Mobile Bay with jockey Edgar Prado aboard wins the 36th running of the Grade II $400,000 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.
Two-time Accredited Louisiana Bred Horse of the Year, Mobile Bay, who stood his first season at stud for a complimentary fee to approved mares at Carrol Castille’s Whispering Oaks Thoroughbred Farm will remain at Castille’s Carencro breeding facilty for the 2020 breeding season for a fee of $2,500 live foal stands and nurses.
Mobile Bay, a 2012 dark bay or brown son of Lone Star Special out of Tranquility Bay, ran from ages three to six, hitting the board in 21 of 29 lifetime starts. He won eleven stakes, often showing speed in route races of 1 1/16 to 1 1/8 miles, including the G2 Super Derby, open company stakes such as the Sunland Park Handicap, the Maxxam Gold Cup and the Zia Park Derby, as well Louisiana Bred Stakes including the Louisiana Champions Day Classic at the Fair Grounds twice. He placed in another five stakes including the G3 Oklahoma Derby. His Lifetime earnings of $1,246,440 rank him 4th among all-time Leading Accredited Louisiana Bred Runners. A multiple Accredited Louisiana Bred Champion, Mobile Bay was named 2015 3YO Colt or Gelding and Horse of the Year, 2016 Older Male and Horse of the Year, and 2017 Older Male. Mobile Bay is owned by Irwin Olian’s Tigertail Ranch and was trained for his entire career by popular local favorite Victor Arceneaux.
“He is a gorgeous, imposing individual standing 17 hands, weighing 1300 pounds, with textbook conformation.” says Olian. “Mobile Bay has the capacity to hold his own physically against any stallion in the country. His sire Lone Star Special has the rare quality of moving up his mares. I expect Mobile Bay will move up his mares significantly as well. Both represent the best of the Unbridled sire line and I believe will serve to establish a new branch of that line.”
Owner Irwin Olian offered free breeding in 2019 to to attract a large book of mares to enable Mobile Bay to compete as a sire at the national level, and to show his appreciation for the thrills and excitement that Mobile Bay has given him and the horse’s many fans in Louisiana and elsewhere, as well as to give something back to breeders in the Louisiana breeding program in gratitude for all the benefits.
Mobile Bay was very well received in his first year at stud, covering some 30 quality mares. His first crop will arrive in 2020.
Mobile Bay with jockey Edgar Prado aboard wins the 36th running of the Grade II $400,000 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.
After an outstanding racing career, Mobile Bay, two-time Accredited Louisiana Bred Horse of the Year, has been retired from the track. He will soon take up residence at Carrol Castille’s showcase breeding facility, Whispering Oaks Thoroughbred Farm in Carencro, Louisiana.There he will begin preparation for his stud career for the 2019 breeding season.Mobile Bay is owned by Irwin Olian’s Tigertail Ranch and was trained for his entire career by popular local favorite Victor Arceneaux.
Mobile Bay, a 2012 dark bay or brown son of Lone Star Special out of Tranquility Bay,ran from ages three to six, hitting the board in 21 of 29 lifetime starts. He won eleven stakes, often showing speed in route races of 1 1/16 to 1 1/8 miles, including the G2 Super Derby, open company stakes such as the Sunland Park Handicap, the Maxxam Gold Cup and the Zia Park Derby, as well Louisiana Bred Stakes including the Louisiana Champions Day Classic at the Fair Grounds twice.He placed in another five stakes including the G3 Oklahoma Derby.His Lifetime earnings of $1,246,440 rank him 4th among all-time Leading Accredited Louisiana Bred Runners. A multiple Accredited Louisiana Bred Champion, Mobile Bay was named 2015 3YO Colt or Gelding and Horse of the Year, 2016 Older Male and Horse of the Year, and 2017 Older Male.
Mobile Bay was a tremendous, durable competitor, shipping to win stakes at half a dozen different racetracks across the South and Southwest, while showing amazing heart and athleticism. Good bone, conformation and intelligent mind have enabled him to stay sound and compete at very high levels into his 6 y.o campaign. “He is a gorgeous, imposing individual standing 17 hands, weighing 1300 pounds, with textbook conformation.” says Olian.
