2020 Accredited Louisiana-Bred Champions
by Tom Early
Category: Mariah’s Galaxy
LTBA Announces 2020 Champions; Names No Parole 2020 Louisiana Horse of the Year
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Obituary: Margie K. Averett
Margie Lee Kinchen Averett
Margie Lee Kinchen Averett, age 85, passed away on July 13, 2020. She was a resident of Loranger, LA.
A long time Louisiana thoroughbred breeder, Margie was named the 2017 Leading Louisiana Breeder by Breeders Awards. In 2020, she is represented by Mariah’s Galaxy who has won both the LA Bred Premier Night Distaff Stakes and the recent Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff Stakes.
Margie was the valedictorian of her graduating class from Albany High School. Margie retired from Hammond Vocational School after 33 years of service. She enjoyed many hobbies that included cooking, crafting, and sewing. Margie was infamous for her parties and entertaining. Time with her family is what she cherished most.
Margie is survived by sons, Ronnie Averett and wife Kathleen, and Gerald “Dewey” Averett, Jr. and fiancee’ Michelle Hamilton; brothers, Bruce Kinchen and Albert Kinchen; grandchildren, Gerald Averett, III and fiancee’ Angela Thompson, Lacey Lee Averett Ard and husband Charlie, Kylie Averett, and Heath Averett; great grandchildren, Madelyn Kinlee Ard and Mallory Klaire Ard. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Averett, Sr.; parents, Fannie and Ivy Kinchen; sisters, Monelle Kinchen Bankston and husband Pete, Fannie Kinchen Jordan and husband Ras, and Ivy Kinchen; brothers, Hollis Kinchen and wife Betty, Ivy Kinchen and wife Clare, Benjamin Kinchen and wife Hilda Kinchen Misita; grandparents, Benjamin and Ella Kinchen; and sisters-in-law, Carolyn DePriest Kinchen and Mattie Mae Kinchen.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation in the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, 12012 Hwy 190 W, Hammond, LA, on Friday, July 17, 2020 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 12 p.m. and interment to follow at Averett Family Cemetery, Loranger, LA.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Joanna Hernandez, Jose Hernandez, Georgiana Bankston, Michelle Hamilton, Dr. Leonard Treanor, Dee Lance, Modern Home Health and Hospice, and Doreen Ward.
Mariah’s Galaxy Edges Competition to Win Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff
Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff
Evangeline Downs, 7-4-20, 1 mile, turf
Accredited Louisiana Bred, Three-Year-Olds and Upwards, Fillies and Mares, $60,000
MARIAH’S GALAXY
Greeley’s Galaxy–Black Mariah
Breeder: Margie Averett
Owner: Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: Kevin J. Smith
2nd
Net a Bear
Awesome Bet–Edacious Reality
Breeder: Lora Pitre & Elaine Carroll
Owner: Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro
Trainer: Allen Landry
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
3rd
Is Too
Mi
Breeder: J. Adcock & Montgomery Equine Center
Owner: Baronne Farms, LLC
Trainer: Edward J. Johnston
Jockey: Diego Saenz
LOUISIANA-BREDS SHINE ON LOUISIANA LEGENDS NIGHT AT EVANGELINE DOWNS
by Michael Chamberlain
JOCKEY JOEL DOMINGUEZ AND TRAINER STEVE ASMUSSEN TEAM UP FOR TWO STAKES WINS ON THE PROGRAM
OPELOUSAS, LA – Evangeline Downs hosted Louisiana Legends Night, its annual celebration of the Louisiana-bred Thoroughbred, on Saturday night. There were six stakes races on the 10-race program, each with a $60,000 purse.
The evening began with a stylish victory in the $60,000 Cheval for 3-year-olds by the 1-9 betting favorite, Relentless Dancer. The colt, who has run against the likes of Belmont Stakes winner, Tiz The Law, and runner-up, Dr. Post, scored a 1-3/4 length victory covering the mile in 1:38.21 over the fast main track.
