X Clown, with Tyler Woodley aboard, wins the 57th running of Louisiana Futurity – Colt & Gelding Division at Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Hodges Photography / Amanda Hodges Weir
X CLOWN
Jimmy Creed–Evening Muse
Breeder: Michael Villar & Cynthia Villar
Owner: Set-Hut LLC
Trainer: Jerry Delhomme
Jockey: Tyler Woodley
2nd Reach the Circle
Secret Circle–Sky Reach
Breeder: Ronald P. Webb
Owner: Maxie Wayne Kitchings, Jr.,
Trainer: Donald Melancon
Jockey: Jose Andres Guerrero
3rd Fast Verdict
Hampton Court (AUS)–Freedom Afleet
Breeder: Morning Line Thoroughbreds LLC
Owner: Brady Broussard
Trainer: Carl J. Deville
Jockey: Devin H. Magnon
There may have been an anxious moment or two, but in the end the heavy favorites of both divisions of the Louisiana Futurity got the job done on Saturday at the Fair Grounds.
Classy John, with Corey Lanerie aboard, out runs Jimi’s A Star, led by Emanuel Nieves, to win the Louisiana Futurity Colt and Gelding Division at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, LA. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr
CLASSY JOHN
Songandaprayer–Kitty’s Got Class
Breeder: Tom Curtis & Wayne Simpson
Owner: Valene Farms LLC
Trainer: Dallas Stewart
Jockey: Corey J. Lanerie
2nd Jimi’s a Star
Star Guitar–Unusual Strike
Breeder: James Boyd
Owner: James A. Boyd
Trainer: Henry B. Johnson, Jr.
Jockey: Emanuel Nieves
3rd Cafe Du Monde
New Year’s Day–Java Jolt
Breeder: Natalie Montgomery & Jim Montgomery
Owner: Diamond Racing Inc. and Jay and Joan Janssen
Trainer: Leo G. Gabriel, Jr.
Jockey: Florent Geroux
In the colts and geldings division, Valene Farms’ Classy John held off the late advances of Jimi’s a Star to win by a diminishing three-quarters of a length. Guided by jockey Corey Lanerie, the son of Songandaprayer broke sharply and pressed pacesetter Why Not Charlie through an opening quarter in 22.05. Classy John put that rival away nearing the turn, but was asked by Lanerie at the three-sixteenths pole as Jimi’s a Star loomed a challenge on the far outside. Classy John held Jimi’s a Star, posting a final six furlong time of 1:11.67 in the slop. Café Du Monde finished a non-threatening third.
“He had me a worried for a little bit,” Lanerie said. “He went kind of quick early but he’s a fast horse and I didn’t want to take anything away from him.”
Trained by Dallas Stewart, Classy John won the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile Stakes earlier in the meet and broke his maiden against open company in his career debut at Saratoga. His lone defeat took place against winners at Churchill Downs behind stakes placed Hog Creek Hustle.
“He ran great,” Stewart said. “I’m very proud of him. He’s such a nice horse. He’s been to Saratoga and ran big at Churchill. He’s just a very quality colt. A big thank you goes out to Murray and Jerry Valene for giving me the opportunity to train this horse.”
It was the third win in four career outings for Classy John, who upped his earnings to $171,650.
As the heavy 1-9 favorite, Classy John returned $2.60, $2.10 and $2.10 while Jimi’s a Star brought back $.00 and $2.10. Café Du Monde paid $2.10 to show.
Shae’s Day and Why Not Charlie completed the order of finish.
Midnight Fantasy, with Adam Beschizza aboard, wins the 52nd running of the Louisiana Futurity – Filly Division at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr
MIDNIGHT FANTASY
Midnight Lute–St. Jean
Breeder: J. Adcock & Hume Wornall
Owner: Carl R. Moore Management LLC
Trainer: Joe Sharp
Jockey: Adam Beschizza
2nd Miss Bitters
Old Fashioned–Sheila Tequila
Breeder: Stephen Brown
Owner: Mintmere Thoroughbreds, LLC
Trainer: Glenn Delahoussaye
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
3rd Goodprofit
Guilt Trip–Charming Colleen
Breeder: James McIngvale
Owner: James McIngvale
Trainer: Chris Richard
Jockey: Corey J. Lanerie
In the fillies division three races later, Carl R. Moore Management’s Midnight Fantasy was stuck between horses early, made the lead, then gave it up before taking full command nearing the turn and drawing off to a convincing ten-length score.