Tigertail Ranch will be offering free breeding service to approved mares for the 2019 season, with only a modest $350 booking fee. Olian wants to attract a large book of mares to enable Mobile Bay to compete as a sire at the national level.At the same time, he appreciates the great thrills and excitement that Mobile Bay has given him and the horse’s many fans in Louisiana and elsewhere.He wants to give something back to breeders in the Louisiana breeding program in gratitude for all the benefits he received as well as to attract mares from breeders in other states such as New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas.
“He is a remarkable individual, an outstanding and durable athlete and specimen with text book conformation,” says Olian. “Mobile Bay has the capacity to hold his own physically against any stallion in the country. His sire Lone Star Special has the rare quality of moving up his mares. I expect Mobile Bay will move up his mares significantly as well. Both represent the best of the Unbridled sire line and I believe will serve to establish a new branch of that line.”
Tigertail Ranch’s Mobile Bay blasts to the finish with Diego Saenz aboard in the 9th running of the Star Guitar Stakes. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr
Star Guitar S.
Fair Grounds, 3-31-18, 8.5f, $75,000
4yo/up
MOBILE BAY
Lone Star Special–Tranquility Bay
Breeder: Tigertail Ranch
Owner: Tigertail Ranch
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Mageez
Musket Man–Spaseeba
Breeder: James A. Mcgehee Jr.
Owner: Double Dam Farm LLC
Trainer: Delmar R. Caldwell
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
3rd Underpressure
Birdstone–Charming Colleen
Breeder: James McIngvale
Owner: Mallory Greiner
Trainer: Chris Richard
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
Louisiana legend Mobile Bay continued his domination against homebred stakes company with a two-length win in the $75,000 Star Guitar Stakes March 31 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the final stakes event of the 2017-18 winter meet.
Guided by regular rider Diego Saenz, Mobile Bay broke a step slow and was four wide around the first turn while sitting just off of pacesetter Morning Mischief, who set opening fractions of :24.65 and :48.23. Nubin Ridge was just a length behind in second, while Mobile Bay tracked in third.
Approaching the far turn, Mobile Bay began to inch his way closer and took command at the top of the stretch. Mageez closed late to get second but could not catch the winner, who finished in 1:43.79.
“Once he was in there he didn’t break that well, but at the half-mile pole, I was in a good position to win,” Saenz said. “He’s one of the biggest horses I’ve ever ridden.”
Mobile Bay returned $3.80, $3.00 and $2.10 while Mageez returned $6.60 and $4.00. Underpressure completed the trifecta and brought back $3.00.
The victory added $45,000 to Mobile Bay’s earnings, which now sit at $1,243,440. It also was his fifth consecutive stakes win. He scored in the Louisiana Champions Day Classic Stakes and the LA Bred Premier Night Championship Stakes for the second consecutive year. Other career highlights include wins against open company, which took place in the 2015 Super Derby (G2) at Louisiana Downs and in New Mexico’s Sunland Park Handicap (2016) and Zia Park Derby (2015).
Trainer Victor Arceneaux, who broke Star Guitar as a yearling, was pleased with the effort and stated that Mobile Bay would likely test his domination on the Louisiana-bred circuit in the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Classic at Evangeline Downs May 26.
“Going into the race, I was extremely concerned having Grande Basin and Underpressure in the race,” Arceneaux said. “He beat both of them by a nose. I don’t go into a race overconfident when you beat a horse by a nose. The way the race set up today, he broke a little slow, and Diego was able to rate him and get him to settle in. He had a much stronger finish. He didn’t make me sweat at the wire this time.”
Mobile Bay is by Lone Star Special. He was bred in Louisiana by his owners, Tigertail Ranch, out of the Out of Place mare Tranquility Bay.
The Star Guitar Stakes is named in honor of the all-time richest Louisiana-bred, who also was a four-time Louisiana Horse of the Year. He earned $1,749,862 in career earnings while finding the winner’s circle 24 times in 30 career starts. Such wins included multiple victories in the state of Louisiana’s premier races for homebreds, including the Louisiana Champions Day Classic Stakes, Premier Night Championship Stakes, and Evangeline Mile Handicap. He currently stands at Clear Creek Stud in Folsom, La., for $7,500 and has produced stakes winners Testing One Two, Minit To Stardom, and grade 1-placed Givemeaminit.
