Category: Louisiana-Bred

LOUISIANA LEGENDS HONORED AT EVANGELINE DOWNS

louisianathoroughbred

BIG FAMILY NIGHT CROWD ON HAND FOR MARQUEE NIGHT OF RACING

 

OPELOUSAS, LA –Evangeline Downs hosted the annual celebration of the Louisiana-bred Thoroughbreds with an exciting Louisiana Legends Night card on Saturday.  The card featured six stake races each worth $100,000 for state-bred runners and were contested over courses rated fast and firm.

Evangeline Downs honored some past Louisiana Legends throughout the evening.  Race fans were asked to nominate their own legends on Facebook.  Merrill Scherer, Ray Sibille, Ron Ardoin, Doris Hebert, Buster Leger and Harold Delahoussaye were the top nominees by the fans and were recognized during the card.

 

FREE LIKE A GIRL STAYS UNBEATEN AT EVANGELINE DOWNS IN MADEMOISELLE VICTORY

Free Like A Girl wins the Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.

Free Like a Girl again showed her fondness for the local racing strip in her Mademoiselle win. With Jockey Tim Thornton aboard, Free Like a Girl was in midpack running down the backstretch as Wupkar and Beleout sped through early fractions of 22.50 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and a half-mile split in 46.22.  Moved outside to produce a four-wide bid, Free Like a Girl was able to collar the leaders nearing the furlong pole and pulled forward in the final 100 yards.  The winning margin was 1-3/4 lengths at the wire, with Beleout second and First I’ve Seen another 1-1/4 lengths back in third.  The Chasey Deville Pomier trainee moves to a perfect five for five over the local strip.  The final time for the 5-1/2 furlongs was 1:05.17.

Bred by Kim Renee Stover and Lisa Osborne, the 4-year-old bay filly was sired by El Deal and is out of the Flashy Bull mare Flashy Prize.  Owned by the partnership of Gerald Bruno, Jr., Carl Deville, Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom, she wins for the thirteenth time in 27 starts and earns $60,000.  Her career bankroll now stands at $930,378.

Free Like a Girl returned $3.80 to win as the wagering favorite, $3 to place and $2.10 to show.  Beleout paid $7.60 to place, $6 to show and First I’ve Seen paid $4.40 to show.

 

CHEAPSKATE DIVA PREVAILS IN TURF DISTAFF

Cheapskate Diva wins the Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.

Keith Plaisance’s Cheapskate Diva made a sharp bid for the lead turning for home and held off favored A G’s Charlotte to capture the Turf Distaff.  Away in good order under jockey Carlos Marquez, Cheapskate Diva tracked the early lead of Eve’s Delight through fractions of 24.08 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 47.43 seconds for the half-mile.  Cheapskate Diva made a move to take the lead at the top of the stretch and remained clear in the run to the wire to win by 2-1/2 lengths.  A G’s Charlotte made a mild bid without threatening the winner and won a photo for second by a nose over a late closing Wholelottamo.  The winner stopped the clock in a time of 1:35.80 for the mile distance.

The Joseph Felks trained runner is a 5-year-old bay mare sired by Animal Kingdom and is out of the Candy Ride (ARG) mare Beautiful Liar.  Bred by the owner, Cheapskate Diva wins for the fifth time from 15 career starts.  Earning $60,000 in the victory, her career bankroll increases to $176,640.

Cheapskate Diva returned $11.40 to win, $4.80 to place and $2.80 to show.  A G’s Charlotte returned $2.80 to place, $2.20 to show and Wholelottamo paid $2.40 to show.

 

ALLNIGHT MOONLIGHT GETS NECK VICTORY OVER MANGUM IN CHEVAL STAKES

Allnight Moonlight wins the Louisiana Legends Cheval Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.

Roger Smith’s Allnight Moonlight dug in late to win a spirited stretch battle over Mangum in the Cheval.  With Tim Thornton in the irons, Allnight Moonlight broke smoothly but was caught with a wide trip through the clubhouse turn as Calibrachoa Kid set the pace with Macho Beanie and Clear as a Bele the closest pursuers.  Mangum made a bid to take the lead at the top of the stretch, as Allnight Moonlight ranged up while still covering extra ground.  The pair squared off and battled to the wire with Allnight Moonlight winning by a neck.  It was a big gap of ten lengths back to The Boss Soss in third.  The running time for the mile was 1:39.59.

