Louisiana Cup Day Provided Exciting Finishes and Generous Payouts

Bossier City, LA – It was another excellent edition of  Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 5 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 low 100’s tremendous performances were noted throughout the afternoon with each of the defending champions denied by top efforts in the full and competitive fields. Here is a recap of the six Louisiana Cup stakes.

Norah G Returns to Glory in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

Norah G takes the Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. Ann Switalski Photography

The $75,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint kicked off the stakes portion of Louisiana Cup Day, with eleven Louisiana-bred fillies and mares taking on defending champion and LTBA champion filly Free Like a Girl.

The competition was fierce right out of the gate and it was Thomas Galvin’s homebred Norah G who won the race in gate-to-wire fashion. Breaking from the rail under jockey Emanuel Nieves, she carried her speed throughout the six furlong main track sprint, crossing the wire in 1:11.74.

Trained by Patricia West, the 3-year-old daughter of Fast Anna won the $112,000 Louisiana Futurity on December 31 for trainer Patricia West. This was her first start since January and  Galvin was on hand to accept the trophy on the filly named for his youngest granddaughter Norah, who will turn nine at the end of this month.

“It was incredible,” said Galvin. “I was surprised she broke so well and that she would not be denied! Nieves gave her a great ride and Patty has been a godsend to us. She takes wonderful care of our horses and as an owner, I appreciate her communication skills.”

Also incredible, the 10-cent superfecta payout of $2,465 with Norah G ($44.80), followed by Final Quest at 31-1; Miss Priority, 36-1 and Zydeco Music, sent off at 13-1.

Free Like a Girl broke from the far outside post and never advanced from mid-pack, finishing eighth. She has won 13 of her 28 starts for owners Gerald Bruno, Jr; Carl J, Deville; Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom. She has banked $951,578 since making her debut in 2021.

Galvin may consider a start at Kentucky Downs for Norah G, whose record stands at three wins from five starts and earnings of $163,955.

 

 

Star Moment Proves Her Affinity for the Turf in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff


Star Moment victorious in Louisiana Cup Distaff. Ann Switalski Photography

 

The first turf  stakes of the card, the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff, drew ten fillies and mares who will travel a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course. 

Proving her versatility for the main track as well as the turf. Star Moment garnered the third stakes of her career for owner Intrepid Thoroughbreds, LLC (Tyron Picard and Stephen C. Henry). Previously trained by Ron Faucheux, the daughter of Star Guitar is now in the barn of Bret Calhoun. He was at Ellis Park this afternoon but was reached for comment following the race.

“She was impressive today,” said Calhoun. “I watched the race and she looked sharp and didn’t seem to have an issue with the heat. We didn’t think she could get beat in her last, but the track was deep, so maybe that was the case. We’ve started her four times and she’s won two stakes!”

A jockey claim of foul was disallowed, and rider Tim Thornton was pleased with her effort. As she stalked the pace and drew clear by 1 ¾ lengths in a final time of 1.41.22.

“She’s a class filly,” he stated. “I just got her in position and she took it from there.”

Front runner Birde Call held for second, followed by Wholelottamo and Eve’s Delight. Defending champion Cheapskate Diva mounted a bid at the top of the stretch, but finished sixth.

Star Moment ($11.20), bred by Brittlyn, Inc., has won five of her eight lifetime starts. Calhoun is considering options but is leaning toward giving her some time off and pointing to the Fair Grounds meet 

 

 

Strong Promise Keeps His Win Streak Intact Capturing the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile

Strong Promise adds Louisiana Cup Juvenile for third win in as many starts. Ann Switalski Photography

The $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings attracted a field of ten at the distance of five and one-half furlongs on the main track.

