ROB TUEL HIRED AS NEW FULL TIME TRACK ANNOUNCER AT EVANGELINE DOWNS

NEBRASKA NATIVE TAKES THE MICROPHONE ON OPENING NIGHT, APRIL 28

   

OPELOUSAS, LA. – Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel has announced the hiring of Rob Tuel as its new full-time track announcer replacing Michael Chamberlain, who had spent the last six years behind the microphone in Opelousas, Louisiana.

 

Tuel’s race calling experience began in 2004 at Eureka Downs in Kansas, where he called both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. Over the years he has also called races in his home state of Nebraska at FairPlay Park, Lincoln Race Course and Atokad Park.

 

“I am honored and thrilled to be selected as the new track announcer at Evangeline Downs,” said Tuel. “It has been a lifelong dream to the announcer at such a prestigious racetrack and I cannot wait to begin.”

 

Tuel will also have the responsibility of handicapping each program at Evangeline Downs while also hosting the track’s daily simulcast show. His experience in front of the camera along with a lifetime of handicapping horse races will provide fans with valuable insights and plenty of winning picks nightly. From 2010 – 2012 he served as paddock host and handicapper at Lincoln Race Course while working with Chamberlain, who was the announcer at that time.

 

“We are very exciting to have Rob join our racing team here at Evangeline Downs,” said Carol Core, Vice President and General Manager. “He brings plenty of excitement and enthusiasm to the position of track announcer and I’m sure he will be well received by race fans both locally and across the nation via simulcast.”

 

Tuel’s first full season at Evangeline Downs will run from April 28 through September 18. The track will host live programs each Wednesday through Saturday night beginning at 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.

MIRABEAU AND CHU CHU’S LEGACY WIN BIG IN THE “SHINE” YOUNG FUTURITY AT EVANGELINE DOWNS

 

BIND SIRES THE WINNERS OF BOTH DIVISIONS ON SATURDAY NIGHT

 

OPELOUSAS, LA – Evangeline Downs hosted two divisions of the $60,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity for accredited Louisiana-bred 2-year-olds during the closing night program on Saturday night.

MIRABEAU - The DS Shine Young Futurity
Mirabeau, with Diego Saenz aboard wins the filly division of the D.S. “Shine” Young Memorial Stakes at Evangeline Downs. Coady Photography.

The fillies’ division of the “Shine” Young Futurity was a victory procession for Mirabeau. She started off well and sat just off the pace set by Mamas Gone Crazy, a 39-1 longshot, who led through early fractions of 22.07 seconds for the quarter and 46.19 seconds for the half. Once the field reached the top of the stretch, however, Mirabeau took the lead and never looked back. She kept widening her lead until she crossed the finish line 10-1/4 lengths ahead of Squox, who rallied from last to be second, while Mamas Gone Crazy held on for third. Mirabeau covered the 5-1/2 furlongs in 1:04.90 over the fast track.

 

Mirabeau paid $3.60 to win, $2.80 to place and $2.60 to show. Squox returned $6.80 to place and $6.60 to show and Mamas Gone Crazy paid $10 to show.

 

Mirabeau was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Nathan Granger. The 2-year-old filly is owned by Larry Romero and Ron Faucheux, who doubles as the trainer. Diego Saenz was aboard for the victory. Mirabeau is by Bind and is out of the Speightstown mare, Smittystown. She has won three of four lifetime starts and the $36,000 first-place purse increases her lifetime earnings to $75,350.

 

The colts and geldings division of the “Shine” Young Futurity resulted in a big win for Chu Chu’s Legacy. The leading rider for the Evangeline Downs season, Tim Thornton, had the colt well-positioned right from the start as part of a duel for the lead with Bernie Special through fractions of 21.81 seconds for the quarter and 45.73 seconds for the half. Chu Chu’s Legacy shook clear of his challenger entering the stretch and won easily by four lengths. The 3-5 betting favorite, Schnell, got off to a slow start, but rallied late to finish second over G’Wildcat. Chu Chu’s Legacy finished the 5-1/2 furlongs in a time of 1:05.42.