Relentless Dancer sat just off the comfortable pace set by longshot Unwanted Intruder, who led through a quarter-mile of 24.69 seconds and a half-mile of 48.91. Jockey Ty Kennedy then sent him to the lead on the far turn, but he was challenged there by Sydster. Sydster hung in through the lane, but Relentless Dancer withstood his effort to claim the victory. Relentless Dancer paid $2.20 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Sydster paid $2.20 to place and $2.10 to show, while Jax Man returned $2.10 to show.
Relentless Dancer is by 2002 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner, Midshipman, and is out of the Benchmark mare, Passion For Words. He was bred in Louisiana by Paul Pruett and is owned by Paradise Farms Corp. and trained by Mike Maker. Relentless Dancer earned $36,000 for his victory, which increases his lifetime earnings to $155,838, and he has won three of seven career starts.
The $60,000 Turf Distaff was considered a three-horse race by the betting public and they were proven correct as the three favorites were the first three finishers. Mariah’s Galaxy prevailed in a stirring stretch drive to win by a head over Net A Bear in a final time of 1:37.15 for the one mile distance on the firm turf course.
Mariah’s Galaxy was expertly handled by jockey Kevin Smith as she sat just off a three-horse pace battle through early fractions of 24.60 seconds for the quarter and 49.22 for the half. She was moved aggressively to challenge the leaders on the far turn and took the lead entering the stretch. Is Too tried to hang on after being part of that pace set-up, but could not go with Mariah’s Galaxy and Net A Bear, who trailed early on but rallied to be with Mariah’s Galaxy when it counted. Mariah’s Galaxy won at off odds of 7-2 and paid $9.20 to win, $4.40 to place and $2.10 to show. Net A Bear returned $3.20 to place and $2.10 to show, while Is Too paid $2.10 to show.
Mariah’s Galaxy is a 6-year-old mare bred in Louisiana by Margie Averett. She is owned by Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte and trained by Victor Arceneaux. Mariah’s Galaxy is by Greeley’s Galaxy and is out of the Devil His Due mare, Black Mariah. Her $36,000 first-place check bumps her lifetime earnings to $420,985. She has now won 11 of 27 career starts.
The first big upset of the night came in the $60,000 Mademoiselle, a race that featured a furious finish with five horses across the track inside the final furlong. Snowball was the horse on the far outside and she was the winner, coming through at odds of 12-1 and holding off fellow longshot, Saints N Muskets was came home second at odds of 23-1. Snowball finished the 5-1/2 furlongs in a time of 1:05.15.
The character of the race was altered slightly after the 9-5 betting favorite, Play Unified, missed the break slightly, and was last in the field of ten at the outset. A three-horse pace war developed between Our Lost Love, Dr. Liz and Echoesoftime as they tussled through a quarter of 22.02 seconds and a half of 45.79. The closers started to reel in the pace-setters as the field entered the stretch with Tensas Thought in with a chance in addition to Snowball and Saints N Muskets. Snowball simply outfinished everyone else to win by a half-length.
Snowball paid $26.20 to win, $10.80 to place and $4.20 to show. Saints N Muskets returned $22 to place and $9.40 to show. Play Unified managed to rally after her poor start to finish third and she paid $2.80 to show.
Snowball is by Apriority and is out of the Value Plus mare, Inner Peace. She was bred in Louisiana by 4M Ranch. Snowball is owned by Tin Roof Farms, LLC and trained by Sam Breaux. Ty Kennedy was aboard for his second stakes win of the evening. Her $36,000 first-place purse increases her lifetime earnings to $175,100 and she has now won three of her 20 career starts.
Shang was able to wear down the competition and come through in the $60,000 Turf as a 4-5 betting favorite. The early pace of the Turf was set by three horses as In The Navy broke on top, but was challenged by both Grand Luwegee and Trevilion through early fractions of 24.44 seconds for the quarter and 48.03 for the half. Shang sat right off that pace in fourth position as the field went to the turn and was sent up to challenge by jockey Joel Dominguez. He seized the lead in mid-stretch and withstood a late charge from Treys Midnite Moon and Trevilion to win by a half-length in a final time of 1:36.63 for the mile on the turf.
Shang paid $3.60 to win, $2.80 to place and $2.20 to show. Treys Midnite Moon won the photo for second and paid $11.80 to place and $7.40 to show. Trevilion paid $6 to show.
