaw, Maga Man is a 7-year-old gelded gray/roan son of Musket Man, out of the Pulling Punches mare Lew’s Gray.

 

Free Like A Girl adds the Louisiana Legends Soiree to her list of stakes victories. Coady Photography.

Free Like a Girl ran like a solid favorite is expected to do in her victory over 3-year-old fillies in the $75,000 Soiree.  After breaking a little awkwardly, jockey Pedro Cotto, Jr. was able to get Free Like a Girl into a comfortable position just off the early leader Beleout.  Trained by Chasey Deville Pomier, Free Like a Girl ranged up to challenge the leader moving past the quarter-mile pole and opened up a comfortable margin moving past the furlong pole.  Wholelottamo was steadily gaining ground in a runner-up effort but could not threaten the winner.  The winning margin for Free Like a Girl was 1-1/4 lengths, with another 7-3/4 lengths to the third-place finisher First I’ve Seen.  The winner covered the mile distance in a time of 1:39.41

Sired by El Deal, the bay filly is out of the Flashy Bull mare Flashy Prize and was bred by Kim Renee Stover and Lisa Osborne.  The victory was her seventh from 13 career starts and the winning purse pushed her career total to $401,473.

Owned by Gerald Bruno Jr., Carl J. Deville, Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom, Free Like a Girl returned $3 to win, $2.20 to place and $2.10 to show.  Wholelottamo paid $3 to place, $2.20 to show and First I’ve Seen paid $2.20 to show.

 

 

Big Chopper holds off Vodka Gimlet to win the Louisiana Legends Coeval Stakes. Coady Photography.

Kendel Standlee’s Big Chopper was hustled to the front and never looked back in his victory in the $75,000 Cheval.  Jockey C.J. McMahon had his mount away alertly from the gate and settled into stride setting fractions of 24.01, 47.83 and 1:11.93 before stopping the clock in 1:37.71 for the mile distance.  Vodka Gimlet was in range throughout but could not get past the determined winner.  Favored Touchuponastar, off a very impressive maiden victory, was chasing the eventual victor from the outset and faded to third.  Trained by Scott Gelner, Big Chopper’s winning margin was ½-length, with another length separating the second and third finishers.

Bred by the owner, the 3-year-old is by Shackleford and is out of the Unusual Heat mare Miss Well Molded.  The winning purse pushed his career total to $130,480 with his third victory from eight career starts.

Big Chopper returned $13.80 to his backers for a win ticket, $6.20 to place and $3.80 to show.  Vodka Gimlet returned $4.60 to place and $2.60 to show, with Touchuponastar paying $2.80 to show.

 

 

Net A Bear moves into the lead to take the Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff. Coady Photography.

Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro’s Net a Bear returned to her winning ways on the grass with an impressive victory in the $75,000 Turf Distaff.  Jockey Tim Thornton and Net a Bear were unhurried early sitting in fifth position early as longshot Sumitup raced away to an open lengths lead.  World War and Great in Red were the first to collar the leader moving into the far turn as the leader gave way after fractions of 23.63 and 48.15.  Through six furlongs in 1:12.26, Net a Bear was shuffled back in some traffic and had to wait for some running room.  As the field straightened away in the lane, the Allen Landry trainee found clear running room and rushed past the leaders to win by 1-1/4 lengths.  World War fought on to finish second a head in front of Great in Red.  The winner stopped the timer in 1:36.91.

Bred by Lora Pitre and Elaine Carroll, Net a Bear was sired by Awesome Bet and is out of the Eddington mare Edacious Reality.  Winning for the twelfth time in 33 career starts, the $45,000 winning purse pushed her career earnings to $615,970.

The favorite in the wagering, Net a Bear paid $3.40 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show.  World War paid $2.80 to place and $2.40 to show.  Great in Red returned $2.80 to show.

 

 

Trainer Ron Faucheux and jockey Jareth Loveberry teamed up for their first of two stakes victories as Fame Feather won the $75,000 Mademoiselle.  Winning for the first time over the main track, Fame Feather rallied from off the pace to win the 5-1/2 furlong sprint.  Settling off swift early fractions of 21.90 and 45.58 seconds set by Lady Hopper, the Picard Thoroughbreds Racing Stable LLC (Dawn and Jeffrey Picard) runner commenced a rally two wide on the turn and rallied to pull away for a one length victory over Spirited Beauty, a half-length ahead of Snowball who rallied late for a third-place finish.  The winner stopped the timer in 1:04.49.