CHU CHU'S LEGACY - The DS Shine Young Futurity
Chu Chu’s Legacy wins the colt and gelding division of the D.S. “Shine” Young Memorial Stakes at Evangeline Downs. Coady Photography.

Chu Chu’s Legacy won at odds of 4-1 and returned $10.20 to win, $3.20 to place and $2.60 to show. Schnell returned $2.20 to place and $2.20 to show, while G’Wildcat paid $6.60 to show.

 

Chu Chu’s Legacy was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Hume Warnell. The 2-year-old colt is owned and trained by Allen Landry. Chu Chu’s Legacy was sired by Bind and is out of the Johannesburg mare, Bond’s Babe. He has won two of three lifetime starts and the $36,000 first-place purse increases his career earnings to $60,800.

 

Live racing at Evangeline Downs will resume Thursday, September 17 with the beginning of the American Quarter Horse season. Post time during this season will be 5:35 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.

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 - Louisiana Legends Cheval - 07-04-20 - R02 - EVD
Relentless Dancer wins the Louisiana Legends Cheval. Coady Photography

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 - Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff - 07-04-20 - R05 - EVD - Finish
Mariah’s Galaxy wins the Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff. Coady Photography

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.

SNOWBALL - Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle - 07-04-20 - R06 - EVD - Finish 1
Snowball wins the Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle. Coady Photography

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 - Louisiana Legends Turf - 07-04-20 - R07 - EVD - Finish 1
Shang wins the Louisiana Legends Turf. Coady Photography.

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.

LAUGHINGSAINTSSONG - Louisiana Legends Sprint - 07-04-20 - R08 - EVD - Finish
Laughingsaintsong wins the Louisiana Legends Sprint. Coady Photography.

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 - Louisiana Legends Soiree - 07-04-20 - R09 - EVD
Vacherie Girl wins the Louisiana Legends Soiree. Coady Photography.

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.

LOUISIANA LEGENDS NIGHT AT EVANGELINE DOWNS ON JULY 4

SIX $60,000 STAKES FOR LOUISIANA-BREDS HIGHLIGHT THE 10-RACE PROGRAM

 

OPELOUSAS, LA – Evangeline Downs is hosting its annual celebration of the Louisiana-bred Thoroughbred this Saturday night with six $60,000 stakes races making up Louisiana Legends Night. It promises to be an exciting evening of racing and a delicious night of dining as several local-area food trucks will be on hand to provide the crowd with a variety of menu options.

 

The first stakes race of the night will be the $60,000 Cheval for 3-year-olds at one mile. The field of six is led by the 8-5 morning-line favorite, Relentless Dancer. The colt has won just one stakes race in his brief career, the $100,000 Louisiana Legacy at Delta Downs, but he also finished fourth in the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park behind Grade 1 Belmont Stakes winner, Tiz The Law. Additionally, he ran fifth in the Unbridled Stakes at Gulfstream behind the Belmont runner-up, Dr. Post. Gerard Melancon will have the ride on Relentless Dancer for trainer Mike Maker.

 

The $60,000 Turf Distaff at one mile for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up will feature a field of five with Net A Bear installed as the 8-5 morning-line choice. The Allen Landry trainee scored a win in the $60,000 Red Camelia Stakes at Fair Grounds in her last start on March 14. Tim Thornton will ride on Saturday. Is Too is the 9-5 second choice and she was the runner-up in that Red Camelia Stakes. She also was the runner-up in the 2019 Turf Distaff at Evangeline Downs before scoring a win in the $50,000 Opelousas Stakes on July 12 last year over the main track. Diego Saenz will ride Is Too for trainer Edward Johnston.

 

The most competitive stakes race on the program could be the $60,000 Mademoiselle at 5-1/2 furlongs for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up. A field of 10 will go to the post with Our Lost Love as a lukewarm 3-1 morning-line favorite. She has won two stakes races in her last three performances, the $100,000-added Louisiana Futurity at Fair Grounds on December 29 and the $76,300 Take Charge Brandi at Delta Downs on February 28. Carlos Lozada will be in the saddle on Saturday night for trainer Joey Foster.