Shang is by Shanghai Bobby and is out of the Humble Eleven mare, Humble Janet. The 4-year-old colt is owned by Corinne and William Heiligbrodt and trained by Steve Asmussen. The win was his seventh in 14 career starts and the $36,000 first-place purse increases his lifetime earnings to $356,200.
The story in the $60,000 Sprint entering the evening was the attempt of Monte Man to successfully win the race three years in a row. That did not happen as the 7-5 betting favorite, Laughingsaintssong, grabbed control of the race on the far turn and went on to score an impressive victory in a final time of 1:04.22 for the 5-1/2 furlongs.
A 60-1 longshot, A Flash Of Copper, set the early pace and was prompted by Scarlettsblackjack and Reckless Ransom through the early fractions of 22.28 for the quarter and 45.77 for the half. Laughingsaintssong was sent up into the fray by jockey Tim Thornton on the far turn and was able to power away through the stretch for a 1-3/4 length victory over Scarlettsblackjack, who stayed on well for second, while Monte Man was not a factor and finished third.
Laughingsaintssong paid $4.80 to win, $3.60 to place and $2.60 to show. Scarlettsblackjack paid $10 to place and $6.20 to show, while Monte Man returned $3.40 to show.
Laughingsaintssong was bred in Louisiana by J.E. Jumonville, Jr. and Bunny Jumonville. The 6-yeaar-old gelding is owned by Rodney J. Verret and trained by Allen Landry. He is by Songandaprayer and is out of the Vindication mare, Laughing Saint. The win was his 10th in 26 career starts and the $36,000 first-place check boosts his lifetime earnings to $363,010.
The final stakes race of the evening, the $60,000 Soiree, started off in a measured fashion as 95-1 longshot, Gator Proud, assumed the early lead and slowed things right down through a quarter-mile of 26.04 seconds and a half-mile of 51.54 seconds. Things picked up significantly as the field reached the far turn as the even-money favorite, Vacherie Girl, made her move. She was immediately challenged by Quikfast N Ahurry and Southern Liaison. That threesome fought all the way through the stretch before Vacherie Girl was able to prevail by a head in a final time of 1:41.39 for the mile on the main track.
Vacherie Girl paid $4.20 to win, $2.80 to place and $2.20 to show. Southern Liaison settled for second and paid $2.80 to place and $2.20 to show, while Quikfast N Ahurry paid $2.80 to show.
Vacherie Girl was the second winner of the night for the connections of owners Corinne and William Heiligbrodt, trainer Steve Asmussen and jockey Joel Dominguez. She was bred in Louisiana by Georgia Farms, Inc. Vacherie Girl is by Tapiture and is out of the Officer mare, Saucey Officer. The win was her fourth in six starts and the $36,000 first-place purse raises her lifetime earnings to $179,307.
Live racing at Evangeline Downs will resume on Wednesday night with a nine-race program. Post time on Wednesday will be 5:50 pm Central Time.
For more information on racing at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com. Evangeline Downs’ Twitter handle is @EVDRacing and the racetrack is also accessible on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacing.
About Evangeline Downs
Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel is owned by Boyd Gaming Corporation, a leading diversified owner and operator of 29 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Boyd Gaming press releases are available at www.prnewswire.com. Additional news and information can be found at www.boydgaming.com, or www.evangelinedowns.com.
Mariah’s Galaxy Victorious in LA Bred Premier Night Distaff
LA Bred Premier Night Distaff
Delta Downs, 2-8-20, 1 mile
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Bred, Fillies and Mares, $125,000
MARIAH’S GALAXY
Greeley’s Galaxy – Black Mariah
Breeder: Margie K. Averett
Owner: Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: K.J. Smith
2nd
Tenpins Tempo
Tenpins-Perfect Time
Breeder: Elite Thoroughbreds
Owner: Elite Thoroughbred Racing
Trainer: Lee Thomas
Jockey: A. Broussard
3rd
Special Blessing
Flat Out-Langsyne
Breeder: J. Adcock
Owner: Coteau Grove Farms LLC
Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun
Jockey: M. Mena
UNDERPRESSURE WINS A HEART POUNDING LOUISIANA PREMIER NIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
– NO PAROLE TAKES ANOTHER STEP FORWARD ON THE KENTUCKY DERBY TRAIL –
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted its richest program of the season on Saturday night with another edition of Louisiana Premier Night. The 11-race card featured 10 stakes races for Louisiana-bred horses and nearly $1 million in total purse money up for grabs.
