TOUCHUPONASTAR DEFENDS HIS CROWN IN THE $150,000 LOUISIANA PREMIER NIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP AT DELTA DOWNS

Touchuponastar wins the Louisiana Premier Championship at Delta Downs. Coady Photography.

 

 

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted its richest program of the season on Saturday evening as the 21st edition of Louisiana Premier Night took center stage. The 11-race program featured 10 stakes races and over $900,000 in total purse money for Louisiana-bred horses.

The featured race on the program was the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship and it was won for the second straight year by Set Hut, LLC (Jake Delhomme)’s Touchuponastar under jockey Tim Thornton. The Jeff Delhomme trainee defeated five rivals in the 1 1/16-mile affair over a muddy sealed racetrack. Touchuponastar is now five-for-five at Delta Downs and has won three stakes races this season.

After breaking sharply from post position three, Touchuponastar went to the lead and dictated the pace throughout, covering the opening quarter mile in 24.35 seconds and the half mile in 49.61. He hit the ¾ mile timer in 1:14.08 and had yet to be asked for his best run by Thornton. In the upper-stretch he drew clear from Play Mo, who had been chasing the leader since the start and wound up second. The winning margin was 6-3/4 lengths on the wire. Wise Verdict rounded out the top three finishers another 1-1/4 lengths behind the runner-up. Touchuponastar covered the distance in a time of 1:45.03.

“This horse is all class; I’m thankful to be on him”, Thornton said in the winner’s circle. “He makes it look easy. He just keeps getting better and better and that’s what makes him so special.”

Overall, Touchuponastar has won 11 of his 14 career starts. He earned $90,000 on Saturday night which raised his lifetime bankroll to $708,100.

“We are blessed to have him,” said owner Jake Delhomme after the race. “There was no pace in the race so Timmy just loped him along. This horse takes his racetrack with him, but he really likes Delta Downs.”

Bred in Louisiana by Coteau Grove Farms, Touchuponastar is a 5-year-old bay gelding by all-time Louisiana-bred earner Star Guitar. He is out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic. Touchuponastar was sold for just $15,000 in Texas as a yearling in 2020.

Fans made Touchuponastar the lowest of favorites at odds of 1-9. He paid $2.10 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Play Mo returned $4.80 to place and $2.40 to show. Wise Verdict was worth $3 to show.

All eyes were on Louisiana millionaire and 1-9 wagering favorite Free Like a Girl in the $125,000 Distaff but 23-1 longshot Wholelottamo had other ideas.

The race unfolded as it appeared it would on paper with Free Like a Girl stalking the early pace set by Vale Male, who covered the opening quarter mile in 23.34 seconds and the half mile in 47.91. As the field of eight fillies and mares entered the second turn of the one-mile affair, Free Like a Girl under jockey Vicente Del Cid used a quick turn of foot to go by the leader and open a four-length lead at the top of the lane after going three quarters of a mile in 1:13.27.

Another win for Free Like a Girl looked to be in the cards before Wholelottamo and jockey C. J. McMahon launched a furious rally from far behind to run down the accomplished mare and win by ¾ of a length at the wire. Thetruthisthetruth finished another 5-3/4 lengths behind the runner-up. The final time for Wholelottamo was 1:41.20.

The win by Wholelottamo was the sixth of her 28-race career. She earned $75,000 for her connections of owner Thompson Racing LLC (Stephen Thompson) and trainer Jayde Gelner. Overall, she has taken home $383,865 during her career.

Bred in Louisiana by Cloyce C. Clark, Jr., Wholelottamo is a 5-year-old mare by Mo Tom, out of the A. P. Jet mare Jet’s Tradition. She was purchased as a yearling for $17,000 in 2020.

Wholelottamo paid $48.20 to win, $6.20 to place and $3.60 to show. Free Like a Girl was worth $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Thetruthisthetruth returned $3.20 to show.

The Mark Casse trainee Bron and Brow ($3.40) returned to Delta Downs and defended his title in the $100,000 Sprint this year under jockey Reylu Gutierrez. The Gary Barber-owned gelding used a dazzling late kick to slip through at the rail late and win the five-furlong dash going away. It was the seventh win from 17 career starts for Bron and Brow.

Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall, Bron and Brow is a 5-year-old gelding by Gormley, out of the Changeintheweather mare Changing Vista. He was a $200,000 purchase as a 2-year-old in 2021.

TAV Enterprises, LLC’s El Dinero ($6) used a strong late kick to get by Good and Stout and win the $100,000 Prince on Saturday under jockey Juan Vargas. The Patrick Devereux, Jr. trainee has now won three stakes races during his seven-race career. The dark bay or brown runner broke his maiden last August in the D. S. ‘Shine’ Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs.

Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall, El Dinero is a 3-year-old gelding by El Deal, out of the Forestry mare Money for Makeup. He was purchased for $36,000 as a 2-year-old in 2023.

Longshot Lightofmaine ($34) held off a late charge by Magnolia Avenue to capture this year’s $100,000 Starlet under jockey Jansen Melancon. The W. Bret Calhoun trainee has now won three of six career starts for owners Maury Harrington and Christopher Harrington. The Starlet was her first stakes tally.