Mobile Bay wins the $170,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Championship
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 1 1/16 mile, $170,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Breds
MOBILE BAY
Lone Star Special-Tranquility Bay
Breeder: Tigertail Ranch
Owner: Tigertail Ranch
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Underpressure
Birdstone-Charming Colleen
Breeder: James McIngvale
Owner: Mallory Greiner
Trainer: Chris Richard
Jockey: G. Melancon
3rd Social Misfit
Porto Foricos-Unfriendly Koo
Breeder: Earl Hernandez and Keith Hernandez
Owner: End Zone Athletics
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: T. Thornton
Pacific Pink wins the Louisiana Premier Night Distaff. Photo by Coady Photography
Louisiana Premier Night Distaff
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 1 mile, $145,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies and Mares
PACIFIC PINK
Private Vow – Truly Romantic
Breeder: Brandon Adcock
Owner: Keith Plaisance
Trainer: Edward J. Johnston
Jockey: C.J. Hernandez
2nd Hyper Piper
Old Fashioned-Filaree
Breeder: Earl Hernandez, Keith Hernandez & John Duvieilh
Owner: John Duvieilh and Keith J. and Earl J. Hernandez
Trainer: Sam B. David
Jockey: T. Thornton
3rd Mr. Al’s Gal
Salute The Sarge-Spanish Ice
Breeder: J. Adcock & Neal McFadden
Owner: Brittany Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Justin Jeansonne
Jockey: D. Saenz
Ours To Run wins the Louisiana Premier Night Matron. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Matron
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 5 furlongs, $120,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies and Mares
OURS TO RUN
Half Ours – Brown Eyed Baby
Breeder: Clifford Grum
Owner: Colonel Thoroughbreds LLC
Trainer: J. Larry Jones
Jockey: R. Morales
2nd My Miss Chiff
Into Mischief-Carl’s Frosty Girl
Breeder: Steve Holliday
Owner: Town and Country Racing, LLC
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
Jockey: M. Murrill
3rd Shamrock Star
Star Guitar-Indian Treaty
Breeder: Half Moon Stables, LLC
Owner: Carl R. Moore Management LLC
Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun
Jockey: T. Thornton
Monte Man wins the Louisiana Premier Night Sprint. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Sprint
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 5 furlongs, $120,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Breds
MONTE MAN
Custom for Carlos – Sarah’s My Angel
Breeder: Val C. Murrell
Owner: Very Sisters Racing
Trainer: Ron Faucheux
Jockey: G. Melancon
2nd Sea Vow
Private Vow- Victory at Sea
Breeder: Ronald Webb
Owner: End Zone Athletics, Inc.
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: L. Negron
3rd Win Lion Win
Lion Tamer-Twinwinwin
Breeder: Rebecca Farm LLC
Owner: Farm d’Allie Racing Stable
Trainer: Allison Ramsay-Banks
Jockey: E. Martin Jr.
Gladyousawme wins the Louisiana Premier Night Prince. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Prince
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 1 mile, $120,000
Three-Year-Olds, Accredited Louisiana Breds
GLADYOUSAWME
Due Date-Flame Run
Breeder: Bertram Klein & Richard Klein
Owner: Klein Racing
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: R. Morales
2nd Ready Prospector
Custom For Carlos-Vera Belle
Breeder: Virginia Lazenby
Owner: Virginia Lazenby Racing Stable LLC
Trainer: Oscar Modica
Jockey: G. Melancon
3rd Bitsy’s Afleet
Northern Afleet-Streamin Bitsy
Breeder: Rose C. Hernandez & Earl Hernandez
Owner: Earl and Rose Hernandez
Trainer: Sam B. David, Jr.
Jockey: M. Pedroza
Remember Daisy wins the Louisiana Premier Night Starlet. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Starlet
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 1 mile, $120,000
Three-Year-Olds, Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies
REMEMBER DAISY
Misremembered-Very Speightstown
Breeder: Al Ulwelling & Bill Ulwelling
Owner: Al & Bill Ulwelling
Trainer: Gary M. Scherer
Jockey: M. Murrill
2nd Sarah’s Holy Belle
El Corredor-My Holy Belle
Breeder: Perform Stables Inc.
Owner: Perform Stables Inc.