Norman Racing Stables, LLC’s Strong Promise made his Louisiana Downs debut  and lived up to his favored status, drawing off to a 2 1/2 length victory for trainer Jayde J. Gelner, in a speedy 1:05.52. The 2-year colt by Broken Vow out of the Macho Uno mare St. Jean, is undefeated in two starts. Bred by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall. Strong Promise won at first asking, romping by a margin of 10 lengths on June 3 at Evangeline Downs before winning the $150,000 TTA Futurity at Lone Star Park on July 1.

“He’s a really nice horse and I am grateful to Mr. Norman and Jayde for the opportunity to ride him,” said winning pilot Luis Fuentes.

Gelner is the son of conditioner Scott Gelner and is a young horseman to watch. The 22-year-old has only been training for two years and has already topped his 2022 win and earning stats in the first month of this year. 

“I thank Robbie (Norman) and my great team,” said the young trainer. “My dad picked Strong Promise in the (2021) Texas Thoroughbred 2-Year-Old Sale,” said Gelner. “He went for $125,000, but we knew from his first breeze at Copper Crown that he had talent.” 

The third-generation horseman is off to a sensational start, and Robbie Norman was proud of both Jayde and his undefeated juvenile.

“That was a big purchase, but he has paid that off already,” stated Norman. “We feel he has a very bright future. 

Good and Stout rallied for second under jockey C J McMahon, followed by El Dinero, also bred by  J. Adcock and Hume Wornall  and Deal With it Daddy, who ran second in the D.S. Shine Futurity at Evangeline Downs.

 

Tap Galore Outduels her Stablemate in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies

Tap Galore takes Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies. Ann Switalski Photography

A field of 10 accredited 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies, competed in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies Several first-time winners will face off in the five and one-half main track sprint.

The victory went to Thompson Racing, LLC (Stephen F. Thompson)’s Tap Galore who broke maiden for trainer Jayde Gelner. The filly by Tapiture was bred by   J. Adcock and Hume Wornell and exited a fifth place finish in the D.S. “Shine” Futurity at Evangeline Downs. She crossed the wire in 1:06.18 over her stablemate Thompson Racing LLC,’s Diamond Deal.

Joel Dominguez had the call and studied her previous two races.

“I watched the replays and wanted to be patient,” he explained. “I felt she would run better laying off the speed and she responded.”

 Viv’s Wild Aces, who won here on June 5 for trainer Joe Duhon, ran third followed by Running Argument who had won the first two races of her career.

The victory by Tap Galore was the eighth stakes win this year for Gelner and he took a minute to reflect on the success in just his second year of training.

“I believe in setting goals, so when we were entered in four stakes today, I felt we would have solid chances,” said Gelner. “I am grateful to my owner and proud of the hard work of our team. I will continue to have high expectations and strive to achieve success for our barn.”

 

 

Woods N Water Defeated a Deep Field in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic

Woods N Water wins Louisiana Cup Turf Classic. Ann Switalski Photography

The $75,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic attracted 12 runners going a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course. Several proven turf stakes winners, including 2021 champion Carlea’s Dream and Budro Talking, who captured the trophy in 2020, are entered.

However, there was a new turf star entered and Woods N Water claimed the victory under a very confident ride by Tommy Pompell. Owned by Richard Painter and John Dewberry, the 4-year-old son of Palace has been very accomplished on the turf, winning the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Turf at Evangeline Downs for trainer Lee Thomas.

Sent off as the favorite, the bay gelding sat off the pace in the early stages of the race, rating behind horses, until Pompell guided through an opening in the stretch and surged to the wire in 1:42.12.

Thomas was in California attending his wife’s grandmother’s 99th birthday party, but did not miss a moment of the race. 

“That was a beautiful ride by Tommy,” said Thomas. “I was a little nervous about his first start on the Louisiana Downs turf course and of course, about the heat. But he had enough to finish and just keeps getting better on the grass.”

Oh My Aching Arch rallied for second, followed by Silver Galaxy and Real City Speed. Budro Talking, winner of the 2020 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic ran fifth with defending champion Carlea’s Dream, finishing seventh.