Bred in Louisiana by Baronne Farms LLC, Lightofmaine is a 3-year-old filly by Tapwrit, out of the Deputy Minister mare Pontiana. She was purchased for $45,000 at the Keeneland September Sale in 2022.

Charlie T ($17.80), under jockey Carlos Lozada, proved best in the $100,000 Matron on Louisiana Premier Night. The Lee M. Thomas trainee held off several challengers in the five-furlong test and reported home ¾ of a length in front of runner-up Blessed Assurance. It was the seventh win for the homebred and she earned $60,000 for the effort.

Charlie T is a 5-year-old mare by My Pal Charlie, out of the Roger That mare That Real World. She was bred in Louisiana by her owner Elite Thoroughbred Racing LLC (Michelle Rodriguez).

Muchmorethanready ($3) was an easy winner in this year’s $60,000 Ladies Starter under jockey Juan Vargas. The Juan Larrosa trainee came from far behind to win by 9-¾ lengths going away for owner Laurence Jones and Evans Thoroughbred Racing, LLC. The win was her fifth from 16 career starts and her fourth in the last five trips to the starting gate.

Bred in Louisiana by T & G Farm of KY LLC, Muchmorethanready is a 4-year-old filly by Tom’s Ready, out of the Street Sense mare Astarte. She was originally sold for $20,000 at the Keeneland September sale in 2021 and was claimed by her current connections for $5,000 in November at Delta Downs.

Heza Pickle ($16.40) was victorious in the $60,000 Gentlemen Starter under jockey Corey Lanerie. The property of Terrell Jarrett, Jr. and Lara Racing Stables, LLC (Jorge Lara) used a strong late kick to gain his fifth career win from 20 overall starts. The Jorge Lara trainee was claimed for $7,500 at Delta Downs earlier this season.

Bred in Louisiana by Gerald L. Averett, Jr., Heza Pickle is a 5-year-old gelding by Yellow Meadow, out of the Planet Earth mare I Love Pickles.

The $50,000 Bon Temps Starter was won by Larry J. Romero’s Myfriendsawinner ($7) under jockey Vicente Del Cid. The Jonas B. Gibson trainee won the five-furlong sprint by three lengths over Commercial Flash. It was her eighth win from 17 career starts.

Bred in Louisiana by Penny Scarberry, Myfriendsawinner is a 6-year-old mare by Silent Pleasure, out of the Musket Man mare My Girl Max.

The closest finish of the night came in the nightcap, the $50,000 Ragin Cajun Starter when Sharp Charlie ($7.20) nosed out Double Barrel Man in a dramatic finish of the five-furlong sprint. Sharp Charlie was ridden by Joel Dominguez, who got a leg up from trainer Jorge Lara. The winner is owned by Terrell Jarrett, Jr. and Lara Racing Stable.

Sharp Charlie is a 6-year-old gelding by My Pal Charlie, out of the Rodeo mare Chic Jolie. He was bred in Louisiana by Michelle Rodriguez.

Delta Downs has three weeks left in its 2023-24 season, which wraps up on February 24. First post time each night for the remainder of the season is at 5:15 pm.

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

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation, is the premier racing and gaming entertainment venue in Vinton, LA. Named “America’s Best Horse Racing Track” by readers of USA TODAY 10Best for 2023, Delta Downs features a six-furlong oval track, 15,000 square feet of casino space and more than 1,500 of the most popular slot machines. Amenities include two restaurants, chart-topping entertainment at the Delta Event Center and the FanDuel Sportsbook.

Bron and Brow Scores Second Palmisano

Bron And Brow with Reylu Gutierrez aboard wins the 2nd running of the Gary P. Palmisano Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

 

Driving down the lane and being defended every step of the way, Gary Barber’s Bron and Brow muscled his way into the clearing to score his second $100,00 Gary P. Palmisano at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

Trained by Mark Casse and receiving the services of Reylu Gutierrez, the Louisiana-bred 5-year-old beat five foes going six furlongs in a final time of 1:10.55.

“We’re very proud of the horse and thankful to Mr. Barber,” David Carroll said, assistant trainer on the grounds to Mark Casse. “I can’t speak enough about this horse’s heart and guts, he’s a class horse to be around. Truthfully, I don’t think it was his best race. I think it was a savvy ride by Reylu. Down the backside I was a little bit concerned that he wasn’t traveling as smoothly as he normally would be. Bron and Brow at the end of the day was the best horse on the day and showed a lot of guts and determination and we’re very proud of him.”

Mike J and Not On Herb both broke sharply, but Mike J led the duel making the first two calls in :22.42 and :45.65. Breaking near the lead himself, Bron and Brow was settled, giving the leaders several lengths, and soon guided to the four-path keeping Autumns Strong Man in his sights. Invited to the rail by that foe, Bron and Brow took the bait in the far turn, leaving him in a precarious spot needing to get clear as Autumns Strong Man matched his every stride. Shouldering out at the 3/16ths pole, Bron and Brow took aim and drove past Mike J at the 1/16th pole as the convincing 2 1/4-length winner.