Bred by Coteau Grove Farms LLC and trained by David Terre, the winner is a 3-year-old colt sired by Ransom the Moon and out of the Medaglia d’Oro mare Gingertini.  A winner for the fourth time from eight career starts, the $60,000 winner’s share pushes his career bankroll to $229,000.

Allnight Moonlight rewarded his backers with a $6 win price, $4.80 to place and $3.60 to show.  Mangum paid $6.80 to place, $5.20 to show and The Boss Soss returned $6 to show.

 

LOUISIANA LIBERTY TAKES SOIREE STAKES IN DRAMATIC FASHION

Louisiana Liberty wins the Louisiana Legends Soiree Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.

Jockey Gerard Melancon and Louisiana Liberty sustained a wide rally in a last to first move to capture the Soiree.  The early fractions were steady as Highly Wicked set the pace with New Destiny and Sixth Anniversary close behind through an opening quarter mile in 24.08 seconds and a half-mile in 48.38 seconds.   Louisiana Liberty was wide down the backside at the tail of the field and began to make some headway with a bid entering the far turn, as favored Star Moment also moved into contention.  The duo moved in tandem to battle for the lead inside the final furlong, with Louisiana Liberty edging clear in the final yards to win by a half-length.  It was another 1-3/4 lengths back to Highly Wicked holding on for the show spot.  The final time for the mile was 1:40.79.

Bred by Coteau Grove Farms LLC and owned by Whispering Oaks Farm LLC (Carrol Castille), Louisiana Liberty is a 3-year-old filly sired by Cloud Computing.  She is out of the Pleasant Tap mare Pleasantly Blessed.  Winning for only the second time in 11 career starts, her career bankroll increases to $135,230.

Louisiana Liberty, trained by Steven Flint, paid $23.20 to win, $6.80 to place and $4 to show.  Star Moment returned $2.60 to place, $2.20 to show and Highly Wicked paid $4.60 to show.

 

WOODS N WATER VICTORIOUS IN TURF STAKES

Woods N Water wins the Louisiana Legends Turf Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.

Jockey Tommy Pompell sent Woods N Water through a narrow opening on the far turn to battle for the lead and edged clear to win the Turf.  Always in close attendance to the early pace being set by Carlea’s Dream, Woods N Water was caught in some traffic as longshot Double on the Red made a bid nearest the rail entering the far turn.  As the field approached the top of the stretch, Woods N Water kicked into another gear and burst through the pack to take the lead.  The Lee Thomas trainee pulled away to win by 1-1/2 lengths in the end, with late closing Budro Talking running second and Deer Crossing another length back in third.  The running time for the mile and a sixteenth on the turf was hand timed in 1:42.28.

Owned by Richard Painter and Dewberry Farm (John Kent III), the winner was sired by Palace and is out of the First Samurai mare Said and Done.  Bred by Orange Grove Thoroughbreds, Inc. and Richard Painter, Woods N Water is a 4-year-old bay gelding.  A winner for the sixth time in 17 starts, his career bankroll increases to $186,255.

Woods N Water returned $5.80 to win, $3.20 to place and $2.60 to show.  Budro Talking paid $4.40 to place, $3.40 to show and Deer Crossing paid $3.80 to show.

 

DEL-CID PILOTS BLACK SWORD TO SPRINT VICTORY

Black Sword wins the Louisiana Legends Sprint Stakes. Kimmy Burrow, Coady Photography.

Black Sword captured his second stakes win of the season in the Sprint.  Jockey Vicente Del-Cid was able to work out a trip similar to his triumph in the King Creole last month with a sharp start.  Sitting just off the early fractions of 22.27 and 46.15 being set by Grunt, Black Sword ranged up to take the lead at the top of the stretch and pulled away to a convincing two-length margin over Big Chopper.  Grunt held on well to finish third just a nose better than Mike J.  The final time for the 5-1/2 furlongs was 1:04.84.

Trained by Ronnie Averett and owned by Treanor MD LLC (Leonard Treanor, MD), Black Sword is a 6-year-old dark bay or brown gelding.  Bred by Margie Averett, he was sired by Awesome Sword and is out of the Devil His Due mare Black Mariah.  A winner for the eighth time from 25 starts, his career bankroll increases to $274,705.

Black Sword returned $6.40 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.60 to show.  Big Chopper paid $4.80 to place, $3.40 to show and Grunt paid $6.80 to show.