Trainer: Ricky Courville
Jockey: L. Negron
3rd Yes Gorgeous
Mass Media-Isn’t She Gorgeous
Breeder: J. Adcock & Montgomery Equine Center
Owner: Scott Gelner
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: D. Saenz
Theoryintopractice wins the Louisiana Premier Night Gentleman Starter. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Gentleman Starter
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 1 1/16 mile, $70,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Breds
THEORYINTOPRACTICE
Into Mischief-Cayman Colada
Breeder: Cypress Bend Farm
Owner: Courtney Barousse
Trainer: Corale A. Richards
Jockey: C.J. Hernandez
2nd Harbor Pilot
Trappe Shot-Harbor Princess
Breeder: Curt Leake
Owner: Red Rose Racing
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: D. Saenz
3rd Bluegrass Punch
Bluegrass Cat-Bronze Abe
Breeder: Chrislin LLC
Owner: Courtney Barousse
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: L. Negron
Zyanara wins the Louisiana Premier Night Ladies Starter. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Ladies Starter
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 1 1/16 mile, $70,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies and Mares
ZYANARA
Zong-Ore Money
Breeder: Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms, LLC
Owner: Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms, LLC
Trainer: Philip Mark Dison
Jockey: A. Contreras
2nd Arctic Peace
Run Production-Arctic Indian
Breeder: Oak Leaf Farm TCLP
Owner: Wayne T. Davis
Trainer: Shane Wilson
Jockey: F.T. Rodriguez
3rd Lefthoofrightleft
Giant Fun-Dancing Shawklit
Breeder: Robert Odom
Owner: Rick Salter
Trainer: Rick Salter
Jockey: O. Martinez
Elegant Idea wins the Louisiana Premier Night Bon Temps Starter. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Bon Temps Starter
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 5 furlongs, $60,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies and Mares
ELEGANT IDEA
Private Vow-I Have and Idea
Breeder: Channon Farm, LLC
Owner: End Zone Athletics, Inc
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: O. Martinez
2nd Dale’s Lil Sis
Zong-Judy
Breeder: Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms, LLC
Owner: Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms, LLC
Trainer: Phillip Mark Dison
Jockey: A. Contreras
3rd Just Glossy
Exclusive Quality-Lip Gloss
Breeder: Anna Paul
Owner: Brent Delahoussaye
Trainer: Brent Delahoussaye
Jockey: A. Broussard
River Bobcat wins the Louisiana Premier Night Ragin Cajun. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Ragin Cajun Starter
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 5 furlongs, $60,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Breds
RIVER BOBCAT
Behindatthebar-Heroic Flight
Breeder: Divine Equine, LLC
Owner: Jacqueline Savoy
Trainer: Eduardo Ramirez
Jockey: T. Thornton
2nd Reckless Ransom
Regal Ransom-Indigo Girl
Breeder: Randy Davis & Associates, Inc.
Owner: End Zone Athletics, Inc.
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: L. Negron
3rd Mars Curiosity
Lunarpal-Kelly’s Lake
Breeder: Heiligbrodt Racing Stable
Owner: Jory Ferrell
Trainer: Tim Dixon
Jockey: R. Flores
Mobile Bay wins the $170,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship. Photo by Coady Photography.
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted the 15th edition of Louisiana Premier Night on Saturday and the fans who attended the rainy evening program were treated to 12-race card that included 10 stakes races worth total purse money of more than $1 million. The featured event on the big night for Louisiana-bred horses was the $170,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship, which was won for the second consecutive year by Tigertail Ranch’s Mobile Bay.
Under jockey Diego Saenz the Victor Arceneaux trainee tracked the early pace set by Temprano, who carved out fractional times of 24.65 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 48.77 for the half. As the field of six entered the second turn of the 1 1/16-mile test for older horses, Mobile Bay took command after traveling three-quarters of a mile in 1:14.08, opening up a lead of nearly two lengths. But the race was far from over.
In the homestretch, Mobile Bay drifted out while Underpressure began to cut into the leader’s advantage stride by stride while hugging the rail under Gerard Melancon. At the finish line only a nose separated the rivals with Mobile Bay taking home the winner’s trophy. Social Misfit wound up third another 5-1/2 lengths behind the top pair. The final time in the Louisiana Premier Night Championship was 1:46.49. Each race on the rich program was contested over a sealed track listed as sloppy.