Trained by Joe Sharp and guided to victory by Adam Beschizza, the daughter of Midnight Lute completed thee six furlong voyage over a sloppy track in 1:11.62. Miss Bitters finished a distant second and Goodprofit rounded out the trifecta.
Completing the order of finish were Raising the Ante, Its Misty in Paris, Cohenscollegefund and Scat At Ms. Pat’s.
“She’s always had sort of an easy lead in her last couple of wins,” Beschizza said. “Today was a bit of a challenge but we’re still looking forward with her. She’s always been a filly that Joe has held in high regard and hopefully she can live up to her expectations and keep on improving.”
Midnight Fantasy won her first two starts by a combined 12¾ lengths, which took place in a state-bred maiden special weight on Opening Day and the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie Stakes.
“It was good for her to have to take back a bit and sit off another horse,” Sharp said. “Mentally she’s just been rock solid since day one. At some point she was going to have to do that so it was nice. One of these days she’ll get a fast track again, but she seems to handle whatever we throw at her so far.”
Sharp did not rule out the $150,000 Silverbulletday Stakes as a possible next start for Midnight Fantasy and also mentioned the $100,000 Louisiana Bred Premier Night Starlet Stakes at Delta Downs on February 9.
“We’ll talk about it. It’s either (the Silverbulletday Stakes) or Delta,” Sharp said. “We’ll get her back and cool her out. Every option is open at this point.”
With a win in the fillies division of the Louisiana Futurity, Midnight Fantasy has now earned a total of $138,060. As the heavy 1-9 favorite, she returned $2.10 across the board while Miss Bitters paid $5.60 and $2.60. Goodprofit brought back $2.10.
Bred in Louisiana by J. Addock and Hume Wornall, Midnight Fantasy was purchased for $77,000 from this year’s Equine Sales of Louisiana 2-Year-Old and Horses of Racing Age Sale where she was consigned by Pike Racing.
Do you have a date pertaining to Louisiana-breds that you would like included in an upcoming calendar? Please contact Linda 985-386-0360, linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.comfor consideration.
The LTBA would like to remind breeders of several important deadlines coming up before the end of the year.
Pay Accreditation Fees
for 2018 Foals By December 31, 2018
Louisiana Accreditation fees are $75 for 2018 weanlings. On January 1, 2019 foals become yearlings and the rate increases to $250.
Join us for Louisiana Champions Day!
Saturday, December 8, 2018
New Orleans, Fair Grounds
First Post 12:30 p.m. SEVEN STAKES FOR ACCREDITED LOUISIANA THOROUGHBREDS • $750,000 IN PURSES
Mobile Bay winning the $150,000 2017 Louisiana Champions Day Classic. Hodges Photo
Louisiana Champions Day Lassie
Purse $100,000 Guaranteed
Six Furlongs
For Two Year Old Fillies, Accredited Louisiana Bred
Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile
Purse $100,000 Guaranteed
Six Furlongs
For Two Year Old Colts and Geldings, Accredited Louisiana Bred
Louisiana Champions Day Sprint
Purse $100,000 Guaranteed
Six Furlongs
For Three Year Olds and Upward, Accredited Louisiana Bred
Louisiana Champions Day Turf
Purse $100,000 Guaranteed
About one Mile and One Sixteenth (turf)
For Three Year Olds and Upward, Accredited Louisiana Bred
Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Turf
Purse $100,000 Guaranteed
About one Mile and One Sixteenth (turf)
For Three Year Olds and Upward Fillies and Mares, Accredited Louisiana Bred
Louisiana Champions Day Classic
Purse $150,000 Guaranteed
One Mile and One Eighth
For Three Year Olds and Upward, Accredited Louisiana Bred
Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint
Purse $100,000 Guaranteed
Six Furlongs
For Three Year Olds and Upward, Fillies and Mares, Accredited Louisiana Bred
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Do you have a date pertaining to Louisiana-breds that you would like included in an upcoming calendar? Please contact Linda 985-386-0360, linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.comfor consideration.
Clear Creek Stud Stallion Presentation, Folsom, 10:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
Richard R. Scherer Memorial Overnight Stakes, New Orleans Fair Grounds
Dec 7
LTBA Board of Directors Meeting, 2:00 p.m., Landry’s Seafood Lakefront, New Orleans
The Magic City Classic, New Orleans Fair Grounds
Dec 8
28thAnnual Louisiana Champions Day, 7 stakes for Louisiana Bred Thoroughbreds, 3 stakes for Louisiana Bred Quarter Horses New Orleans Fair Grounds, 1stPost 12:30 p.m.