The featured event of the night was the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship for older horses competing at 1-1/16 miles and the event had a dramatic finish as Mallory Greiner’s Underpressure ran down a determined Pound for Pound in the stretch to get the victory under jockey Gerard Melancon.
The Championship began with the odds-on favorite Shang charging out to the early lead and carving out fractional times of 24.17 seconds for the opening quarter mile, 48.81 for the half, and 1:13.69 for three-quarters. When the field turned for home, Melancon let Underpressure loose after sitting several lengths off the early lead. The pair then reached the upper-stretch with their sights set on Pound for Pound, who had overtaken Shang and was looking make it home in front.
The stretch run of the Championship turned into a war of wills, as Underpressure slowly but surely cut into the lead of Pound for Pound before overtaking him in the final strides to win by a half-length. Star Fitzstall finished another five length behind in third.
Underpressure covered the distance of the Championship in a time of 1:45.51 while running on a fast track.
Trainer Chris Richard was very proud of his hard-knocking gelding after the race. “It was a very competitive race; he always shows up and gives us a big effort. I felt he was coming into the race as good as he ever has. Gerard did and excellent job! We’ll look at some Louisiana-bred stakes at Fair Grounds next.”
Underpressure has now won 12-of-35 career races and his $90,000 payday on Saturday pushed his lifetime bankroll up to $693,382.
Bred in Louisiana by James McIngvale, Underpressure is a 6-year-old gelding by Birdstone, out of the Charismatic mare Charming Colleen.
Sent to the gate at odds of 5-1, Underpressure paid $12.40 to win, $4.60 to place and $7.20 to show. Pound for Pound returned $4.40 to place and $8 to show. Star Fitzstall was worth $13.80 to show.
In other action on Louisiana Premier Night the $125,000 LAPN Distaff was won by Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte’s Mariah’s Galaxy, who scored her third stakes win of the season. Mariah’s Galaxy was ridden to victory by regular jockey Kevin Smith and is trained by Victor Arceneaux. Mariah’s Galaxy also took the Magnolia and Treasure Chest Stakes earlier in the meeting.
Maggi Moss’s 3-year-old superstar No Parole made quick work of his rivals in this year’s $100,000 Louisiana Premier Night Prince as he led every step of the way under James Graham for trainer Tom Amoss. The win was his third in a row and none have been close. Saturday’s victory was by 6-1/2 lengths and now his connections look forward to a possible Kentucky Derby prep race for the son of Violence, out of the Bluegrass Cat mare Plus One.
Steph’sfullasugar won the $125,000 LAPN Starlet with jockey Colby Hernandez riding for trainer Victor Arceneaux. The winner is owned by Autumn Hill Farms Racing Stables, Inc. The win came in Steph’sfullasugar’s stakes debut and her second career race overall.
This year’s $100,000 LAPN Matron was won impressively by Minit to Stardom under jockey Alex Citron. The property of Brittlyn Stable, Inc. (Evelyn Benoit) is conditioned by Jose Camejo. Minit to Stardom is a graded stakes winner who surpassed the half-million mark in career earnings with the win.
The $100,000 LAPN Sprint was taken in come-from-behind style by Double Barrel Man who was ridden to victory by jockey Paulina Ramirez, who had two wins on the program. Double Barrel Man is owned by GK Racing, LLC (Gary Knight) and is conditioned by leading trainer Karl Broberg.
The $60,000 LAPN Gentlemen Starter was annexed by Pinch Assault for owners John T. Easley and Brian A. Huval. Huval also trains and the winning ride went to Joel Dominguez. Pinch Assault is a 6-year-old who now has 10 wins from 37 career starts.
This year’s $60,000 LAPN Ladies Starter was won by Flying Start, LLC’s My Little Jen. The 4-year-old filly produced the first stakes win for both jockey Paulina Ramirez’s and trainer Judy Beavin. My Little Jen defeated the heavily favored Dale’s Lil Sis, who came into the race on a four-race winning streak.