Mobile Bay has now won 12 of 27 lifetime starts. He earned $102,000 for his win on Saturday and now boasts a lifetime bankroll of $1,198,440. The dark bay or brown horse went over the $1 million mark in career earnings with his win the Championship last year.
Bred in Louisiana by his owner, Mobile Bay is a 6-year-old by Lone Star Special, out of the Out of Place mare Tranquility Bay.
Mobile Bay was sent to the gate at odds of 3-5 and returned $3.40 to win, $2.20 to place and $2.10 to show. Underpressure was worth $3 to place and $2.40 to show. Social Misfit paid $4.20 to show.
In other stakes activity on the program it was Pacific Pink winning the $145,000 Louisiana Premier Night Distaff under jockey Colby Hernandez, who got a riding double on the card. Pacific Pink is trained by Edward J. Johnston and is owned by Keith Plaisance.
This year’s $100,000 Louisiana Premier Night Sprint was taken by Ivery Sisters Racing’s Monte Man, who was ridden to victory by Gerard Melancon. Monte Man is trained by Ron Faucheux.
Jockey Roberto Morales notched a riding triple on the special night of racing included two stakes scores. He booted home Gladyousawme in the $120,000 Louisiana Premier Night Prince for owner Klein Racing and trainer Brad Cox. He also made it to the winner’s circle in the $120,000 Louisiana Premier Night Matron aboard the Larry Jones trainee Ours to Run, who is owned by Colonel Thoroughbreds LLC.
The $120,000 Louisiana Premier Night Starlet was annexed by Al and Bill Ulwelling’s Remember Daisy, who was ridden to victory by Mitchell Murrill. Remember Daisy is conditioned by Gary Scherer.
The Phillip Dison trainee Zyanara pulled a 28-1 upset in winning the $70,000 Louisiana Premier Night Ladies Starter. She was ridden to victory by Alfredo Contreras and is owned by Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms, LLC.
The $70,000 Louisiana Premier Night Gentleman Starter was taking by Theoryintopractice, who was piloted by Colby Hernandez and is trained by Corale Richards. Theoryintopractice is owned by Courtney Barousse.
Elegant Idea took the $60,000 Louisiana Premier Night Bon Temps Starter with jockey Odilon Martinez riding for Delta Downs leading trainer Karl Broberg. End Zone Athletics, Inc. owns Elegant Idea.
And finally, it was River Bobcat who won the $60,000 Louisiana Premier Night Ragin Cajun Starter under jockey Timothy Thornton. The Eduardo Ramirez trainee is owned by Jacqueline Savoy.
Delta Downs will kick off its 18th week of live racing on Wednesday night with a 10-race program that begins at 5:40 pm. The current season runs through March 10.
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.
Louisiana Champions Day Classic
Fair Grounds, 12-9-17, 1 1/8 Miles
Three-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Breds
Purse: $150,000
Mobile Bay (orange silks) gets a head in front of Grande Basin to score back to back victories in the Louisiana Champions Day Classic at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.
MOBILE BAY
Lone Star Special-Tranquility Bay
Breeder: Tigertail Ranch
Owner: Tigertail Ranch
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Grand Basin
Good and Tough–Silver Rail, by Dispersal
Breeder: Coteau Grove Farms
Owner: William J. Deckwa, Jr., and John Carbo
Trainer: Edward J. Johnston
Jockey: Miguel Mena
3rd Underpressure
Birdstone–Charming Colleen, by Charismatic
Breeder: James McIngvale
Owner: Mallory Greiner
Trainer: Chris Richard
Jockey Corey J. Lanerie
A 10-month layoff appeared to be no issue for Tigertail Ranch’s Louisiana millionaire Mobile Bay as he successfully defended his title in an epic renewal of the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic when the gutsy iron horse with nine stakes victories outnodded challenger Grande Basin.