Louisiana Champions Day, Race Central, 12:30 through last race,New Orleans Fair Grounds, Black Gold Room. Lunch is served from 1pm – 3pm. LTBA MEMBERS WELCOME!
LTBA Scholarship Drawings; two $1,000 scholarships for current college students. (Registration between 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Drawings for two scholarships will occur at the winners circle after the 5thrace. Must be present at winners circle to win.)
Dec 15
Holiday Family Day, New Orleans Fair Grounds
Anyone with information about Louisiana Breds winning outside of North America, please contact Roger Heitzmann (Roger@louisianabred.com)
Dec 22
Santa Super Saturday, New Orleans Fair Grounds: Tenacious Stakes, Bonapaw Stakes, Blushing KD Stakes, Buddy Diliberto Memorial Stakes, Sugar Bowl Overnight Stake, Letellier Memorial Stakes
Dec 24
Christmas Eve – LTBA Offices closed
Dec 25
Christmas– LTBA Offices closed
Dec 26
Tiffany Lass Overnight Stake, New Orleans Fair Grounds
Dec 28
Starlight Racing, New Orleans Fair Grounds, 1st post 5 p.m. Fair Grounds Starlight Racing. The Topcats in the Clubhouse 7-11 p.m.
LTBA and Fair Grounds Scholarship Drawings; four $1,000 scholarships for current college students. Must be present to win. For Details contact Fair Grounds Race Course.
Dec 29
Louisiana Futurity, Divisions for Fillies and for Colts and Geldings, New Orleans Fair Grounds
New Orleans Fair Grounds Stakes: Woodchopper Stakes, Pago Hop Stakes,
Dec 31
New Years Eve
Louisiana Stallion Registrations Due
Louisiana Futurity Nominations Due (pregnant mares)
FINAL DAY to apply for accreditation of 2018 Louisiana Bred foal at weanling rate of $75. As of January 1, 2019, 2018 foals become yearlings and the rate increases to $250.
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OPELOUSAS, LA – Evangeline Downs hosted two divisions of the $75,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity on Saturdaynight for Louisiana-bred 2-year-olds, one for colts and geldings and one for fillies.
Pickett wins the colt division of the D.S “Shine” Young Memorial Futurity. Coady Photography
D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity (colt and gelding div.)
Evangeline Downs, 7-14-18, 5 1/2 furlongs, $75,000
2YO Accredited Louisiana Breds
PICKETT
Goldencents–Street Beat
Breeder: William D. Pickett
Owner: Charles Carlton
Trainer: Glenn Delahoussaye
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
2nd Victory Trip
Guilt Trip–Anne Margaret
Breeder: Terry Adcock
Owner: Norman Stables
Trainer: Lonnie Briley
Jockey: Ashley Broussard
3rd Beto
Custom for Carlos–Bella Moneta
Breeder: Jason Hall & BCS Thoroughbreds LLC
Owner: L. William and Corinne Heilibrodt
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Jockey: Roberto Morales
In the Colts and Geldings Division, a speed duel between the two betting choices developed as Beto and Pickett hooked up shortly after the start. The pair duked it out through a swift 21.97 seconds for the quarter-mile and 45.87 for the half. Beto, the 7-5 betting favorite, was the one that gave way as they entered the stretch. Pickett then had to withstand a late challenge from Victory Trip and did so convincingly, pulling away to a nine-length victory in a final time of 1:05.37 for the 5-1/2 furlongs over the fast track.
Pickett was sent off at 5-2 by the wagering public and paid $7.60 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.60 to show. Victory Trip returned $4.40 to place and $3 to show. Beto held third and paid $2.60 to show.
Pickett was bred in Louisiana by William D. Pickett and is owned by Charles Carlton. The 2-year-old gelding is trained by Glenn Delahoussaye and was ridden to victory by Tim Thornton. Pickett is by two-time Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner, Goldencents and out of the Dixie Brass mare, Street Beat. He is now 2-for-2 in his brief career and the $45,000 first-place purse increases his lifetime earnings to $59,400.