“Credit to the horse and the staff,” Gutierrez said. “I knew he was much more ready today (than his second-place finish in the Louisiana Champions Day Sprint). Mr. Carroll has had him in his hands for about a month now. I saved a little bit of ground in the turn and from the quarter pole home, got him in the clear. This is a tremendous horse and he beat some nice horses today.”

Sent off as the even money favorite, Bron and Brow paid $4.00, $2.40, $2.10. After doing all the dirty work on the lead, Mike J returned $3.80, $2.40. Mangum made a late move to return $2.10.

“Gary Palmisano was a great mentor to me when I first arrived (at Fair Grounds),” Carroll said. “Now with his son Gary (Jr.) working for Churchill, it is just a great thrill to win this race. After Bron and Brow ran in Ellis in June, Mark and Mr. Barber decided to give him a break, get him ready for the Fair Grounds meet. Hopefully we can continue on this route and take him back to Delta (Downs) and repeat what we did last year. It worked out beautifully today even though there were a few worrying moments.”

 

With two Palmisano’s on his resume, Bron and Brow’s lifetime stats sit at 16-6-4-3 and $384,370 in earnings. The son of Gormley was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall.

Three Thrilling Louisiana Bred Stakes at Fair Grounds Saturday; Mangum Takes Jacob V. Morreale Mem. Stakes; El Dinero Snags Joseph R. Peluso Mem.; and Autumn’s Strong Man Holds on for Larry D. Robideaux Mem. Victory

Magnum with Corey Lanerie aboard wins the 2nd running of the Jacob V. Morreale Stakes at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Amanda Hodges Weir

Set-Hut’s Mangum Battles Back Who Took the Money in the Morreale

New Orleans, La (Nov. 18, 2023) – Three thrilling Louisiana-bred stakes rounded out opening weekend at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, but the most heroic performance came from Set-Hut’s Mangum. Winner of the $75,000 Jacob V. Morreale Memorial, the 3-year-old had his hooves full late as the 6-time stakes-winner Who Took the Money came flying from behind. The two went eyeball-to-eyeball in the final stages before Mangum put his older foe away, surging through the wire to win by a neck.

Getting the call from trainer Jeff Delhomme, veteran pilot Corey Lanerie guided Mangum the 1 mile 70 yards over the fast main track in 1:43.60. With four-wins in a row, the gelded son of Mo Tom is now 11:6-1-3 with $255,360 in the coffers. The public priced him at 4.50-1.

 

 

El Dinero Rallies to Win Joseph R. Peluso Memorial. Hodges photo

Overcoming Early Trouble, El Dinero Snags Peluso Purse with Late Rally

It would take a rail rally for the ages for Tav Enterprises’ El Dinero to win the $75,000 Joseph R. Peluso Memorial on Saturday at Fair Grounds. As the juveniles fought for early position, the son of El Deal took the worst of several bumps and struggled for footing. Soon trailing the field of nine males, in the far turn of the 5 1/2-furlong sprint the colt began to find his stride. By the 1/8th pole, jockey James Graham had El Dinero flying up the rail and with half the field still to pass, the Patrick Devereux trainee kept finding to be the first to cross the finish line. One length was the margin of defeat for Pop’s Peppysteper, who finished full of run himself. The final time of El Dinero’s phenomenal comeback clocked in at 1:05.56 and he rewarded his faithful at 2.70-1.

El Dinero’s two career wins have both been stakes and he has never finished out of the money, tallying a 5:2-1-2 record with $118,990 in earnings. Devereux reported after the race that the end goal is the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile on December 9 at Fair Grounds.

 

 

Autumns Strong Man with Angel Suarez aboard wins the 2nd running of the Larry D. Robideaux Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds.  Hodges Photography / Amanda Hodges Weir

Autumns Strong Man Flexes at a Price to win the Robideaux

As the front runners began to tire, Autumns Strong Man began to flex the best run of his 21-race career to steal the $75,000 Larry D. Robideaux Memorial at odds of 32-1. Owner and trainer Gary Husak called upon jockey Angel Suarez to guide the gelded son of Strong Mandate, and he couldn’t have asked for a better trip. After saving ground, Suarez waited until the 1/8th pole to tip Autumns Strong Man out into the clear, and the 4-year-old responded in kind by kicking home with just enough to hold off the late-flying Langs Day by a diminishing head.

Making his third stakes attempt count, Autumns Strong Man’s bank bulged to $164,275. The new face on the Louisiana-bred stakes sprinting scene sports a 21: 4-3-2 career record.

Racing at Fair Grounds resumes on Thursday, Nov. 23. With ten races slated kicking off at noon central, the centerpiece 99th running of the $200,000 Thanksgiving Classic will go as Race 9.