This was the fifth win in nine starts this year for Woods N Water ($5.60), who has banked $244,455 in 19 lifetime starts. He was bred by Orange Grove Thoroughbreds Inc. and Richard Painter.

 

 

X Clown Springs the Upset in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint

X Clown upsets Louisiana Cup Sprint. Ann Switalski Photography

The $75,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Sprint on the program with  a solid field of nine sprinters traveling six furlongs on the fast main track.

It marked the biggest upset of the card with X Clown lighting up the tote board at 25-1 as he broke like a rocket and never relinquished his lead under jockey Devin Magnon. The 6-year-old gelding by Jimmy Creed was clocked in 1:11.06.

Owned by BW and HTS Stables, LLC (Jay Sheffield and Ray Mabile) and Jason G. Grudzien and trained by Rylee Magnon, was claimed for $20,000 in March Rylee and Devin are married and a true “hands-on” racing couple.

“As a trainer, I feel that I do better with older horses,” said Rylee. “We claimed him and gave him a fresh start. Our game plan was to take back and track the speed, but when he broke so well, he ended up being the speed!”

X Clown had been defeated twice by the defending champion Black Sword, but Devin gave credit to his wife for establishing a training routine that X Clown seemed to appreciate.

“He responded very well and got better and better in his works,” explained Devin. “We were concerned that he would be nervous shipping, so Rylee rode in the trailer with him! He stayed calm and broke super. As well as he was traveling, I felt we could outlast the speed and when he switched leads, he just went to running!”

Bred by Michael Villar and Cynthia Villar, X Clown ($52.40) was followed by Pickens, under rider Carlos Lozada and Mike J with Aubrie Green in the saddle finishing in a dead heat with post time favorite Big Chopper. 

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. 

Photos courtesy of Ann Switalski Photography

MANGUM UPSETS IN THE INAUGURAL LOUISIANA STALLION STAKES

Mangum holds off Free Like A Girl to win the inaugural Louisiana Stallion Stakes at EVD. Coady Photography.

 

OPELOUSAS, LA –Mangum outdueled Free Like a Girl to capture the $100,000 Louisiana Stallion Stakes presented by Coteau Grove Farms.  The race was contested over a track rated as fast for the evening.

Breaking sharply from post three, Mangum went to the front with Free Like a Girl tracking his every move from her outside post.  The early tempo was controlled with fractions of 25.42 seconds for the opening quarter mile and a tepid 49.77 seconds for the half-mile split.  Double on the Red and Behemah Star were traveling just behind the leaders as the field made their way into the far turn.

Mangum was under pressure as Free Like a Girl moved to challenge as they traveled six furlongs in 1:14.50.  In the sprint to the finish, Mangum would not let Free Like a Girl get by and held on for the victory by a head.  It was a gap of eight lengths back to third place finisher Behemah Star.  The winner stropped the timer in 1:39.44.

Trained by Jeff Delhomme, Mangum wins for the third time from eight career starts and earns $63,600 in the victory.  His career bankroll now stands at $159,960.

Owned by Set-Hut LLC (Jake Delhomme), Mangum is a 3-year-old bay gelding sired by Mo Tom and out of the Graeme Hall mare Bovell Road.  He was bred by Adcock’s Red River Farm, LLC & J. Adcock.

Mangum returned $10 to win, $3 to place and $2.10 to show.  Favored Free Like a Girl paid $2.10 to place, $2.10 to show and Behemah Star paid $2.10 to show.

EL DINERO POSTS MAJOR UPSET IN THE $70,000 D.S. ‘SHINE’ YOUNG FUTURITY

El Dinero upsets colt and gelding division of the D.S. Shine Young Futurity at EVD. Coady Photography

 

OPELOUSAS, LA –El Dinero blew up the toteboard with a 39-1 shocker in the $70,000 D.S. ‘Shine’ Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs contested over a track rated as fast on Saturday night.