Atchata wins the filly division of the D.S “Shine” Young Memorial Futurity. Coady Photography
ATCHATA
Apriority–Sweet Jackie Jo
Breeder: 4M Ranch
Owner: L. William and Corinne Heilibrodt
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd D’Rockette
D’wildcat–Rock N Roll Brick
Breeder: Carrol J. Castille
Owner: Whispering Oaks Farm LLC
Trainer: Steven B. Flint
Jockey: Roberto Morales
3rd Scat At M. Pat’s
Bind-Fast Annie
Breeder: J. Adcock
Owner: Rodney Virgadamo and Keith Bonura
Trainer: Justin Jeansonne
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
In the Fillies Division of the $75,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity, it was Atchata who shone the brightest. The filly, who was sent off as the 4-5 betting favorite, was one of the early pacesetters after a strong start. She and Scat At Ms. Pat’s dueled through strong fractions of 22.12 seconds for the quarter-mile and 46.14 for the half-mile. As the field turned for home, Atchata turned on the after-burners and drew away to a convincing 6-1/2 length victory in a final time of 1:06.25 for the 5-1/2 furlongs. An 80-1 longshot, D’rockette closed to get second and Scat At Ms. Pat’s held third.
Atchata returned $3.60 to win, $3 to place and $2.40 to show. D’Rockette paid $27.80 to place and $7.80 to show, while Scat At Ms. Pat’s paid $3 to show.
Atchata was bred in Louisiana by 4M Ranch and owned by Corrine and William Heiligbrodt. The 2-year-old filly is trained by Steve Asmussen and was ridden to victory by Diego Saenz. Atchata is by Apriority and is out of the Stormy Atlantic mare, Sweet Jackie Jo. She has now won two of three races in her career and the $45,000 first-place purse increased her lifetime earnings to $100,000.
Israel Flores Horses’ Pound for Pound, who finished a neck in front his competition in the colt and gelding division of the Louisiana Futurity for 2-year-old Accredited Louisiana-breds, was the first black-type winner for his sire Redding Colliery. Pound For Pound made an eight-day return to the races to hold off 4-5 favorite Givemeaminit down the Fair Grounds stretch and light up the tote board at odds of 21-1. Pound For Pound’s last start was just last Saturday, Dec. 23 where he defeated seven other Louisiana-breds in a 7½-furlong allowance event at his Delta Downs home base. In October, he broke his maiden first time out at 48-1 odds.
Redding Colliery, a Grade 2 stakes winning son of Mineshaft stands at Red River Farms in Louisiana for a 2018 fee of $2,000.
Brittlyn Stable’s Iona Star breezes to the finish with Diego Saenz aboard in the Louisiana Futurity – Filly Division at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr
IONA STAR
Star Guitar–Miss Peenyata, by Mr. Greeley
Breeder: Brittlyn Stables, Inc.
Owner: Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Justin Jeansonne
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Feisty Embrace
Brethren–Appalachianna, by Langfuhr
Breeder: Matalona Thoroughbreds, LLC
Owner: Matalona Thoroughbreds, LLC
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
3rd Cool Spring
Concord Point–Thistle Bear, by Gators N Bears
Breeder: Tigertail Ranch
Owner: Tigertail Ranch
Trainer: Danny Pish
Jockey: Jose Valdivia, Jr.
Several Delta Downs-based horses shipped 231 miles east to New Orleans and two of them took home both divisions of the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots’ Louisiana Futurity on Sunday, Dec. 31.
In the fillies division, which carried a purse of $96,430, Brittlyn Stable Inc.’s Iona Star broke straight to the lead coming out of the gate, never looked back and won in wire-to-wire fashion.
Guided by jockey Diego Saenz, the two-year-old daughter of Star Guitar set opening fractions of 22.78, 46.63, and 58.95 before opening up on the field at the top of the stretch to win the Louisiana Futurity by four lengths. Feisty Embrace and Cool Spring were second and throughout the six-furlong journey and took the place and show spot, respectively. Overwhelming 1-5 favorite Champagne Diva was bumped at the start and did not fire finishing a disappointing fourth.
“She had a good trip,” Saenz said. “She was in front the whole time and that’s what we wanted. She likes the long stretch. She finished well.”
Iona Star entered her victory in the Louisiana Futurity off of a maiden win at Delta Downs on Nov. 21, which she also took in wire-to-wire fashion. She is trained by Justin Jeansonne.
“She broke real sharp,” Jeansonne said. “Her biggest thing is to get out of the gates, make the lead and keep her mind focused. Diego knows her and he’s been getting on her since her first work so he knows her pretty well.”
Iona Star gave back $14.20, $4.60 and $10.40 while Feisty Embrace returned $4.20 and $8. Cool Spring, who went off at 27-1, returned $25.40 to show.