The $50,000 LAPN Ragin Cajun Starter was taken by Big Em C with jockey C. J. McMahon in the saddle. The 5-year-old gelding has now won four races on the season for owner End Zone Athletics and leading trainer Karl Broberg.
Sarge’s Daughter dominated seven rivals to win the $50,000 LAPN Bon Temps Starter with jockey Eguard Tejera in the saddle for trainer Beverly Burress. The 8-year-old mare is owned by former jockey Juan Larrosa.
Delta Downs will embark on its 19th week of live racing Wednesday night with a nine-race program that kicks off at 4:55 pm. The current season runs through February 29.
MARIAH’S GALAXY WINS THE TREASURE CHEST AT DELTA DOWNS
LOUISIANA-BRED ALSO WON THE MAGNOLIA STAKES ON OPENING WEEKEND
The Treasure Chest Stakes
Delta Downs, 11-15-19, One mile
Three-year-olds and upwards, fillies and mares, $100,000
MARIAH’S GALAXY
Greeley’s Galaxy–Black Mariah
Breeder: Margie K. Averett (LA)
Owner: Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: Kevin J. Smith
2nd
She’s Our Fastest
Oratory–Dawali
Breeder: Eureka Thoroughbred Farm (TX)
Owner: Mark Norman and Norman Stables LLC
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: Thomas L. Pompell
3rd
Special Blessing
Flat Out–Langsyne
Breeder: J. Adcock (LA)
Owner: Coteau Grove Farms LLC
Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun
Jockey: Roberto Morales
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted the 14th running of the $100,000 Treasure Chest Stakes on Friday night and the winner was Mariah’s Galaxy under jockey Kevin Smith. The Victor Arceneaux trainee has now won two stakes races already this season as she also took the $100,000 Magnolia on opening weekend, October 11.
Mariah’s Galaxy’s task in the Treasure Chest appeared to be tougher one as she was facing open company this time after beating Louisiana-breds in the Magnolia. She passed the test with flying colors however as she sat back in the 10-horse field while Summer’s Indy set the early pace of 23.01 seconds for the opening quarter mile and 47.40 for the half. As the field entered the final turn of the one mile event Smith called on his mount and she responded with a determined rally that put her 1-1/2 lengths in front of Shes Our Fastest at the wire while Special Blessing rallied for third, another four lengths behind the top pair. Summer’s Indy faded to fourth.
The final time for Mariah’s Galaxy over a fast track in the Treasure Chest was 1:39.51
The win by Mariah’s Galaxy, who is owned by Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte, was the ninth of her 24-race career. She banked another $60,000 for her win on Friday and now boasts a lifetime bankroll of $302,485.
Bred in Louisiana by Margie K. Averett, Mariah’s Galaxy is a 5-year-old mare by Greeley’s Galaxy, out of the Devil His Due mare Black Mariah.
Sent to the gate at odds of 5-1, Mariah’s Galaxy paid $12 to win, $5.20 to place and $4 to show. Shes Our Fastest was worth $11.20 to place and $7 to show. Special Blessing paid $4.80 to show.
For more information about racing at Delta Downs visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 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.
MARIAH’S GALAXY PUTS TAKES $100,000 MAGNOLIA STAKES
THE VICTOR ARCENEAUX TRAINEE EARNS SECOND CAREER STAKES WIN
Magnolia Stakes
Delta Downs, 10-11-19, One mile
Accredited Louisiana Bred, 3-year-olds and Upwards, Fillies and Mares, $100,000
MARIAH’S GALAXY
Greeley’s Galaxy-Black Mariah
Breeder: Margie K. Averett
Owner: Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: Kevin J. Smith
2nd
Remember Daisy
Misremembered-Very Speightstown
Breeder: Al Ulwelling and Bill Ulwelling
Owner: Al and Bill Ulwelling
Trainer: Gary M. Scherer
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
3rd
Special Blessing
Flat Out-Langsyne
Breeder: J. Adcock
Owner: Coteau Grove Farms LLC
Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun
Jockey: Roberto Morales
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted the first stakes race of its new Thoroughbred season on Friday night as Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte’s Mariah’s Galaxy stormed home in front to take the $100,000 Magnolia Stakes for Louisiana-bred fillies and mares under jockey Kevin Smith.