Follow this link for the full results and payouts of Saturday’s three stakes:
https://www.equibase.com/static/chart/summary/RaceCardIndexFG111823USA-EQB.html

 

Fair Grounds Opening Day Stakes Win for Newest Louisiana Bred Millionaire, Free Like A Girl; First Stakes Win for Vale Male; and First Clearly Now Stakes Winner, Clearly A Test

Free Like A Girl becomes the latest Louisiana Bred Millionaire with her win in the Doris Hebert Memorial Stakes. Hodges Photo

“Back in the Big Easy to Become a Millionaire,” Free Like a Girl Bags the Hebert

New Orleans, La (Nov. 17, 2023) – Opening day of the 152nd racing season at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will forever be remembered as the day Free Like a Girl surpassed $1 million in career earnings. Overcoming a claustrophobic trip, the Louisiana Champion filly as both a 2-year-old and a 3-year-old spurted away from the field of 11 to win the $75,000 Doris Hebert Memorial by 3/4 length over a persistent Olivia G.  

Gerald Bruno, Jr., Chasey Pomier, and Jerry Caroom’s daughter of El Deal covered the 6 furlongs in 1:12.12 across a main track rated “good.” Even money was the reward for her backers in the win pool

Trained by Chasey Pomier, Free Like a Girl was piloted by Vicente Del Cid. Sticking her nose across the milestone threshold, the 4-year-old out the Flashy Bull mare Flashy Prize now boasts $1,006,578 in lifetime earnings and a career record of 31: 14-8-4. Free Like a Girl was bred by Kim Renee Stover & Lisa Osborne.

 

Vale Male is victorious in the John Valene Memorial Stakes. Hodges photo

Wire to Wire Was the Way for Vale Male in the Valene Memorial

Though never having led the pack at any opening call in her first 13 races, D & S Stables’ Vale Male did just that and more to win the $75,000 John Valene Memorial wire-to-wire on Friday. Breaking sharply outside of seven older fillies and mares, the daughter of Bodemeister out of the Kantharos dam Wildwood Kantharos dropped down to occupy the vacancy and never looked back through the 1 mile 70 yards. Beating A G’s Charlotte by 3/4 lengths,  the 4-year-old stopped the clock at 1:45.20 to pay 9.50 – 1.

Trained by James “Sweets” Hodges, Vale Male received the heads-up services of jockey James Graham, who with this victory sits nine back from career win 3,000.  Bred by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall, Vale Male now tallies a career record of 14: 5-3-2 adding up to $172,440 in lifetime earnings.

 

Jockey J.A. Guerrero pilots Clearly A Test to victory in the 2nd running of the Donovan L. Ferguson Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

Home From Saratoga, Louisiana’s Own Clearly a Test Breaks Maiden in the Ferguson Stakes

Louisiana-bred through and through, Brittlyn Stables’ homebred Clearly a Test returned home from her summer racing at Saratoga to break her maiden in the $75,000 Donovan L. Ferguson Memorial. Drawn inside against a field of 14 juvenile fillies, the daughter of Clearly Now hit the gate and had to fight her way from near the back in the 5 1/2-furlong dirt sprint under jockey Jose Guerrero. Advancing along the rail, it wasn’t until the far turn that she boldly maneuvered to the outside, but once she did her talented kick moved her to the front of the 2021 class. Sealing the deal in 1:06.95, Clearly a Test beat out Tommie G by 1 1/2 lengths, paying 1.60 as the post-time favorite.

Trained by Shane Wilson, the daughter of Clearly Now out of the Star Guitar dam Testing One Two is now 4:1-0-0 with $63,900 in earnings. 

Follow this link for the full results and payouts of the three opening day stakes: https://www.equibase.com/static/chart/summary/RaceCardIndexFG111723USA-EQB.html

STRONG PROMISE TAKES THE LOUISIANA LEGACY

STRONG PROMISE TAKES THE LOUISIANA LEGACY AFTER DISQUALIFICATION AT DELTA DOWNS

Strong Promise is victorious in the Louisiana Legacy Stakes. Coady Photography.

 

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs kicked off an exciting weekend of racing on Friday night with a nine-race program that featured a pair of $100,000 Louisiana-bred stakes races. Fans were treated to the Louisiana Legacy and the Louisiana Jewel with the latter featuring 2-year-old fillies. Each race was contested over a fast track and at seven furlongs.

The Legacy featured plenty of drama as 10-1 longshot Good and Stout hit the finish line in front of heavily favored and undefeated Strong Promise before he was taken down by the stewards for interference. The disqualification came after Good and Stout made contact with Strong Promise with three eighths of a mile to the finish.

Following a clean break in the Legacy, Stovall and Good and Stout shared early pace-setting duties, traveling the first quarter mile in 23.31 seconds. Nearing the half mile mark, it was Good and Stout under C. J. McMahon who owned a narrow lead while stopping the timer in 48.35. Soon after that, the pacesetter came down toward the rail, bumping Strong Promise and jockey Casey Fuselier, who then traded bumps with Stovall. For that action the stewards disqualified Good and Stout and placed him last behind Stovall, who was taken back and finished last under the wire.

The official order of finish after the disqualification put Strong Promise first by ½ length over El Dinero second. Rising Koto Star wound up another five lengths behind in third. The final time of the Legacy was 1:27.33 seconds.

The win kept Strong Promise’s record perfect at four wins in as many starts for owner Whispering Oak Farm LLC and trainer Carrol Castille. The $60,000 first place paycheck raised his overall bankroll to $215,400 and he has now won three stakes races in all.

Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall, Strong Promise is a 2-year-old gray or roan colt by Broken Vow, out of the Macho Uno mare St. Jean. He was purchased for $125,000 by his connections earlier this year.

Sent to the post at odds of 1-9, Strong Promise paid $2.20 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. El Dinero returned $4.80 to place and $3.20 to show. Rising Koto Star paid $7 to show.

 

EMILY’S BULLET DOMINATES IN THE $100,000 LOUISIANA JEWEL STAKES

Emily’s Bullet is first to the wire in the Louisiana Jewel Stakes. Coady Photography.

 

The $100,000 Louisiana Jewel was won by Gerald Bruno, Jr., Chasey Deville Pomier and Out Blue Streaks Stable’s Emily’s Bullet, who got a perfect stalking trip before pulling clear in the stretch to win easily under jockey Vicente Del Cid.

The field for the Jewel was whittled down to just five 2-year-old fillies after Ronnie’s Deal was scratched. When the gate opened Del Cid placed his mount three paths off the rail and right behind Good N Sassy and race favorite Diamond Deal, who proceeded to volley for the lead why covered the opening quarter mile in 23.45 seconds and the half mile in 48.69. As the frontrunners turned for home the pace began to take its toll as Emily’s Bullet then made her move to the lead in the upper stretch.

At the finish line Emily’s Bullet was drawing clear and won by a comfortable 4-¾ lengths, while Diamond Deal held second over a late closing Tommie G, who wound up a length behind the runner-up. The final time for the race was 1:27.78 on the fast track.

The win by Emily’s Bullet, who is trained by Chasey Deville Pomier, was the second of her five-race career and her first in stakes company. She earned $60,000 for the effort and now has a career bankroll of $93,260.

Bred in the Bayou State by Paul Pruett, Emily’s Bullet is a bay filly by Gormley, out of the Wando mare Bessie’s Bullet.

Sent off at odds of 5-2 odds, Emily’s Bullet paid $7.40 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.40 to show. Diamond Deal was worth $2.40 to place and $2.10 to show. Tommie G returned $3.40 to show.

 

 

For more information about racing at Delta Downs this season, including a detailed schedule and stakes dates, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information throughout the season with our social media accounts. The Facebook page is found at ‘Delta Downs Racing’, and the track’s Twitter (X) handle is @deltaracing.

TOUCHUPONASTAR SHINES BRIGHT IN THE $100,000 GOLD CUP AT DELTA DOWNS

– NONEYA UPSETS FREE LIKE A GIRL TO WIN THE $100,000 MAGNOLIA STAKES –

 

 

Touchuponastar wins the $100,000 Gold Cup at Delta Downs. Coady Photography.

 

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs opened the 2023-24 Thoroughbred race season on Friday night with a nine-race program that featured a pair of $100,000 stakes races. Fans were treated to the Gold Cup and the Magnolia Stakes. Both events were for Louisiana-bred runners going seven furlongs. The Magnolia featured fillies and mares.

The Gold Cup featured heavily favored Touchuponastar, who was gunning for third win in as many starts at Delta Downs. His last appearance in Vinton resulted in a rousing victory in the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship back in February.

Touchuponastar did not disappoint by coming through with a 5 ½-length victory and it could have been even more. After breaking sharply under jockey Tim Thornton, the eventual winner cruised to an easy lead and carved out fractional times of 23.75 seconds for the opening quarter mile and 47.61 for the half-mile. As the field of eight made the turn for home Thornton shook the reins and his mount responded, going on to a dominant win over Big Chopper while Autumns Strong Man finished another 3-3/4 lengths behind the runner-up.

The final time for Touchuponastar, who is trained by Jeff Delhomme, was 1:24.64. Each race on the program was contest over a fast track and with near perfect weather conditions.

Touchuponastar has now won eight of 11 career starts and has banked a total of $468,100 for his owner, Set-Hut LLC (Jake Delhomme). His win in the Gold Cup was worth $60,000.

Bred in Louisiana by Coteau Grove Farms, Touchuponastar is a 4-year-old bay gelding by Star Guitar, out of the Quiet American mare Touch Magic.

Leaving the starting gate at odds of 1-5, Touchuponastar paid $2.60 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Big Chopper returned $3.40 to place and $2.60 to show. Longshot Autumns Strong Man was worth $11 to show.

 

 

Noneya wins the $100,000 Magnolia Stakes at Delta Down. Coady Photography.

All eyes were on Free Like a Girl in the $100,000 Magnolia Stakes as the 4-year-old filly was attempting to the race for the second year in a row and become a millionaire at the same time. But it wasn’t to be as Noneya pulled the upset under jockey Vicente Del Cid, who was riding for owner/trainer Ronnie Ward. Free Like a Girl made a late bid but came up short finishing third behind the winner and Norah G who wound up second.

As the seven-furlong race for Louisiana-bred fillies and mares began it was Norah G who showed early speed by setting fractional times of 23.71 seconds for the quarter mile and 48.21 for the half. Meanwhile, Noneya sat patiently off the leader while stalking the pace before digging in for a sustained rally turning for home.