Sonofaship and Cunimbus were among the first runners away from the gate in the futurity, with El Dinero away awkwardly near the back of the pack.  As the field zipped through an opening quarter-mile in 22.17 seconds, Sonofaship had edged forward to gain control with Cunimbus, Deal With It Daddy and Sounds Like Power the closest pursuers.  El Dinero and jockey Juan Vargas were in midpack and had moved to the middle of the track as they began to gain ground on the leaders.

As the field turned into the lane, El Dinero made a sweeping five-wide bid to challenge for the lead.  Striking the front inside the final furlong, the Patrick Devereux, Jr. trainee began to clear off from his rivals and was 2-1/2 lengths in front at the wire.  Deal With It Daddy held well to finish second, just a neck better than a late closing Good and Stout.  Heavily favored Sonofaship, off at odds of 6/5, faded to fourth.  The running time for the 5-1/2 furlongs was 1:06.54.

Owned by TAV Enterprises, LLC (John Tavormina and Leslie Rohre), El Dinero earned $42,000 in winning for the first time in his second career start.  His bankroll jumps to $45,740 with the stake victory.

The 2-year-old was bred in Louisiana by the partnership of J. Adcock and Hume Wornall.  The dark bay, or brown, gelding was sired by El Deal and is out of the Forestry mare Money for Makeup.

El Dinero paid a whopping $80.80 for the $2 win price, $27 to place and $14 to show.  Deal With It Daddy returned $7.60 to place, $4.80 to show and Good and Stout paid $8 to show.

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

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

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.

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

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

 

Louisiana-bred Picks Up Pieces to Stay Unbeaten in Jersey Girl

GI Belmont S.-winning conditioner Brad Cox grabbed one more stakes win for the road Sunday as unbeaten Australasia rallied past rivals to earn a first black-type victory out of Louisiana-bred company. An 8 1/4-length MSW winner at Fair Grounds last November, the dark bay reeled off a pair of dominant stakes scores at Delta Downs before annexing the two-turn Crescent City Oaks back in NOLA Mar. 20. She picked up another big check when shortening up for a GI Kentucky Oaks day allowance at Churchill Apr. 30, but was facing four talented foes who each owned a recent figure edge over her.

Australasia caboosed the field early after a brief delay when favorite Miss Brazil broke through the gate. Bella Sofia clicked off splits of :22.55 and :45.68 and the chalk challenged that one in upper stretch as Australasia still had work to do out wide. It still looked like it’d be one of those two to midstretch, but Australasia soon caught the eye and came flying with a well-timed ride to score by a widening margin.

 

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Australasia Takes Louisiana Jewel S.

Louisiana Jewel Stakes
Delta Downs, 1-12-21, 7.5 furlongs
3YO Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies, $75,000

Australasia captures the 2021 Louisiana Jewel at Delta Downs
Australasia captures the 2021 Louisiana Jewel at Delta Downs

AUSTRALASIA
Sky Kingdom–Ayala Strand
Breeder: J. Adcock & Hume Wornall
Owner: Jean Etienne Dubois
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: Diego Saenz

2nd
Inawic
Wicked Strong–Inaword
Breeder: Gulf Haven Farm, LLC
Owner: Gulf Haven Farms
Trainer: Ronnie P. Ward
Jockey: Joel Dominguez

3rd
Tecate Time
Karakontie (JPN)–Urge to Splurge
Breeder: Carrol J. Castille
Owner: Whispering Oaks Farm LLC
Trainer: Steven B. Flint
Jockey: Gerard Melancon

AUSTRALASIA CRUISES TO EASY WIN IN THE LOUISIANA JEWEL AT DELTA DOWNS

VINTON, LA. – In the first of two stakes hosted by Delta Downs  Tuesday afternoon, Jean Etinne Dubois’s Australasia won the $75,000 Louisiana Jewel.