Bred by Ramona Pierce, Fame Feather is a 7-year-old chestnut mare sired by Lion Tamer, out of the Indian Charlie mare Pretty Indian.  Winning for the seventh time in 25 career starts, the winner’s share increased her career bankroll to $274,330.

Fame Feather returned a welcome $21.20 to win for her backers, $7.80 to place and $5 to show.  Spirited Beauty paid $4.80 to place and $2.80 to show.  Snowball returned $3 to show.

 

Bertie’s Galaxy wins the Louisiana Legends Sprint Stakes. Coady Photography.

Faucheux and Loveberry found the winner’s circle again as Bertie’s Galaxy defended his title in the $75,000 Sprint.  Sharp away from the gate, Bertie’s Galaxy was quickly in charge leading by a length through an opening quarter in 21.86 seconds with Black Sword and Yankee Seven chasing their familiar rival.  Turning for home in a half-mile in 44.63 seconds, the Allen Cassedy runner extended the lead to two lengths and was clear at the wire.  The winning margin was 2-1/4 lengths over a late closing Creole Charlie and it was another 1-1/2 lengths back to Takes Two to Tango in third.  Bertie’s Galaxy stopped the clock in 1:03.52 for the 5-1/2 furlong distance.

Bertie’s Galaxy was bred by Margie Averett and the 6-year-old chestnut gelding is by Greeley’s Galaxy out of the Wild Rush mare Wild Bertie.

Off as the favorite, Bertie’s Galaxy returned $6.60 as a popular victor, $4.60 to place and $4 to show.  Creole Charlie was worth $12.60 to place and $8 to show.  Takes Two to Tango returned $5.60 to show.  The winning share pushed the career bankroll of Bertie’s Galaxy to $442,850.  The victory was the eleventh from 25 career starts.

For more information on racing at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.comand on Twitter @evdracing.  Live racing resumes Wednesday with a 5:30pm Central first post.  The racing calendar for 2022 is a Wednesday through Saturday schedule until the end of the meet on August 27.

Bron and Brow, Free Like a Girl Win Respective Divisions of 2021 Louisiana Futurity

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How High Can He Fly? Bron and Brow Shows Offensive Power Breaking His Maiden Against Stakes Company

Bron And Brow with Adam Beschizza aboard wins the 58th running of the Louisiana Futurity – Colts and Gelding Division at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

Charco leads The Louisiana Futurity early, but proves 2nd best

New Orleans (December 31, 2021) – On the last day of his 2-year old campaign, Bron and Brow proves he has the makings of a horse on the rise. Twenty days after assistant trainer David Carroll said “He won’t be a maiden for long,” Gary Barber’s colt’s maiden win comes against stakes company in the $107,000 Louisiana Futurity over 6 furlongs on the dirt.

Second favorite 2.30-1 Charco was sent to the lead by jockey James Graham and he blitzed the opening fractions in 22.09 and 45.59 before tightly-pressing .90-1 favorite Bron and Brow drove by hitting the top of the paint in 57.77 and kept on for the score while drifting out to beat the buzzer in 1:10.85. Third favorite 2.50-1 Big Scully ran third throughout but never threatened, finishing 9 ¼ lengths back.

“He broke out a little right to be fair,” winning jockey Adam Beschizza said. “This horse is super talented and I know David [Carroll] and Mark [Casse] have believed in him since day one. We just had to overcome a little adversity there with the inquiry. He’s got a lot to learn, but he seemed to come out of that race very unexhausted so that just tells me he has a lot left in the locker there.”

Bred in Louisiana by J. Addock & Hume Wornall, after taking three shots Bron and Brow is 3-1-1-1 earning $91,820. After a third in November at Del Mar, this colt by Gormley was transferred from Peter Miller’s barn to the care of Mark Casse. Bron and Brow finished a troubled trip ½ length 2nd in the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile Sprint. Like his namesakes, LA Lakers power-duo Lebron James and Anthony Davis, Bron and Brow has loads of talent–unlike them, he is still proving green in his races. After breaking out from the gate and bumping his neighbor, the stewards called for an inquiry, which was not acted on. Passing Charco and finishing in the stretch, he ran erratically in the stretch.