For more information on racing at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website atwww.evdracing.com and on Twitter @evdracing.  Live racing resumes Thursday with a 5:30pm Central first post.  The racing calendar for the remainder of the 2023 season is Thursday through Saturday schedule until the end of the meet on August 12.

LOUISIANA LEGENDS CARD SET FOR SATURDAY NIGHT

louisianathoroughbred

SIX $100,000 STAKES FOR LOUISIANA-BREDS HIGHLIGHTS AN EXCITING PROGRAM

 

OPELOUSAS, LA –The marquee night of the 2023 thoroughbred season takes place Saturday with the Louisiana Legends card at Evangeline Downs.  The 10-race card features six stake races for Louisiana-bred runners, with each stake worth $100,000.  The 91 total entries also include a pair of 2-year-old races for potential future Legends night runners.

In addition to the excellent card that was drawn, Evangeline Downs has many other attractions for race fans.  Prior to the races, jockeys will be available for pictures and autographs in a meet and greet from 4:30-5:00pm and jockeys will be tossing t-shirts from the winner’s circle after each stakes race.  Family night staples including face painting and balloon animals for the kids are also planned for the evening.  There will be many food vendors with specialty foods and treats in the paddock area as well.

The stakes action starts in the fifth race on the card with the Turf Distaff at the distance of one mile.  A G’s Charlotte, a stake winner earlier in the meet on the main track, is the morning line favorite.  Fort Polk and Wholelottamo, both recent winners, look to be a couple of the primary contenders.

The Mademoiselle looks to be a competitive affair with fan favorites Snowball and Free Like a Girl entered in the race for fillies and mares at 5-1/2 furlongs.  Each of those runners has a win at the current meet.  Flashy Meg captured the Creole Lady Stakes earlier in the season and could be an upset candidate.  Wupkar and First I’ve Seen could also attract some attention from the wagering public.

The Cheval, for 3-year-olds at one mile, looks like a wide-open race with a field of nine.  Macho Beanie defeated Allnight Moonlight earlier in the meet in the Ragin Cajun by just a neck. Five of the other runners won their previous start, including Calibrachoa Kid, Z’s Guitar and Kajun Karma.

The Soiree will test 3-year-old fillies at the distance of one mile.  Star Moment was installed as the 5/2 morning line favorite off her recent win in the Cajun Miss.  New Destiny and Louisiana Liberty will look to turn the tables after chasing Star Moment home in their earlier meeting.  An interesting runner in the field is Sixth Anniversary, who tries the main track for the first time.  Her previous 11 starts have been on either turf or synthetic surfaces.

A highly contentious field of 11 runners will square off in the Legends Turf at the distance of a mile and a sixteenth.  Carlea’s Dream is the morning line favorite with his recent efforts against open company.  Budro Talking and Big Chopper look to draw interest at the windows with their consistent current form.  Deer Crossing and Blue Cheese are winners at the current meet and could pose outside chances in a race that could be a handicapping puzzler.

The Legends Sprint will close out the card with a loaded field traveling 5-1/2 furlongs.  All nine of the entered runners have some success over the surface, as they all have been victorious over the oval.  Big Chopper is the morning line favorite at 5/2, but is cross-entered in the Turf, so that could open other possibilities for favoritism.  Black Sword captured the King Creole in his most recent trip and has leading rider Vicente Del-Cid aboard.  Mike J, Bertie’s Galaxy and Bootsie’s Galaxy could also merit consideration.

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will be awarding two $1,000 scholarships during the evening.  Students are encouraged to attend the races and enter the drawing, with the winners to be selected after the fifth race.  First post time Saturday will be 5:30pm Central Time.

For more information on racing at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com and on Twitter @evdracing.  The racing calendar for 2023 season features racing Thursday through Saturday until the end of the meet on August 12.

Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features live horse racing, exciting casino action, the Fan Duel Sportsbook and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana, off I-49 on Cresswell Lane at Exit 18.

A G’S CHARLOTTE WINS CONVINCINGLY IN THE $60,000 SPOTTED HORSE

louisianathoroughbred

The 2023 Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred season kicked off with a pair of stake races Friday night.  A G’s Charlotte picked up a stylish looking victory in the Spotted Horse, while Taylors Tap rallied in the final yards to capture the Acadiana.  The opening night card was contested over a track listed as muddy after substantial overnight rains.