Mariah’s Galaxy, who is trained by Victor Arceneaux, also won the Lookout Stakes at Delta Downs last year and now boasts and overall record of eight wins from 23 career starts. The $60,000 paycheck on Friday night raised her career bankroll to $242,485.
Fleet Halo took the early lead in Friday’s one-mile headliner and carved our fractional times 23.67 seconds for the opening quarter-mile, 48.22 for the half and 1:13.08 for three quarters. But when she turned for home she was engulfed by Mariah’s Galaxy who had sat back in the field early before commencing a rally that put her in front at the top of the lane. Following Mariah’s Galaxy was race favorite Remember Daisey, who wound up four lengths behind the winner on the finish line. Special Blessing finished another 2-3/4 lengths behind the top pair in third.
The winner covered the distance in a time of 1:39.72 over a fast track.
Bred in Louisiana by Margie K. Averett, Mariah’s Galaxy is a 5-year-old mare by Greeley’s Galaxy, out of the Devil His Due mare Black Mariah.
Sent to the gate at odds of 15-1, Mariah’s Galaxy paid $32.60 to win, $9 to place and $4.40 to show. Remember Daisey returned $2.60 to place and $2.10 to show. Special Blessing was worth $3 to show.
Delta Downs will close out its opening week of racing on Saturday with another 10-race program that begins at 4:55 pm CST. Saturday’s featured race is the $100,000 Gold Cup for Louisiana-bred older horses competing at one mile.
For more information about racing at Delta Downs visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 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.
MARIAH’S GALAXY SCORES FIRST STAKES WIN IN THE LOOKOUT AT DELTA DOWNS
– JOCKEY KEVIN SMITH RIDES THE WINNER AFTER DIEGO SAENZ INJURY –
Lookout Stakes
Delta Downs, 12-28-18, 1 mile
Three Year Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies or Mares, $65,000
MARIAH’S GALAXY
Greeley’s Galaxy–Black Mariah
Breeder: Margie K. Averett
Owner: Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: Kevin J. Smith
2nd
Salty Martini
Quiet American–French Martini
Breeder: Becky Winemiller
Owner: Tyron Benoit
Trainer: Jose M. Camejo
Jockey: Roberto Morales
3rd
Tap Dance Star
Star Guitar–Dance by Em
Breeder: Virginia Lazenby
Owner: Virginia Lazenby Racing Stable LLC
Trainer: Oscar Modica
Jockey: Gerard Melancon
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted the $65,000 Lookout Stakes on Friday night and it was Riley Blanchet and Todd Matte’s filly Mariah’s Galaxy who notched the first stakes score of her career. The winner was ridden by jockey Kevin Smith, who picked up the mount after scheduled rider Diego Saenz was injured while being unseated by one of his mounts earlier in the program.
Mariah’s Galaxy was reserved early in the one-mile Lookout as she sat in a ground-saving position behind pacesetter Fleet Halo, who set the fractional times of 24.06 seconds for the quarter-mile, 49.37 for the half, and 1:14.48 for three-quarters. When the field turned for home Smith got after his mount and she responded by running down the leader and drawing clear to win by 3-1/2 lengths over Salty Martini, who also finished well. Tap Dance Star wound up third, another length behind the runner-up.
Mariah’s Galaxy covered the distance over a fast track in a time of 1:41.40.
The win by Mariah’s Galaxy marked the sixth of her 19-race career. The winner’s prize of $39,000 raised her career bankroll to $148,130.
Mariah’s Galaxy is a 4-year-old filly by Greeley’s Galaxy, out of the Devil His Due mare Black Mariah. She was bred in Louisiana by Margie K. Averett.
Sent to the gate at odds of 9-5, Mariah’s Galaxy paid $5.60 to win, $4.20 to place and $3.40 to show. Salty Martini was worth $19.40 to place and $8.20 to show. Tap Dance Star paid $5 to show.
Delta Downs will close out its race week on Saturday night with another 10-race program and another stakes race. The featured event will be the $65,000 B Connected Stakes for 4-year-olds and upward competing at one mile. First post time is set for 5:25 pm.
For more information about racing at Delta Downs visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino 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.
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