“We got the win in the end, ” assistant trainer David Carroll said. “A little worrisome there but he’s a very talented colt. I’m very happy for Mr. Barber, a great way to end the year. This horse has got a lot of talent–very unlucky in his last race when he got the bad trip but he went very fast as well. Today was a much different race. Adam rode a great race, very aware of the horse he rode last time for Mr. Asmussen [Charco] and he kept him on his target.”

Again, similar to his namesakes: he’s won his first, but can he hang another stakes banner?

“We feel there is more to come from this horse,” Carroll said. “Mark [Casse] and Mr. Barber will talk about two turns, but there is a race early next month if they wish to take advantage of it, going a mile, so maybe that will be his next race, but that’s something they will talk about–we’ll enjoy this race for now.”

The connections believe Bron and Brow can fly higher as he turns the page to his 3-year-old campaign. – Kilroy

 

 

Girls Futurity Winner Home “Free” Down the Stretch

Free Like A Girl with Chasey Deville Ponier aboard wins the 55th running of the Louisiana Futurity – Filly Division at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Jan Brubaker

 

Free Like a Girl wins her fourth stake of the season in runaway fashion

 

Making amends for her narrow defeat as the favorite in the Louisiana Lassie on Champions Day, Gerald Bruno, Jr., Carl Deville and Chasey Pomier’s (trainer) Free Like a Girl left no doubt as to who was best in the $109,600 Louisiana Futurity for the 2-year-old fillies.

Away alertly as the 1.30-1 favorite, the daughter of El Deal stalked the early pace of Serape (11.70-1) though fractions of 22.33 and 46.29. Cut loose by regular rider Pedro Cotto, Jr. at the top of the stretch, she quickly took command, extending her margin of victory to 6 ¼ lengths under the wire in a final time of 1:11.11 for six furlongs. Wholelottamo (14.20-1) outkicked Serape for the place spot. Half Page was scratched at the gate.

“We stuck with the plan to get her close to the pace,” Cotto, Jr. said. “When I got a chance, I put her in the clear, and she just did her thing today. I don’t think she’s even as good as she can get right now. That’s one thing that has impressed me about her. I think she’s just going to get better when she gets older.”

Sent off as the 2-1 favorite on Champions Day, Free Like a Girl was stuck in tight between horses while stalking from mid-pack. She fought on gamely to the wire, only to get swooped by a deep closing 93-1 longshot in Buckley Bunny late. On Friday, she left no doubt who was best in front of her many supporters.

“We are very grateful to have her,” trainer Chasey Deville Pomier said. “She’s been amazing for us. The breeders, all of the connections. We’ve had a great year with her for sure. My dad owns a part, my daughter is in on it, me, the other owner used to be dad’s assistant when I was young, we’ve known the breeders for a while, so yeah, it’s just a whole big ‘ole thing.”

The winner of the D. S. Shine Young Futurity at Evangeline and the Louisiana Jewel and the open company My Trusty Cat at Delta Downs in advance of the Lassie, Free Like a Girl has now won five times from 10 starts since debuting on May 8 at Lone Star. Bred by Kim Renee Stover & Lisa Osborne and purchased for just $5,500 as a yearling, she has now banked $281,473. She’s run a lot and accomplished quite a bit in less than eight months, but shows no signs of slowing down.

“Every day she trains great, we go day-to-day with her, as long as she’s training good, we keep going,” Pomier said. – Kristufek

 

FREE LIKE A GIRL DOES IT AGAIN IN THE $100,000 MY TRUSTY CAT STAKES AT DELTA DOWNS

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LOUISIANA-BRED FILLY DEFEATS OPEN COMPANY WHILE TAKING THIRD STAKES RACE

Free Like a Girl defeats open company in the My Trusty Cat Stakes at Delta Downs. Coady Photography.

 

 

 

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted the $100,000 My Trusty Cat Stakes for 2-year-old fillies competing at one mile on Friday afternoon and the winner was Free Like a Girl under jockey Pedro Cotto, Jr. It was the third straight stakes win for Free Like a Girl, who defeated open company after scoring against restricted Louisiana-bred foes in the DS Shine Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs on September 17 and the Louisiana Jewel at Delta Downs on October 22.