 

The $60,000 Turf at one mile on the turf for 3-year-olds and up features a very strong top pair of favorites with Shang at 5-2 and Mageez at 7-2 on the morning-line. Shang is a Steve Asmussen-trained colt that won the 2019 Cheval as a 3-year-old at Evangeline Downs. He has won just one of five races since that victory, but also has been the runner-up in the $250,000 Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows and the $60,000 Dixie Poker Ace Stakes at Fair Grounds. Mageez is the defending champion in the Louisiana Legends Turf and has won twice more since that victory, including last time out in an Allowance/Optional Claiming race at Evangeline Downs on June 10.

 

The story of the $60,000 Sprint is the attempt at a three-peat in the race for the 5-2 morning-line favorite, Monte Man. The 7-year-old gelding drew the rail in a field of nine for the 5-1/2 furlongs race for 3-year-olds and up. Gerard Melancon will be in the saddle for trainer Ron Faucheux on Saturday night, as he has been for the two preceding Sprint wins for Monte Man. Monte Man has already won two of four starts in 2020, including the $75,000 Costa Rising Stakes at Fair Grounds on March 21.

 

The $60,000 Soiree for 3-year-old fillies at one mile features a field of eight headlined by the 8-5 morning-line favorite, Vacherie Girl. She has won three of five lifetime starts, including two stakes at Fair Grounds, the $100,000 Lassie on Louisiana Champions Day on December 14 and the $75,000 Crescent City Oaks on March 21. Joel Dominguez will be in the saddle for trainer Steve Asmussen on Saturday night.

 

Evangeline Downs will also be presenting exciting food options on Louisiana Legends Night with three food trucks available in the patio area near the saddling paddock. Fans can get sno-cones from Kona Ice, barbecue food from Ohh Taste and See and Cajun delicacies from Cest Bon Manger. Tamales Cinco de Mayo will also be serving authentic Mexican cuisine from the patio counter and Mojo’s Sports Bar will be open on Saturday night, where fans can not only order drinks, but also place wagers and watch the races. Fans must be 21 or older to enter Mojo’s, but families are welcome to attend the races and enjoy the other dining options offered on Saturday night at Evangeline Downs.

 

Post time on Saturday night will be 5:50 pm Central Time. All fans entering the building at Evangeline Downs will be required to have temperature checks and the racetrack is encouraging patrons to practice correct social distancing measures while they are visiting Evangeline Downs.

 

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.

POWER JET TAKES THE EQUINE SALES DERBY AT EVANGELINE DOWNS

CHRIS ROSIER ABOARD FOR THE VICTORY IN FIRST RIDE EVER ON COLT

POWER JET - Equine Sales Derby - 05-04-19 - R08 - EVD - Finish
Power Jet wins the 2019 Equine Sales Derby. Coady Photography.

 

Equine Sales Derby
Evangeline Downs, 5-4-19, 1 mile
Three-Year-Olds, $75,000

POWER JET
Power Broker–Zada Rae
Breeder: Joseph Adcock
Owner: William T. Reed
Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun
Jockey: Chris R. Rosier

2nd
Paynt Battle
Paynter–Ziptomylu
Breeder: Fred W. Hertrich III (KY)
Owner: Norman Stables, LLC
Trainer: Lonnie Briley
Jockey: Kerwin D. Clark

3rd
Fat Clemenza
Closing Argument–Bronze Abe
Breeder: Chrislin LLC (LA)
Owner: Darrah Wentworth
Trainer: Harvey Lourd, III
Jockey: Ashley Broussard

OPELOUSAS, LA – The $75,000 Equine Sales Derby at Evangeline Downs on Saturday night featured an intense speed duel between the 4-5 favorite, Fat Clemenza, and the 2-1 second choice, Boston Repo. All that did was set things up for a closer and the one that closed the best was Power Jet, who rallied from last in the field of 10 to finish first in a final time of 1:38.96 for the mile over the fast track.