A G’s Charlotte, owned by Thomas Galvin, broke alertly from her inside post position and was quickly in front as the field entered the first turn.  Sassy Beast was her closest pursuer in the early stages, with Another Hot Mess saving ground along the rail in third.  Jockey C.J. McMahon had A G’s Charlotte traveling comfortably through an opening quarter-mile in 24.35 seconds and a half-mile in 48.61.  As the field entered the far turn, the Patricia West trainee was a half-length in front of Sassy Beast, with Majestic Ways splitting rivals to move into contention alongside Another Hot Mess.

Through six furlongs in 1:13.49, A G’s Charlotte, still traveling smoothly, continued to fend off a stubborn Sassy Beast, as the pair kicked clear of the rest.  Inside the final furlong A G’s Charlotte spurted clear with a burst to finish 4-1/4 lengths clear of Sassy Beast.  It was another 2-1/2 lengths back to Another Hot Mess in third.  The final running time for the mile distance for the 3-year-old and upward fillies and mares was 1:39.10.

A G’s Charlotte earned $36,000 in capturing her sixth victory from 16 career starts.  Her career bankroll now stands at $263,160.

The winner is a 4-year-old bred in Louisiana by the owner.  The dark bay or brown filly was sired by Mo Tom and is out of the Indygo Shiner mare Adrianne G.

A G’s Charlotte returned $4.80 to win as the wagering favorite, $2.80 to place and $2.20 to show.  Sassy Beast paid $6.40 to place, $3.60 to show and Another Hot Mess paid $2.60 to show.

EVANGELINE DOWNS 2023 THOROUGHBRED SEASON SPRINGS TO LIFE APRIL 7

louisianathoroughbred

THE 61-DAY SEASON RUNS FROM APRIL 7 THROUGH AUGUST 12

 

 

OPELOUSAS, LA –The 2023 Thoroughbred season opens at Evangeline Downs on Friday, April 7.  The meet will consist of 61 racing days running through August 12.  First post each night will be at the new time of 5:30pm Central.  The racing schedule will feature racing on Wednesday through Saturday for the first five full weeks of the meet.  Beginning the week of May 18, racing will switch to a Thursday through Saturday schedule.

Vicente Del-Cid has taken the Louisiana racing scene by storm and will be the top returning rider in 2023.  Del-Cid captured his first riding title at Evangeline Downs last summer and followed that up with a runaway championship at the recently concluded Delta Downs meet.  C.J. McMahon, Tim Thornton, and Joe Stokes are among some of the other riders looking for a big season.  Jose Luis Rodriguez joins the jockey colony and will be represented by former trainer Ron Faucheux.

Karl Broberg regained his spot at the top of the trainer standings in 2022 following a runner-up finish in 2021.  The Broberg barn connected with 44 winners from 228 starters to take top honors last season.  Eduardo Ramirez, the 2021 training champ, is among the trainers looking to unseat Broberg.  Robertino Diodoro will bring a division of his stable to the Opelousas oval this year. Trainers Justin Jeansonne, Isai Gonzalez and Allison Escobar will also be new additions to the backside.  Other notable trainers include Keith Bourgeois, Sam David, Sam Breaux, Rylee Magnon, and Allen Landry.

The popular “Exotic Animal Racing” will make a return to Evangeline Downs on April 22.  The Saturday card will include a couple of non-wagering events featuring racing camels and zebras sure to delight and entertain the crowd.

The 2023 season will feature an expanded stakes schedule, starting with a pair of stakes on opening night.  The $60,000 Spotted Horse and $60,000 Acadiana are the main events.  The first Saturday card includes the $60,000 Lafayette and Strong Eagle will look to defend his title in the $100,000 Evangeline Mile.

Racing fans will want to make plans to attend the races the first weekend of May for simulcasting of the Kentucky Oaks on Friday and the 149th Kentucky Derby on Saturday from Churchill Downs.  The EVD Classic highlights the live Derby Day card.

The marquee night of the season will take place on Saturday, June 3 with Louisiana Legends Night.  The program will feature six stake races for Louisiana-bred runners, with each purse increased to $100,000 guaranteed this year.  Free Like a Girl and Net a Bear were popular winners on the 2022 Legends Night.