 

Austrailasia captures the 2021 Louisiana Jewel at Delta Downs
Australasia captures the 2021 Louisiana Jewel at Delta Downs

 

The win by Australasia came in smashing style as the Brad Cox trainee pressed the early pace set by Taylor Avenue and others before taking off in the lane under jockey Diego Saenz and winning by a widening six lengths.

The pace of the race was solid as Taylor Avenue, Inawic and Non Binding all vied for the early lead while covering the opening quarter mile in 23.49 seconds and the half in 48.52. As the field entered the second turn of the race, Australasia took command and never looked back, recording the easy win. Inawic stayed on for second while Tecate Time rallied for third, another 3 ¼-lengths behind the runner up.  

Australasia covered the 7-1/2 furlongs of the Louisiana Jewel in a time of 1:34.35 while racing over a fast track.

Now undefeated in two lifetime starts, Australasia has a bankroll of $73,200 after earning $45,000 for her effort in the first stakes race of her career. She broke her maiden at first asking on November 26 at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. 

Australasia is a 3-year-old dark bay or brown filly by Sky Kingdom, out of the Tiznow mare Ayala Strand. She was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall. 

Sent to the gate as the odds-on favorite at odds of 2-5, Australasia paid $2.80 to win, $2.20 to place and $2.10 to show. Inawic was worth $10.20 to place and $7 to show. Tecate Time returned $3.60 to show.

 

Sydster wires Crescent City Derby

Crescent City Derby
Fair Grounds, 3-21-20, 1 mile and 1 sixteenth
Three-Year-Olds, Accredited Louisiana Bred, $75,000

Sydster_3-21-2020-F
Sydster with jockey Florent Geroux aboard goes wire to wire to win the 48th running of the Crescent City Derby at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

SYDSTER
Power Broker–Tensas Salt
Breeder: J. Adcock & Montgomery Equine Center
Owner: Baronne Farms, LLC
Trainer: Edward J. Johnston
Jockey: Florent Geroux

2nd
Jax Man
Goldencents–Blondie Lox
Breeder: Earl Hernandez & Keith Hernandez
Owner: E. Hernandez, K. Hernandez and J. Duvieilh
Trainer: Sam B. David
Jockey: James Graham

3rd
Luckenbacher
Mr. Besilu–Cat’s Production
Breeder: John A Adams
Owner: John A Adams
Trainer: Beverly Burress
Jockey: Corey J. Lanerie

 

Baronne Farms’ Sydster made the most of every inch he was given in his stakes debut as the son of Power Broker had things all his own his way en route to the victory in the $75,000 Crescent City Derby for Louisiana breds.

The Crescent City Derby was the first of eight stakes on Fair Grounds’ signature $1 million Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) lineup. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the track has been holding races without spectators and allowing only essential personnel on the grounds.

Sent off as 3-2 second choice in the field of eight, Sydster caused some drama before he ever got running when he became fractious in the gate, causing jockey Florent Geroux to temporarily dismount. Once settled and sprung free from post 1, the chestnut gelding was nothing short of professional as he shot to the front and loped along through fractions of :25.05 and :49.36 with 60-1 longshot Luckenbacher tracking him in second.

As Geroux set Sydster down for the stretch run, 4-5 race favorite Langs Day tipped out from his spot along the inside and tried to threaten. Those soft early fractions left Sydster with plenty in reserve, however, to hold off a late surge from Jax Man to the outside and prevail by 1 1/2 lengths in his fifth career start.

Jax Man was 1 ¼-lengths in front of third-place finisher Luckenbacher. City Park was fourth with Langs Day fading to fifth to suffer his first career loss.  The final time for the 1 1/16-miles was 1:45.59 over a track rated fast.

Trained by Edward Johnston, Sydster came into the Crescent City Derby off a second-place run in an allowance race at Fair Grounds on Feb. 17. All five of his starts have come over the New Orleans oval and he improved his record to three wins and one runner-up finish with $104,800 in earnings.

Sydster was bred by J. Adcock and Montgomery Equine Center out of the Salt Lake mare Tensas Salt.