At the wire Noneya was 2-1/4 lengths clear of Norah G while Free Like a girl was another ¾ of a length behind in third. The winner covered the distance in 1:25.97.

Noneya has now won six-of-18 career starts. Her $60,000 winner’s share in the Magnolia raised her lifetime bankroll to $202,340.

Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock & Hume Warnall, Noneya is a 5-year-old mare by Palace, out of the Quiet American mare American Placed.

Dispatched at odds of 6-1, Noneya paid $15 to win, $5.40 to place and $2.60 to show. Norah G was worth $4.80 to place and $2.80 to show. Free Like a Girl, who went off heavily favored at even money, returned $2.10 to show.

For more information about racing at Delta Downs this season, including a detailed schedule and stakes dates, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information throughout the season with our social media accounts. The Facebook page is found at ‘Delta Downs Racing’, and the track’s Twitter (X) handle is @deltaracing.

Budro Talking Gets 1st Stakes Win for Trainer Keith Austin in Louisiana Cup Turf Classic

Louisiana Cup Turf Classic
Louisiana Downs, 9-19-20, Mile and 1/16, Turf
3YO and Up, Accredited Louisiana Breds, $50,000

Budro Talking wins the Louisiana Cup Turf Classic. Hodges photo.

BUDRO TALKING
Tale of Ekati–American Placed
Breeder: J. Adcock & Hume Wornall
Owner: Jack Randall
Trainer: Keith A. Austin
Jockey: Joel Dominguez

2nd
Nippy Red
Redding Colliery–Running Debate
Breeder: J. Adcock
Owner: Patti Turner
Trainer: Patti Turner
Jockey: Jose Andres Guerrero

3rd
In the Navy
Midshipman–Southern Princess
Breeder: Ken Standlee
Owner: Ken Standlee
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: Alexander Castillo

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 wins the Louisiana Cup Juvenile. Hodges photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

SOCIAL MISFIT AN UPSET WINNER IN THE $100,000 CLASSIC ON LOUISIANA LEGENDS NIGHT

MR. AL’S GAL IS A FRONT-RUNNING WINNER OF THE $75,000 DISTAFF

 

OPELOUSAS, LA – Evangeline Downs hosted its richest night of the Thoroughbred season on Saturday with Louisiana Legends Night. There were eight stakes races held with total purses of $600,000 and the evening was a showcase of the finest Louisiana-bred horses currently in training.

 

SOCIAL MISFIT - Louisiana Legends Classic
Social Misfit (#2) holds off Lucky Andy (#6) to score a victory in the 2018 Louisiana Legends Classic at Evangeline Downs. Coady Photography.

 

Louisiana Legends Classic
Evangeline Downs, 5-26-18, 1 1/16 Miles, $100,000
Accredited Louisiana Bred 3yos and Upwards

SOCIAL MISFIT
Porto Foricos-Unfriendly Koo
Breeder: Earl Hernandez and Keith Hernandez
Owner: End Zone Athletics, Inc.
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: Timothy Thornton

2nd
Lucky Andy
Lookin At Lucky-Sweet Britches
Breeder: George Gary Guidry MD & Walter Dwayne Brown MD
Owner: G. Gary Guidry and W. Dwayne Brown
Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun
Jockey: Roberto Morales

3rd
Mageez
Musket Man-Spaseeba
Breeder: James A. McGehee Jr.
Owner: Double Dam Farm
Trainer: Delmar Caldwell
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan

 

It isn’t very often that a horse trained by Karl Broberg and ridden by Tim Thornton will go off at 8-1 at Evangeline Downs, but that is exactly what happened with Social Misfit in the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Classic, much to the delight of his backers as he was a winner, covering the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.94 over a fast track.

 

The 1-2 betting favorite in the Classic, Mobile Bay, got off to a slow start and was last after the break. He had won five races in a row entering Saturday night, but was unable to mount a rally and settled for fifth. Social Misfit had been up close to the pace being set by longshot No One Greater, who led through a quarter-mile of 24.99 seconds and a half-mile of 50.01. Social Misfit assumed the lead at the top of the stretch and held off the valiant challenge of Lucky Andy through the lane to win by a head.

 

Social Misfit paid $18.20 to win, $7.80 to place and $12.40 to show. Lucky Andy returned $16.20 to place and $26.80 to show. Mageez finished third and paid $10.20 to show. The win was the 17th in 63 lifetime starts for Social Misfit and the $60,000 first-place purse increases his lifetime earnings to $486,966.

 

Social Misfit is a 9-year-old gelding by Porto Foricos and out of the Friendly Lover mare, Unfriendly Koo. He is owned by End Zone Athletics, Inc and was bred in Louisiana by Earl and Keith Hernandez.

MR AL'S GAL - Louisiana Legends Distaff
Mr. Al’s Gal, Diego Saenz up, takes the Louisiana Legends Distaff with a Wire to Wire Win. Coady Photography.