The Friday, July 7 card features the $75,000 Louisiana Stallion Stakes presented by Coteau Grove Farms and the filly division of the $60,000 Shine Young Futurity.  Saturday, July 8 will have the $60,000 Shine Young colts and gelding division, along with the $75,000 Louisiana Stallion Stakes presented by Coteau Grove Farms.

For more information on Evangeline Downs, including a full stakes schedule, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com.  Evangeline Downs information can also be found on Twitter @EVDracing and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacing.

Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing, the Fan Duel sportsbook and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana, off I-49 on Cresswell Lane at Exit 18.

Louisiana-bred Stakes Action Round-up from Fair Grounds Closing Weekend

louisianathoroughbred

Nosilverspoonshere Proves her Class in Shantel Lanerie Memorial 

Corey Lanerie Notches Fifty at Fair Grounds with fated triumph in stakes named for his departed wife

 

Corey Lanerie in the irons as Nosilverspoonshere wins the Shantel Lanerie Memorial Stakes named in honor of his departed wife. Hodges Photography/Lou Hodges Jr.

After breezing through her allowance conditions, Rocket Ship Racing’s Nosilverspoonshere successfully stepped up to Louisiana-bred stakes company beating seven older fillies and mares by one length in the $75,000 Shantel Lanerie Stakes on Sunday at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Trained by Tom Amoss and piloted by Corey Lanerie, Nosilverspoonshere completed the 1 mile 70 yards in 1:43.33

Named in memory of jockey Corey Lanerie’s wife Shantel who died from complications from treating breast cancer, Sunday’s finale was a poignant conclusion to the 2022-2023 meet as Corey Lanerie’s fiftieth win was by far the most meaningful.

“Words can’t describe it,” Corey Lanerie said. “I know (Shantel) is looking down on us and she helped me get across the wire. At one point in the race, I didn’t know if I was going to get there. I dove inside and saw the one horse (A G’s Charlotte) moving well. I got behind her and made my move when she did, but when I got outside, my filly showed her class.”

Mishpachah shot out to the early lead, charging through the calls in :23.85 and :47.05. With the blinkers off, A G’s Charlotte stalked in mid-pack two-wide and came with a run to take the lead from Mishpachah in the homestretch. Nosilverspoonshere settled near the back, took the rail in pursuit, tipped out to target A G’s Charlotte, and rallied past to score. Mishpachah hung on for third. After taking a few bumps out of the gate and tracking in 5th, Free Like a Girl stayed on through the wire for fourth.

Brook Smith’s Rocket Ship Racing will be donating half of Nosilverspoonshere’s earnings in Sunday’s stakes to the Shantel Lanerie Foundation. Immediately following the race, Fair Grounds hosted The Breast Cancer Survivor and Memorial Second Line, benefiting the Shantel Lanerie Breast Cancer Foundation, as participants stepped in line behind a brass band to parade around the apron and raise money and awareness for a worthy cause.

Fort Polk, Winning Romance, Mo Bling, and Medley rounded out the finishing order.

Sent off as the 6-5 favorite, Nosilverspoonshere paid $4.40, $3.20, and $2.40.

She boosted her career record to 7-4-1-0 and earnings to $154,094.

 

 

Dominant Yet Again, Touchuponastar Takes Star Guitar Stakes

Star Guitar-sired exacta as Behemah Star up for second

Star Guitar son, Touchuponastar wins the Star Guitar Stakes. Hodges Photography

Set-Hut’s Touchuponastar yet again proved to be too much, wiring the field in Sunday’s $75,000 Star Guitar Stakes presented by Brittlyn Stable at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The indisputable top older Louisiana-bred dirt male beat five others by 3 1/2 lengths, covering the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.76.

Trained by Jeff Delhomme and ridden by Tim Thornton, Touchuponastar has now won five races in a row, three of those being stakes scores. Both the winner and the place-finisher, Behemah Star, are sired by the stakes namesake, Star Guitar.

“This horse makes my job easy,” Thornton said. “Jake and the Delhomme team have done such a good job with him. I am thankful and fortunate enough that I get to hold onto him.”

With little change in the running order throughout, Touchuponastar took the commanding lead, posting opening fractions of :24.44 and :48.29 while Highland Creek and Behemah Star chased in second and third, respectively. Behemah Star bid past Highland Creek in the second turn and gamely kept coming at Touchuponastar, but the winner’s powerful stride proved too much. Highland Creek held on for third and off-the-pace runner Blue Cheese scrambled home for fourth. Cosmic Train and Smarty Alex finished fifth and sixth, respectively.

“I think this is what anyone who owns and trains horses prays the good lord sends you,” owner Jake Delhomme said. “I’ve had a lot of average horses and every now and again you get lucky and we’ve got lucky with this. We’re going to take care of him and enjoy the ride.”

Touchuponastar was bet down to 1-2 and returned $3.00. $2.10, and $2.10. He boosted his career record to 8-6-1-1 and earnings to $298,100.

 

 

Big Chopper Slices Up Costa Rising Rail for Third Stakes Win At the Meet

Big Chopper, with Corey Lanerie aboard, wins the Costa Rising Stakes at Fair Grounds Racecourse in New Orleans, LA. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr

First, it was the Louisiana Champions Day Sprint, next the Eddie Johnston Memorial turf route, and on Saturday, Kendel D. Standlee’s Big Chopper sprinted up the Stall-Wilson Turf Course rail to nose out a late charge from Brian’s Iron Mike in the $100,000 Costa Rising Stakes.

Trained by Scott Gelner, Big Chopper covered 5 1/2 turf furlongs in 1:05.70. The portable rail was at 28 feet and the course was listed as firm. Corey Lanerie handled the reins, one of three stakes wins for Lanerie on closing weekend. 

Yankee Seven led the way, cruising through the early fractions in :23.06 and :47.84. Big Chopper positioned along the rail and never left, which proved to be the winning advantage as Brian’s Iron Mike raced wide and encountered trouble. Causing interference in mid-stretch, Bertie’s Galaxy was disqualified from third and placed in 6th place.

“This horse just keeps getting the job done,” Gelner said. “Corey gave him a great ride. I don’t know what Big Chopper does best but he’s good at everything and it’s great to have a horse like this. He’s run hard for us this meet and I’m going to give him a break. He deserves it. It’s nice to have options like this with a horse like this moving forward.”

As versatile as they come, Big Chopper has the $320,333 in lifetime earnings to prove it. His win in the Costa Rising was his sixth in 16 career starts.

Bron and Brow, Relentless Dancer, Yankee Seven, Feisty Fist, X Clown, and Vodka Gimlet completed the order of finish. 

 

 

First I’ve Seen Scores First Stakes in Page Cortez

First I’ve Seen charges home late to upset the Page Cortez. Hodges Photography

Charging home late into a pace meltdown, Tom Curtis’ First I’ve Seen upset the $75,000 Page Cortez for his first stakes score and first win on the turf. Going 5 1/2 furlongs on Sunday’s firm Stall-Wilson urf course, First I’ve Seen beat eight 3-year-old and up statebred fillies and mares by one length.

Trained by Victor Arceneaux and guided by Casey Fusilier, the 4-year-old First I’ve Seen stopped the clock in 1:06.93.

“Every time Victor comes through with a horse, I have a lot of confidence in him,” Fusilier said. “He’s an incredible trainer and we’ve had a helluva run.”

With the portable rail at 28 feet, Drop Dead Sexy cooked up the first quarter mile in :22.78 and continued on in front simmering through the half-mile marker in :48.74. The top three early on began to fade, in the end finishing up the track, as First I’ve Seen led the charge of late runners from mid-pack to lead at the stretch call. Snowball followed and appeared to have place-honors secured but was drilled by high-flying Wholelottamo who was in the back of the pack at the top of the stretch. Final Quest beat out the odds-on favorite Charlie T for fourth. 

“This filly has been on the improve over her last couple of races,” Arceneaux said. “When we drew on the outside I was excited about that. I was a little nervous about all the speed on the inside but Casey (Fusilier) told me not to worry, we had it.”

World War, Beleout, Maestria, and Drop Dead Sexy completed the order of finish.

Dismissed at 10-1, First I’ve Seen rewarded her backers with payouts of $23.60, $11.20, and $5.40. The honest and versatile filly notched another in the win column, bringing her lifetime standings to 13-6-2-4 and earnings to $202,890.

Faucheux Barn Sweeps Crescent City Derby and Oaks

louisianathoroughbred

New Orleans, La (Monday, March 27, 2023) – One odds-on and one at 17-1, Ron Faucheux saddled the winners of the Crescent City Derby and Oaks, both for $100,000 purses, on Louisiana Derby Day at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. 