Piloted by Diego Saenz and trained by Victor Arceneaux, the 5-year-old son of Lone Star Special broke right on top and separated himself from the remainder of the field throwing down fractions of 24.51, 48.58 and 1:14.24. As the field approached the far turn, Mobile Bay’s leading margins began to slim down as Grande Basin and Underpressure started to inch their way closer to the leader. At the top of the stretch, Saenz called on Mobile Bay for everything he had while jockey Miguel Mena did the same aboard Grande Basin to his inside. Underpressure kept close company but could not quite get involved with the two fighters up front. While it looked like Grande Basin may have gotten the better of his rival, the defending champion would not be denied. Both horses laid their noses right on the wire together resulting in a photo finish that would go to Mobile Bay, who finished the nine furlong trip in a time of 1:51.95.
“I was on the lead and he didn’t want to come back to me,” Saenz said. “I was afraid I was going to get beat because he was a little fresh off the layoff. That was close.”
Mena had no excuses aboard Grande Basin.
“Beautiful trip,” Mena said. “I rode him the way I think he likes, but it was just a very tough beat. We lost to one of the best Louisiana-breds out there.”
Mobile Bay brought his lifetime earnings all the way up to $1,096,440 after his second straight Louisiana Champions Day Classic win. Other stakes victories of his include a win in the Grade II Super Derby in 2015 as well as triumphs against open company in the Zia Park Derby and Sunland Park Handicaps at their namesake courses. He returned $3.20, $2.60 and $2.10 while Grande Basin and Underpressure returned $5.40, $3 and $2.20, respectively.
Mobile Bay joins Blissful Union (1991-92), Magnify (1997-98), Costa Rising (2006-07), Star Guitar (2009-11) and Sunbean (2013-14) as the only horses to score multiple victories in the Louisiana Champions Day Classic.
Mageez and One King’s Man completed the running order.
Louisiana Champions Day Sprint
Fair Grounds, 12-9-17, 6 furlongs
Three-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Breds
Purse: $100,000
Hay Hollow Stables’s Stand Him Up captures the Louisiana Champions day Sprint at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Amanda Hodges Weir
STAND HIM UP
Time Bandit–Taffy Davenport, by Miswaki
Breeder: Hay Hollow Racing Stable LLC
Owner: Hay Hollow Racing Stable LLC
Trainer: Howard Alonzo
Jockey: Gabriel Saez
2nd Just Kissing Back
Limehouse–Just Kissing, by Kissin Kris
Breeder: Forrest Lanning, Kelly Turner & Tresa Snow
Owner: Kim C. White
Trainer: Dale White, Sr.
Jockey: Diego Saenz
3rd Hunker Down
Musket Man–My Friend Bele, by My Friend Max
Breeder: Jo Ann Thompson
Owner: Double Dam Farm LLC
Trainer: Delmar R. Caldwell
Jockey: Corey J. Lanerie
Hay Hollow Racing Stables’ Stand Him Up ($5.20, $3.60, $3.40) pulled off a hat trick when winning the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint by 1¼ lengths in a final time of 1:11.03. Ridden by Gabriel Saez and trained by Howard Alonzo, the son of Time Bandit came into the race off of a victory against allowance company at Evangeline Downs in August and a win on Opening Day in the Heitai Stakes.
Breaking from the gate, Stand Him Up sat just a half-length off the pace controlled by Jockamo’s Song who set fractions of 22.76, 46.73. Approaching the top of the stretch, Stand Him Up took command, headed and passed the leader and held off 24-1 longshot Just Kissing Buck ($17 and $10.80) while Hunker Down ($11.40) took the show spot, another three-quarters of a length back.
“He’s an awesome horse,” Saez said. “Every time I get on him he gives me 100%, and I was glad that a couple horses went to the front end. When it was time to come around and make our move, he finished up running.”
Stand Him Up collected $60,000 from his Sprint victory, which brought his career earnings up to $208,460 in his seventh career win in 14 lifetime starts.
Jockamo’s Song, Nubin Ridge, My Friend Flavin, Double Barrel Man, Philly and Outofthisgalaxycompleted the order of finish.
Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint
Fair Grounds, 12-9-17, 6 furlongs
Three-Year-Olds and Upwards, Fillies and Mares, Accredited Louisiana Breds
Purse: $100,000
My Miss Chiff with Mitchell Murrill aboard wins the LA Champions Day Ladies Sprint at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.