 

Free Like a Girl, who is owned by Gerald Bruno, Jr., Carl J. Deville and Chasey Deville Pomier, was not only facing open company in the My Trusty Cat she was also making her route debut. That fact didn’t hold her back as she rated just off the pace in the one-mile affair while Viv Viv Viv set the early fractions of 22.89 seconds for the opening quarter mile and 47.64 for the half. By the time the field reached the second turn Free Like a Girl grabbed the lead while traveling ¾ of a mile in 1:14.13 and was never seriously threatened after that.

 

With a quick turn of foot turning for home, Free Like a Girl’s lead over race favorite Sea Level held up even though the latter put in a strong bid in the final strides. Free Like a Girl won by 1-1/2 lengths over Sea Level. Mama Said no was a distant third, finishing 15-1/2 lengths behind the runner-up.

 

Free Like a Girl covered eight furlongs in the My Trusty Cat in a time of 1:41.97 while running on a fast track.

 

Free Like a Girl has won four of eight career starts. She earned $60,000 for her win in the My Trusty Cat and now owns a bankroll of $195,713.

 

Bred in Louisiana by Kim Renee Stover & Lisa Osborne, Free Like a Girl is a 2-year-old bay filly by El Deal, out of the Flashy Bull mare Flashy Prize. She was purchased for the low price of just $5,500 as a yearling in 2020.

 

Sent to the gate as the second choice of the wagering public, Free Like a Girl paid $6 to win, $3 to place and $2.80 to show. Sea Level was worth $2.60 to place and $2.20 to show. Mama Said No paid $13.20 to show.

 

Delta Downs will close out its sixth week of live racing on Saturday with another 10-race program starting at 12:25 pm. The Saturday feature race is the $100,000 Jean Lafitte Stakes for 2-year-old at one mile.

 

For more information about the current season visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about the track through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.

A DOMINANT PERFORMANCE FOR FREE LIKE A GIRL IN LOUISIANA JEWEL STAKES AT DELTA DOWNS

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– PEDRO COTTO, JR. RIDES BAY FILLY TO SECOND CONSECUTIVE STAKES TALLY –

 

Free Like A Girl wins the 13th running of the Louisiana Jewel S. at Delta Downs. Coady Photography.

 

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted the $100,000 Louisiana Jewel Stakes on Friday afternoon and the event turned into a runaway by Gerald Bruno, Jr.’s Free Like a Girl, who had Pedro Cotto, Jr. in the saddle for trainer Chasey Deville Pomier.

 

Free Like a Girl came into the Jewel off a winning performance at Evangeline Downs in the D. S. Shine Young Futurity on September 18 and was attempting a two-turn race for the first time in her career as the Jewel was contested at seven furlongs. Delta Downs is a six-furlong racetrack.

 

The challenge to win back-to-back in stakes company by Free Like a Girl was accepted as she rallied from off the pace of 24.79 seconds for the opening quarter mile and 47.94 for the half set by Averi Ever After before taking the lead turning for home. In the upper-stretch Free Like a Girl kept widening her margin and finished the race an astounding 18 ½ lengths to the good of Streak of Silver who finished second. Serape was another

2 ¼-lengths behind in third.

 

Free Like a Girl covered the distance over a fast track in 1:28.38.

 

Free Like a Girl has now won three of seven lifetime races and has never finished off the board. Her career bankroll now stands at $135,713 after earning $60,000 for her effort in the Jewel.

 

Bred in Louisiana by Kim Renee Stover & Lisa Osborne, Free Like a Girl is a 2-year-old bay filly by El Deal, out of the Munnings mare Flashy Prize.

 

Installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite, Free Like a Girl was not respected on the toteboard as she left the gate at 6-1 and returned $15.20 to win, $5 to place and $4.40 to show. Streak of Silver was worth $4.60 to place and $3.60 to show. Serape paid $5.40 to show.

 

Delta Downs will close out the race week on Saturday with another 10-race program set to kick off at 12:55 pm CT. Headlining the card will be the $100,000 Louisiana Legacy for 2-year-olds scheduled as the eighth race.

 

For more information about the current season visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about the track through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.

 

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.