“For me, it’s all about the Crescent City Oaks and Crescent City Derby,” Faucheux said. “So to sweep the Oaks and the Derby, wow, what a beautiful day.”

Florent Geroux pilots Allnight Moonlight to victory in the 51st running of the Crescent City Derby at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

First, it was the odds-on favorite AllNight Moonlight ridden by Florent Geroux. Faucheux set owner Roger Smith to Derby dreaming when he picked out this son of Ransom the Moon at the 2021 Texas Thoroughbred Yearling Sale.

“At the sale, I told Roger we got a Derby horse,” Faucheux said. “I said we’re talking Crescent City Derby, that’s how we like to do it down here.”

Allnight Moonlight broke sharpest but it was Calibrachoa Kid who pressured and took the lead through :23.60 and :47.81 opening fractions. But when Geroux asked, Allnight Moonlight responded, taking the commanding lead and crossing the finish line in 1:45.82. Two and a half lengths back was Late September who was grinding home after settling back to last early on. Calibrachoa Kid hung on for third.

“Once the horse passed me it really wasn’t a concern,” Geroux said. “I decided to save some horse for the end but kept close and saved ground. I’ve worked the horse and I know he’s a very straightforward horse. He’s matured since winning the Half Ours. Ron has done a beautiful job–he had this horse ready for me today.”

In realizing his connections’ plans and notching his third win to go with two seconds in six starts, Allnight Moonlight’s lifetime earnings now stand at $157,000.

Backing Faucheux in the first of the day paid $3.40, $2.60, and $2.20. Rounding out the order of finish was I Don’t Venmo, Mangum, Mor Big Lee, and Benoit.

 

Star Moment with Corey Lanerie aboard wins the 18th running of the Crescent City Oaks at the Fair Grounds Racecourse in New Orleans, LA. Hodges Photography / Jamie Newell

Getting 17-1 backing Faucheux’s Crescent City Oaks-winning filly Star Moment was surely a pleasant surprise for this 3-year-old’s supporters. Her first run on the lead certainly surprised her jockey Corey Lanerie, who doubled down winning the Costa Rising Stakes in Race 4.

“I absolutely did not (expect to be on the lead),” Lanerie said. “I thought there was other speed in the race. (Star Moment) ran really well on the turf, so the plan was to just get her within herself and let her run. I really thought I’d be coming from behind and picking up whatever we could. But she broke phenomenally and so I just took what came easy and when I asked her she had some more.”

Breaking sharply and striding out to the lead, Star Moment never looked back and never was menaced while she led by open lengths making the early calls in :23.74 and :47.52. Odds-on favorite Free Drop Maddy sat in second early but couldn’t endure the bid through 1 mile 70 yards to finish in the money. Extending her lead in the stretch, Star Moment won by 4 1/2 lengths over Alpine Mist and Louisiana Liberty who were picking up the pieces.

“She has been doing so good, before the race I felt like if it was on the turf, she’d win,” Faucheux said. “How she’d handle the dirt was the question. Being a quicker surface today I think she took a hold of it. When she got to the front and they weren’t really going with her I thought ‘wow, she may just walk the dog and keep on going.’ What a great ride by Corey. She ran awesome.”

Registering her first stakes win, Star Moment is now sitting on $91,530 in lifetime earnings with a 4-2-0-0 record.

Free Drop Maddy, Guitar Woman, and Olivia G rounded out the order of finish.

Luminous Flight, 1st winner for Requite

louisianathoroughbred

Louisiana stallion Requite has his first winner to his credit. Three-year-old filly Luminous Flight (Requite-My Queen Olivia, by Half Ours) broke her maiden on March 9, 2023 at Fair Grounds in her second start. After a bumpy start, the Edward L. Cox trainee set the pace in the 6 furlong maiden special weight. Under the guidance of C.J. McMahon, the filly kept rivals at bay to win by 1 ½ lengths.

Luminous Flight was bred in Louisiana by Brandon Adcock. Her sire Requite is a 2012 son of G1 Carter Stakes winner, Warrior’s Reward. A multiple stakes winner who won every year while racing from ages 2 to 5, Requite placed in the G2 Amsterdam Stakes at 3. Requite won 5 races (2 stakes), with one stakes second and one stakes third from nine starts and earned $252,510. 