She earned $57,138 from her triumph in the Louisiana Futurity fillies’ division and increased lifetime earnings to $79,578. She won her last two in four lifetime starts.
Rounding out the field are Champagne Diva, Girls Life and Bionic Butterfly.
Minit To Stardom, the 6-5 morning-line favorite, was scratched.
Pound for Pound, with Miguel Mena aboard, beat Givemeaminit in a close race for the Louisiana Futurity – Colt and Gelding Division at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr
POUND FOR POUND
Redding Colliery–Buttercup’s Song, by Unbridled’s Song
Breeder: J. Adcock & B&B Bloodstock
Owner: Israel Flores Horses LLC
Trainer: Jose Grimaldo
Jockey: Miguel Mena
2nd Givemeaminit
Star Guitar–Powerful Nation, by Turkoman
Breeder: Clear Creek Stud LLC
Owner: Valene Farms LLC
Trainer: Dallas Stewart
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
3rd Greeley Went West
El Corredor–So Well Read, by Read the Footnotes
Breeder: Tom Curtis & Wayne Simpson
Owner: Phyllis J. Hodges and Randy Schiender
Trainer: James E. Hodges
Jockey: James Graham
Four races later, Israel Flores Horses LLC’s Pound For Pound made an eight-day return to the races to hold off 4-5 favorite Givemeaminit down the Fair Grounds stretch and light up the tote board at odds of 21-1 in the colts and gelding division of the $104,930 Louisiana Futurity.
Trained by Jose Grimaldo and ridden to victory by Miguel Mena, the two-year-old son of Redding Colliery came from well off a swift pace led by Divine Bean, who threw down opening fractions of 21.84 and 45.15 before giving way in mid-stretch to Ready Prospector who led at the five-eighths mark in 58.06. Finally, Ready Prospector was passed up by Pound For Pound and Givemeaminit who battled their way to the wire but it was the former of the two who got the job done by a neck. Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile winner Greeley Went West finished third.
“Jose told me to ride him with a lot of confidence and I did,” Mena said. “We had a good trip and he was kind of green down the stretch but (Givemeaminit) came along the outside and was very game, too.”
Pound For Pound’s last start was just last Saturday, Dec. 23 where he defeated seven other Louisiana-breds in a 7½-furlong allowance event at his Delta Downs home base. In October, he broke his maiden first time out at 48-1 odds, which he followed with a third-place effort in the Louisiana Legacy Stakes behind Gladyousawme (seventh in the Louisiana Futurity), both of which were also at Delta Downs. He then shipped to the Fair Grounds for another crack at a state-bred stakes in the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile, but could do no better than fifth behind Greeley Went West.
“The last couple of times he was kind of green but he’s getting better,” Grimaldo said. “I was happy with the way he ran and I think we have a future with this horse. I never expected this because these were such nice horses but I told the owner, ‘I think we have a chance to be in the money,’.”
Pound For Pound popped the cork on his backers’ New Year’s Eve rewarding them in payouts of $45.80, $10.60 and $6 while Givemeaminit returned $3 and $2.20. Greeley Went West returned $3.20 to show.
He earned a $60,798 share from his victory in the Louisiana Futurity which boosted his lifetime earnings to $123,798. He has won three of his five career starts.
Completing the field were Ready Prospector, Divine Bean, Da’ Big Newt, Gladyousawme, Vapor Viper and Monsieur Brown.
Louisiana Futurity Nominations Due (pregnant mares)
Jan 1
New Years Day
LTBA Offices Closed in observance of New Years
Jan 5
Lookout S., Delta Downs, Vinton, LA
Jan 6
B-Connected S., Delta Downs, Vinton, LA
Pan Zareta Overnight S., Fair Grounds, New Orleans, LA
Jan 12
Take Charge Brandi S., Delta Downs, Vinton, LA
Eldorado S., Delta Downs, Vinton, LA
Jan 13
Road to the Derby Kickoff Day, New Orleans Fair Grounds; G3 Lecompte S, Silverbulletday S., Duncan F. Kenner S., Louisiana S., G3 Col. E. R. Bradley H., Marie G. Krantz Mem. S.
Fremont S., Delta Downs, Vinton, LA
Big Drama S., Delta Downs, Vinton, LA
Jan 15
Martin Luther King Day
Jan 28
The Big Easy Overnight S., New Orleans Fair Grounds
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