MY MISS CHIFF
Into Mischief–Carl’s Frosty Girl, by Pulling Punches
Breeder: Steve E. Holliday
Owner: Town and Country Racing, LLC
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
Jockey: Mitchell Murrill
2nd Look Into My Eyes
City Zip–Burnished Miss, by Wild Again
Breeder: Robert McDowell & Bethe Deal
Owner: Kathleen Amaya and Raffaele Centofanti
Trainer: Efren Loza, Jr.
Jockey: Robby Albarado
3rd Wheatfield
Lone Star Special–Thistle Bear, by Gators N Bears
Breeder: Tigertail Ranch
Owner: Tigertail Ranch
Trainer: Danny Pish
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Town and Country LLC’s My Miss Chiff ($4.40, $3 and $2.10) kept an undefeated streak over the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots main track alive when she won the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint, her fourth victory in as many starts over the New Orleans oval.
Ridden by Mitchell Murrill and trained by Al Stall, Jr., the daughter of Into Mischief’s wins at the Fair Grounds include a maiden win in January and a March allowance victory, both against statebreds, as well as her triumph last out in the Happy Ticket Stakes on Opening Day.
Breaking from the gate, Murrill took My Miss Chiff back to third as Elektracutioner dictated the pace up front through fractions of 21.86 and 45.56. Approaching the top of the stretch, My Miss Chiff began to gain on the tiring pacesetter and took command to win the race by three-quarters of a length over Look Into My Eyes ($5.80 and $3.20), who was 3½ lengths clear of Wheatfield ($2.10) in third.
“We got the trip we wanted,” Murrill said. “We sat outside. She does her own thing and then just takes me right back to the wire.”
My Miss Chiff scored her fourth victory in six lifetime starts and boosted her earnings to $159,660.
Play Unified, Dr Liz, Bitsy’s C C, Discreetly Grand, Elektracutioner, Sunny Oak and Fairwell Tax Breakcompleted the order of finish.
Louisiana Champions Day Lassie
Fair Grounds, 12-9-17, 6 furlongs
Two-Year-Old Fillies, Accredited Louisiana Breds
Purse: $100,000
Minit to Stardom with Colby Hernandez aboard wins thd 27th running of the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.
MINIT TO STARDOM
Star Guitar–Wild About Marie, by Wildcat Heir
Breeder: Brittlyn Stables, Inc.
Owner: Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
Jockey: Colby J.Hernandez
2nd Sarah’s Holy Belle
El Corredor–My Holy Belle, by Holy Bull
Breeder: Perform Stables Inc.
Owner: Perform Stables Inc.
Trainer: Ricky Courville
Jockey: Chantal Sutherland
3rd: Girls Life
Colonel John–Saucey Officer, by Officer
Breeder: Georgia Farms Inc
Owner: Brad Raney
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: Ashley Broussard
Brittlyn Stable’s Minit To Stardom ($3, $2.60 and $2.10) proved herself to be a worthy 1-2 favorite in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Lassie, winning the six-furlong event by an emphatic 7¼ lengths. Guided to victory by Colby Hernandez and trained by Al Stall, Jr., the daughter of Louisiana living legend Star Guitar broke sharply and sat just to the outside of pacesetters Tigertail Ranch’s Cool Spring and stablemate Andthebandplayedon who set opening fractions of 22.10 and 46.38 Around the far turn, Minit To Stardom cruised to the front without being asked and began to open up on the field. Hernandez shook the reins a few times in the stretch as the filly completed the trip in 1:12.18.
Perform Stables Inc.’s Sarah’s Holy Belle ($9.80 and $6) closed to get second, 1¼ lengths ahead of Brad Raney’s Girls Life ($6.80) in third.
“She’s a really nice filly,” Hernandez said. “She’ll do anything you ask her to, but I didn’t have to ask her to do much.”
The Louisiana Champions Day Lassie was Minit To Stardom’s first stakes victory in only her second career start. She made her career debut a winning one by 5¼ lengths on Opening Day in a state-bred maiden special weight. The victory elevated her lifetime earnings to $84,600.
Yes Gorgeous, Cool Spring, Andthebandplayedon, She’screative and Just A Bandit completed the order of finish.
Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile
Fair Grounds, 12-9-17, 6 furlongs
Two-Year-Old Colts and Geldings, Accredited Louisiana Breds
Purse: $100,000
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
2nd Divine Bean
Star Guitar–Good Human Bean, by Langfuhr
Breeder: Brittlyn, Inc.