Requite entered stud in 2019 and stands at Red River Farms in Coushatta, Louisiana for a 2023 fee of $1,500 live foal. 

Allnight Moonlight wires the Half Ours and Free Drop Maddy Speeds Away in the Buttercup’s Song

louisianathoroughbred

New Orleans, La (Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023) – After breaking his maiden in January, Roger Smith’s Allnight Moonlight immediately stepped up to stakes company and stepped out in front to wire the inaugural $75,000 Louisiana Stallion of the Year Half Ours Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Going one mile 70 yards, Allnight Moonlight beat seven other statebred 3-year-olds by four lengths. 

Allnight Moonlight. Hodges photography.

Piloted by Jareth Loveberry and trained by Ron Faucheux, Allnight Moonlight completed one mile and 70 yards in 1:43.94. He is now two-for-two since adding blinkers. The win in the Half Ours was Faucheux’s second on the day and sixth on the week. Sitting at 25 total wins to Bret Calhoun’s 30 and Brad Cox’s 28,  Faucheux  is now in position to compete for his third straight trainer’s title.

“Ron (Faucheux) has really done a great job with this horse,” Loveberry said. “Stretching him out and putting the blinkers on, he got him going in the right direction. I made sure he got a good break and was able to take command after that. He’s a really nice horse and I want to thank the whole team.”

Breaking from the rail, Allnight Moonlight shot out to take control and set scintillating fractions of :23.50 and :46.29. After bobbling at the start, the 2-5 favorite Jack Hammer rushed to keep up and took a run at Allnight Moonlight in the second turn but came up empty. As Allnight Moonlight put more distance between himself and the field at every call, Benoit and Mangum ran well for second and third-place honors respectively. Never mustering a re-rally after being turned away, Jack Hammer held on for fourth.

“We’ve always been high on this horse,” Faucheux said. “The addition of blinkers helped him prove his talent in these last two races. I think the sky’s the limit with him. I love this horse, always have, even when he was running second or worse. We always thought he would be a true router, and he might even be best on the grass in the long run. He has the feet for it and the pedigree. I’m so happy for (owner) Roger Smith who is here with his grandson today. He’s been with me through and through, we’ve had a lot of fun. It’s a special (win).”

Stiff Drink, Gobot, Real Action, and My Lil Dude completed the order of finish. 

Allnight Moonlight was sent off at 5-1 and returned $13.00, $7.40, and $3.80. He boosted his career record to 5-2-2-0 and earnings to $97,000.

*****

Mansfield Racing’s Free Drop Maddy wired the field to win the inaugural $75,000 Louisiana Broodmare of the Year Buttercup’s Song Stakes, recording her third stakes victory during the 2022-2023 meet at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The sophomore beat seven 3-year-old statebred fillies by 2 1/4 lengths. 

Piloted by Rey Gutierrez and trained by Bret Calhoun, Free Drop Maddy completed one mile in 1:39.47 for her first win going two turns. Her previous three efforts came at Delta Downs.

“Delta is a much different surface and (Free Drop Maddy) runs better here (at Fair Grounds),” Gutierrez said. “Bret (Calhoun) made some adjustments coming into this race, and she was extremely comfortable out there, very relaxed on the lead. Today was her first victory stretching out, and the credit goes to Bret and his team.”

Free Drop Maddy. Hodges photography.

Free Drop Maddy broke sharply and immediately took command, rolling through the early fractions in :24.57 and :48.22. New Destiny chased the leader early on before settling along the rail and biding her time for a late bid. Olivia G settled near the back early before making a bold, wide move to threaten in the stretch. Both of those two fillies ranged up behind Free Drop Maddy at the top of the stretch but neither could threaten as the winning filly kicked away. Olivia G beat New Destiny to the wire. Racing midpack throughout, Guitar Woman rounded out the superfecta.

“(Free Drop Maddy) is a small fast filly,” Calhoun said. “She’s like dynamite: little but powerful. Scheduling and hoping Delta’s track had tightened up had us back over there (in her last race), and I regret it. She doesn’t like that track at all.”

She Told You So, For Harper, Hopeitsmyluckyday, and Agami completed the order of finish. 

Free Drop Maddy was sent off the 9-5 co-favorite and returned $5.00. $3.60, and $3.00. In joining the ranks of Surveillance and Oeuvre with her third stakes score of the meet, she boosted her career record to 8-4-1-2 and earnings to $272,800.