Fat Clemenza and Boston Repo were one-two through the strong early fractions of 23.25 seconds for the quarter-mile and 47.20 for the half. A pair of longshots then made aggressive bids as the field moved on the far turn. Power Jet, sent off at 10-1, and Paynt Battle, sent off at 40-1, attacked the two leaders and as the horses entered the stretch, they had Fat Clemenza surrounded. Power Jet had rallied in the clear four-wide and surged away from Paynt Battle, who encountered slightly more traffic, to record a 2-1/4 length victory.

Power Jet returned $23.20 to win, $11.20 to place and $4.80 to show. Paynt Battle paid $29.60 to place and $9.60 to show, while Fat Clemenza paid $2.60 to show.

Power Jet was bred in Louisiana by Joseph Adcock. He is owned by William T. Reed, trained by Bret Calhoun and ridden to victory by Chris Rosier. Power Jet is a 3-year-old colt by Power Broker and is out of the Unbridled’s Song mare, Zada Rae. He has won twice in nine lifetime starts and the $45,000 first-place purse increases her lifetime earnings to $99,210.

For more information on the Thoroughbred season 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.

FORTUNE GOT EVEN WINS THE EQUINE SALES OAKS AT EVANGELINE DOWNS

FILLY SCORES HER FIRST CAREER STAKES VICTORY

FORTUNE GOT EVEN - Equine Sales Oaks - 05-03-19 - R06 - EVD - Finish 1
Fortune Got Even wins the 2019 Equine Sales Oaks. Coady Photography.

 

Equine Sales Oaks
Evangeline Downs, 5-3-19, 1 mile
3-Year-Old Fillies, $75,000

FORTUNE GOT EVEN
Stephen Got Even – Fortune in Gold
Breeder: Wendell A. Templet
Owner: Ricky Courville
Trainer: Ricky Courville
Jockey: Ashley Broussard

2nd
Snowball
Apriority–Inner Peace
Breeder: 4M Ranch
Owner: Tin Roof Farms LLC
Trainer: Samuel Breaux
Jockey: Diego Saenz

3rd
Flat Out Flirty
Flat Out–Flirty Fitz, by Seattle Fitz (ARG)
Breeder: Darlene Wahman & Jeff Wahman (KY)
Owner: DW2 Equine, LLC
Trainer: Ronnie P. Ward
Jockey: Alexander Castillo

OPELOUSAS, LA – The $75,000 Equine Sales Oaks at Evangeline Downs was won by Fortune Got Even, which continued a steady streak of strong performances for her when Ashley Broussard is given the riding assignment. When Broussard is aboard the 3-year-old filly, she has now recorded two wins and two seconds. This victory came by just a neck over Snowball, who challenged her all the way through the stretch. The final time was 1:40.31 for a mile over the fast track.

The early fractions were set by Cohenscollegefund, who took the lead out of the gate and held control through a quarter-mile of 24.22 seconds and a half of 48.77. Meanwhile, Fortune Got Even was sitting in sixth and it was once the field reached the far turn and Broussard swung her four-wide that she made an aggressive run to the lead. She held on through the lane, repelling Snowball to win by a neck. It was 7-3/4 lengths back to a photo for third, which Flat Out Flirty won over Sweet Amelia.

Fortune Got Even was sent off at 5-2 by the betting public and returned $7 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.60 to show. Snowball paid $5.20 to place and $3.40 to show, while Flat Out Flirty returned $5 to show.

Fortune Got Even was bred in Louisiana by Wendell A. Templet. She is owned and trained by Ricky Courville. Fortune Got Even is by Stephen Got Even and is out of the Secret Romeo mare, Fortune In Gold. She has won three of nine lifetime starts and the $45,000 first-place purse increases her lifetime earnings to $110,965.

For more information on the Thoroughbred season at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website atwww.evdracing.com. Evangeline Downs’ Twitter handle is @EVDRacing and the racetrack is also accessible on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacing.