Free Like A Girl with jockey Pedro Cotto, Jr. aboard wins the Bob F. Wright Memorial Stakes. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.
With Ova Charged away, Free Like a Girl will play
With the overwhelming favorite Ova Charged scratched late morning, the door was open for Gerald Bruno, Jr., Carl J. Deville, Jerry Caroom and trainer Chasey Pomier’s Free Like a Girl, and she took full advantage, taking the $75,000 Bob F. Wright Memorial for Louisiana-bred filly and mare sprinters over just two rivals.
“When we checked on her this morning, she had a fever,” trainer Jose Camejo, whose Ova Charged, easily handled Free Like a Girl in the Ladies Sprint on Champions Day. “It’s disappointing, but we have to do what’s right by the horse.”
With both Ova Charged and Snowball scratched, Free Like a Girl needed to defeat only Spirited Beauty and Winning Romance to get the win, and she did just that.
“I think she (Ova Charged) is amazing, but we were ready,” Pomier said. “This is a business. We are all competitive. I hope everything is fine with her and that she comes back good.”
Away alertly, Free Like a Girl went to the lead, but she was quickly challenged on the inside by Spirited Beauty through opening splits of :22.34 and :45.56. She put that foe away and darted away under regular rider Pedro Cotto, Jr. to win away by 2 ¾ lengths in a final time of 1:11.26 for six furlongs over a fast track. Winning Romance failed to menace and finished a distant third.
“I was trying to get her as relaxed as I could and just go from there,” Cotto, Jr. said.
Just one week ago, Free Like a Girl finished second in the open company Pago Hop around two turns. Entered as a “main track only”, she ran when the race was washed off the turn.
“We took a shot that the Pago Hop was going to come off the turf last week in case this race didn’t make it (wasn’t used) because we knew it was going to be just a few horses,” Pomier explained. “We ran her, took a shot and I was able to leave her here with Ron (trainer Faucheux). His crew did an amazing job for us all week. With the short rest, we waited until yesterday afternoon and decided to stay in.”
With the win, Free Like a Girl, who was purchased for just $5,500 as a yearling, moved into the top 20 on the all-time list Louisiana-bred earnings list with $748,128. In the process, she enhanced her record to 22-10-7-3. She paid $3.20 to win.
2021 Louisiana Bred Champion Two-Year-Old Filly ran second in the $500,000 G3 Charles Town Oaks on Friday, August 26.The three-year-old filly from the first crop of Louisiana sire El Deal pressed the front runner through a :23.28 first quarter and :46.54 half, before Society opened up to win the 7 furlong contest.
The graded contest boosted Free Like A Girl’s earnings to $562,128 with a current record of 16-8-4-3, with all but one of her wins coming from stakes victories. All three of her 2022 wins were in Louisiana-bred stakes contests. In addition to the Charles Town Oaks, Free Like a Girl ran third in the 2022 $225,000 G3 Iowa Oaks.
Bred in Louisiana by Kim Renee Stover and Lisa Osborne, Free Like A Girl is out of a Flashy Bull mare, Flashy Prize. Her sire, El Deal stands at Red River Farms in Coushatta, Louisiana and is currently the leading second crop sire in the state.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
– 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.
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.