 

FREE LIKE A GIRL CHARGES TO VICTORY IN THE $60,000 D.S. ‘SHINE’ YOUNG FUTURITY

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FIRST STAKES VICTORY FOR THE CHASEY DEVILLE POMIER RUNNER

 

Free Like A Girl wins the Filly Division of the D.S. “Shine” Young Memorial Futurity.

 

OPELOUSAS, LA –The penultimate day of racing saw a potential star-in-the-making as Gerald Bruno, Jr.’s Free Like a Girl scored a big victory in the $60,000 D.S. ‘Shine’ Young Futurity on Friday night.  The filly division of the futurity for Louisiana-bred runners was contested over the distance of 5-1/2 furlongs.

 

Madame Jane broke sharply to gain early control, with Free Like a Girl rushing up after a slow start from her outside post.  Through an opening quarter-mile in a quick 22.06 seconds, Madame Jane opened up a 1-1/2 length lead with Free Like a Girl and Morewickedthanless on the chase.  Jockey Pedro Cotto Jr. urged Free Like a Girl to go after the leader and cut that margin to only a head as they covered the half-mile in 46.25 seconds.

 

Despite drifting wide coming off the turn, Free Like a Girl was able to wrestle the lead away from a tiring Madame Jane inside the final furlong.  Buckley Bunny and Serape both made late challenges in the lane, but were held off by the Chasey Deville Pomier runner.  The winning margin for Free Like a girl, who stopped the clock in 1:05.87 over a track rated fast, was 1-1/4 lengths.  Buckley Bunny was up for second, with Serape a ½-length back in third.  Early leader Madame Jane faded to fourth.

 

The winner’s share of $36,000 increased the lifetime bankroll of Free Like a Girl to $75,713.  The victory is the second win from only six career starts.

 

The 2-year-old was bred in Louisiana by Kim Renee Stover and Lisa Osborne.  The bay filly is by El Deal, out of the Flashy Bull mare Flashy Prize.

 

Sent off as the favorite at even money, Free Like a Girl paid $4 to win, $2.60 to place and $2.40 to show.  Buckley Bunny returned $5.80 to place and $4 to show.  Serape paid backers $5.80 to show.

 

 

 

 

Mo Tom, El Deal Represented by First Black-Type Winners

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Red River Farms’ freshman stallions had stakes winners Aug. 21 at Louisiana Downs.

 

Mo Tom  and El Deal , both freshman stallions standing at the Adcock family’s Red River Farms in Coushatta, La., were represented by their first black-type winners Aug. 21 at Louisiana Downs.

In the second race of the day, Wholelottamo  took the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies Stakes for Mo Tom, and two races later True Deal  eked out a victory in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Stakes to represent El Deal. Both 2-year-olds were bred in Louisiana by Cloyce Clark Jr.

 

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LOUISIANA CUP DAY FILLED WITH THRILLING FINISHES AND PRIDE FROM EACH OF THE WINNING CONNECTIONS

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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.

 

Wholelottamo with jockey Timothy Thornton aboard pulls away to win the 11th running of the Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies Stake at Louisiana Downs. Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski

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 wins the 36th running of the Louisiana Cup Distaff at Louisiana Downs. Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski

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.

 

Jockey Joe Stokes guides True Deal to victory in the11th running of the Louisiana Cup Juvenile at Louisiana Downs. Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski

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 wins the 42nd running of the Louisiana Cup Sprint at Louisiana Downs. Hodges Photography

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.     

 

Lindsey Wade aboard Carlea’s Dream wins the Louisiana Cup Turf Classic. Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski

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 with Carlos Marquez aboard wins the 39th running of the Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski

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.

First Winner for Louisiana Stallion El Deal

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Louisiana stallion El Deal  had his first winner when 2-year-old Louisiana bred filly Royal O’Haigain  won a $64,562 maiden special weight at Santa Anita Park May 21.

El Deal entered stud in 2018 at Adcock’s Red River Farms in Coushatta, La., where he stands for a $2,500 fee. The son of Munnings out of Spirit of Wailea won 9 of 17 starts including the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (G1) at Saratoga Race Course in 2017.  The sire has one other starter, Free Like a Girl , another Louisiana-bred who ran second in her debut in a $34,000 maiden special weight at Lone Star Park May 8.

Bred in Louisiana by Cloyce Clark Jr., Royal O’Haigain is the first winner from grade 3-placed Dreaming of Susie.