Louisiana Legends Distaff
Evangeline Downs, 5-26-18, 1 1/16 Miles, $75,000
Accredited Louisiana Bred 3yos and Upwards, Fillies and Mares

MR. AL’S GAL
Salute The Sarge-Spanish Ice
Breeder: J. Adcock & Neal McFadden
Owner: Brittlyn Stable Inc.
Trainer: Justin Jeansonne
Jockey: Diego Saenz

2nd
Hyper Piper
Old Fashioned-Filaree
Breeder: Earl Hernandez, Keith Hernandez & John Duvieilh
Owner: John Duvieilh, Keith J. & Earl J. Hernandez
Trainer: Sam B. David Jr
Jockey: Timothy Thornton

3rd
Pacific Pink
Private Vow-Truly Romantic
Breeder: Brandon Adcock
Owner: Keith Plaisance
Trainer: Edward J. Johnston
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez

 

Mr. Al’s Gal went right to the lead in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Distaff and never relinquished it, going all the way in front to win by 1-1/2 lengths in a final time of 1:45.40 for the 1 1/16 miles. Mr. Al’s Gal turned the tables on the heavy favorite, Pacific Pink, who had defeated her in their last meeting this season at Evangeline Downs on May 2. The win was the first of 2018 for the filly owned by Brittlyn Stable, Inc. She is trained by Justin Jeansonne and was ridden to victory by Diego Saenz. Mr. Al’s Gal was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Neal McFadden. She is by Salute The Sarge and out of the Spanish Steps mare, Spanish Ice.

 

TESTING ONE TWO - Louisiana Legends Soiree
Testing One Two wins the Louisiana Legends Soiree. Coady Photography.

 

Louisiana Legends Soiree
Evangeline Downs, 5-26-18, 1 Mile, $75,000
Accredited Louisiana Bred 3yos Fillies

TESTING ONE TWO
Star Guitar-Yes Sir
Breeder: Brittlyn, Inc.
Owner: Brittlyn Stable Inc.
Trainer: Vitor Arceneaux
Jockey: Diego Saenz

2nd
Special Blessing
Flat Out-Langsyne
Breeder: J. Adcock
Owner: Coteau Grove Farms LLC

3rd
Tap Dance Star
Star Guitar-Dance By Em
Breeder: Virginia Lazenby
Owner: Virginia Lazenby Racing Stable, LLC
Trainer: Oscar Modica
Jockey: Alexis X. Batista

Testing One Two is another filly that has certainly made her mark on Louisiana racing during her brief career and she came through with a two-length victory in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Soiree. The victory on Saturdaynight was the fourth stakes win in her seven lifetime races. She covered the one mile distance in a time of 1:39.36. Testing One Two is owned and bred by Brittlyn Stable, Inc. She is trained by Victor Arceneaux and was ridden to victory by Diego Saenz. Testing One Two is by Star Guitar and is out of the Scat Daddy mare, Yes Sir.

 

OURS TO RUN - Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle
Ours To Run Puts Away the Competition in the Louisiana Legends. Mademoiselle. Coady Photography.

 

Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle
Evangeline Downs, 5-26-18, 5 1/2 Furlongs, $75,000
Accredited Louisiana Bred 3yos and Upwards, Fillies and Mares

OURS TO RUN
Half Ours-Brown Eyed Baby
Breeder: Clifford Grum
Owner: Colonel Thoroughbreds, LLC
Trainer: J. Larry Jones
Jockey: Roberto Morales

2nd
Efforting
Into Mischief-Get Going Bertie
Breeder: Orange Grove Thoroughbreds
Owner: Horseplayers Racing Club, LLC
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez

3rd
Frolic
Custom For Carlos-Comehomewithasmile
Breeder: Bill Langford
Owner: Bill Langford and Roland Bruno
Trainer: Roland Lee Bruno
Jockey: Alexis X. Batista

Ours To Run claimed a second straight stakes victory over a dirt surface by winning the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle. Previously, she had won the Premier Night Matron at Delta Downs in February before trying the turf in consecutive losses at Fair Grounds and Keeneland. Ours To Run made a four-wide move around the far turn and surged to the lead at the top of the stretch. She went on to record a 4-1/4 length victory in a time of 1:03.41 for the five and one-half furlongs. Ours To Run was bred in Louisiana by Clifford Grum. She is owned by Colonel Thoroughbreds, LLC., trained by Larry Jones and was ridden to victory by Roberto Morales.

 

MONTE MAN - Louisiana Legends Sprint
Monte Man takes his 5th straight victory in the Louisiana Legends Sprint. Coady Photography.

Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle
Evangeline Downs, 5-26-18, 5 1/2 Furlongs, $75,000
Accredited Louisiana Bred 3yos and Upwards

MONTE MAN
Custom For Carlos-Sarah’s My Angel
Breeder: Val C. Murrell
Owner: Ivery Sisters Racing
Trainer: Ron Faucheux
Jockey: Gerard Melancon

2nd
Sir Ghengis
Tale of the Cat-Staria
Breeder: Randel Stutes
Owner: Gillian and Kirk L. Harris
Trainer: Kirk L. Harris
Jockey: Thomas L. Pompell

3rd
Stand Him Up
Time Bandit-Taffy Davenport
Breeder: Hay Hollow Racing Stable LLC
Owner: Hay Hollow Racing Stables LLC
Trainer: Howard R. Alonzo, Jr.
Jockey: Diego Saenz

Monte Man overcame a squeeze at the start and a five-wide trip to win the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Sprint by 1-3/4 lengths in a time of 1:03.86 for the five and one-half furlongs. The win was the fifth in a row for Monte Man and the third straight stakes score for the gelding. Monte Man was bred in Louisiana by Val C. Murrell. He is owned by Ivery Sisters Racing, trained by Ron Faucheux and was ridden to victory by Gerard Melancon. Monte Man is by Custom For Carlos and is out of the Sutter’s Prospect mare, Sarah’s My Angel.

 

DOUBLE STAR - Louisiana Legends Cheval
Double Star Takes The Louisiana Legends Cheval by 8 1/4 Lengths. Coady Photography.

Louisiana Legends Cheval
Evangeline Downs, 5-26-18, 1 Mile, $75,000
Accredited Louisiana Bred 3yos

DOUBLE STAR
Star Guitar-Bond Queen
Breeder: Thomas Edward Vinci & Bill Mayfield
Owner: Four Star Racing
Trainer: Robert D. Schultz
Jockey: Jose Andres Guerrero

2nd
Pound For Pound
Redding Colliery-Buttercup’s Song
Breeder: J. Adcock & B&B Bloodstock
Owner: Israel Flores Horses LLC
Trainer: Jose Grimaldo
Jockey: Timothy Thornton

3rd
Grand Luwegee
El Corridor-Magical Mia
Breeder: Gerard Perron
Owner: Gerard Perron
Trainer: Gerard Perron
Jockey: Roberto Morales

 

Double Star managed to record his second stakes victory of the 2018 Evangeline Downs season on Saturday in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Cheval. Double Star made an aggressive move on the far turn to overtake the pace-setters, In Charge Halo and Battle At Sea. From there, he went on to win by 8-1/4 lengths in a time of 1:39.09 for the one mile. Double Star also won the Equine Sales Derby at Evangeline Downs on May 5. He was bred in Louisiana by Thomas Edward Vinci and Bill Mayfield. Double Star is owned by Four Star Racing, trained by Robert Schultz and was ridden to victory by Jose Guerrero. The colt is by Star Guitar and out of the Stormy Atlantic mare, Bond Queen.

 

TRUST FACTOR - Louisiana Legends Turf
Trust Factor Lead Wire to Wire to Win the Louisiana Legends Turf. Coady Photography

Louisiana Legends Turf
Evangeline Downs, 5-26-18, 1 1/16 Miles, Turf $75,000
Accredited Louisiana Bred 3yos and Upwards

TRUST FACTOR
Paddy O’Prado-Marshall
Breeder: J. Adcock & Hume Wornall
Owner: Scrivener Stables
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez

2nd
In The Navy
Midshipman-Southern Princess
Breeder: Ken Standlee
Owner: Ken Standlee
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: Luis Negron

3rd
Extra Credit
Proud Citizen-Sunny Isles
Breeder: Richard Klein& Bertram Klein
Owner: Klein Racing
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan

Trust Factor was a gate-to-wire winner in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Turf. Colby Hernandez was aboard for the one-length victory over the yielding turf course in a final time of 1:45.45 for the 1 1-16 miles. This was his second stakes win of 2018 having previously won a stakes race at Fair Grounds in March. Trust Factor was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Hume Wornall. He is owned by Scrivener Stable and trained by Mike Maker. Trust Factor is by Paddy O’Prado and out of the Mizzen Mast mare, Mainsail.

 

THEORYINTOPRACTICE - Louisiana Legends Starter
Theoryintopractice Takes the Louisiana Legends Starter on the Turf. Coady Photography.

 

Louisiana Legends Starter
Evangeline Downs, 5-26-18, 1 Mile, Turf,  $50,000
Accredited Louisiana Bred 3yos and Upwards

THEORYINTOPRACTICE
Into Mischief-Cayman Colada
Breeder: Cypress Bend Farm
Owner: Courtney Barousse
Trainer: Corale A. Richards
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez

2nd
Harbor Pilot
Trappe Shot-harbor Princess
Breeder: Curt Leake
Owner: Red Rose Racing
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: Diego Saenz

3rd
Well’s Gold
Gold Tribute-Lucky Buck’s Baby
Breeder: J. Weldon Granger
Owner: Royalty Thoroughbreds, LLC
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: Timothy Thornton

Theoryintopractice made it a sweep of the turf races on Louisiana Legends Night for jockey Colby Hernandez, winning the $50,000 Starter. Theoryintopractice made the winning move on the far turn while running three-wide and was then able to withstand the late charge of Harbor Pilot to win by a half-length in a final time of 1:38.64 for the one mile. Theoryintopractice was bred in Louisiana by Cypress Bend Farm. The gelding is owned by Courtney Barousse and trained by Corale Richards. Theoryintopractice is by Into Mischief and out of the Yonaguska mare, Cayman Colada.