Owner: Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
3rd Cajun Creed
Jimmy Creed–Surprise Squall, by Stephen Got Even
Breeder: Danny M. Brown & Donna B. Brown
Owner: Horseplayers Racing Club LLC
Trainer: Danny Pish
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Phyllis J. Hodges and Randy Schiender’s Greeley Went West ($15, $7 and $4.20) out-dueled Brittlyn Stable’s stubborn Divine Bean ($3.60, $2.80) in the stretch to take the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile Stakes by a length in a time of 1:11.76.
Trained by James Hodges and ridden to victory by James Graham, the son of El Corredor remained undefeated in two starts, the first of which was a win against state-bred maidens at Louisiana Downs in September. Graham kept Greeley Went West off the pace commanded by Divine Bean who set opening fractions of 21.96, 46.07 and 58.60 before unsuccessfully fighting off a challenge from the eventual winner. Horseplayer Racing Club’s Cajun Creed ($3) took the show spot another length back.
“He broke sharp and I put him in a good spot,” Graham said. “When I picked him up he sprinted home. He went after them a little sooner than I wanted to, but halfway around the turn I said, ‘Man, I’ve got a little bit of pony.’”
The first time gelding enhanced his career earnings to $73,200.
Ready Prospector, Pound For Pound, Prayer Boy, Exigent and Uncle Herbie completed the order of finish.
Louisiana Champions Day Ladies
Fair Grounds, 12-9-17, @ 1 1/16 miles, turf
Three-Year-Olds and Upwards, Fillies and Mares, Accredited Louisiana Breds
Purse: $100,000
Inveniam Viam with jockey Shaun Bridgmohan aboar captures the 27th running of the Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Turf at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.
INVENIAM VIAM
Half Ours–Haliburton Honey, by Regal Classic
Breeder: Paul E Mullen
Owner: Allied Racing Stable, LLC
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
2nd Pacific Pink
Private Vow–Truly Romantic, by Robyn Dancer
Breeder: Brandon Adcock
Owner: Keith Plaisance
Trainer: Edward J. Johnston
Jockey: Corey J. Lanerie
3rd Mr. Al’s Gal
Salute the Sarge–Spanish Ice, by Spanish Steps
Breeder: J. Adcock & Neal McFadden
Owner: Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Justin Jeansonne
Jockey: Diego Saenz
Louisiana Champions Day Turf
Fair Grounds, 12-9-17, @ 1 1/16 miles, turf
Three-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Breds
Purse: $100,000
Extra Credit (lime green silks) wins the Louisiana Champions Day Turf at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Amanda Hodges Weir
EXTRA CREDIT
Proud Citizen–Sunny Isles, by Stormy Atlantic
Breeder: Richard Klein & Bertram Klein
Owner: Klein Racing
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
2nd Fort Pulaski
Any Given Saturday–Jazznwithcandy, by Jambalaya Jazz
Breeder: Tigertail Ranch
Owner: Tigertail Ranch
Trainer: Danny Pish
Jockey: Jose Valdivia, Jr.
3rd Trust Factor
Paddy O’Prado–Mainsail, byMizzen Mast
Breeder: J. Adcock & Hume Wornall
Owner: Scrivener Stables
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Jockey: Robby Albarado
Louisiana Champions Day Starter Handicap
Fair Grounds, 12-9-17, @ 1 miles, turf
Three-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Breds
Purse: $50,000
Well’s Gold with Miguel Mena aboard wins the La Champions Day Starter Handicap Stakes at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Amanda Hodges Weir
WELL’S GOLD
Gold Tribute-Lucky Buck’s Baby, by Spend A Buck
Breeder: J. Weldon Granger
Owner: James DeSoto
Trainer: F. Dewaine Loy
Jockey: Miguel Mena
2nd Southern Mister
Yonaguska-Vicki’s Valentine, by Mi Selecto
Breeder: Mark W. Necaise
Owner: Darque Horse Racing LLC
Trainer: Eduardo Ramirez
Jockey: Kerwin Clark
3rd Thunderberg
Teuflesberg-LIttle Rainmaker, by Thunder Gulch
Breeder: P & D Racing Stables
Owner: P & D Racing Stables
Trainer: Dana Whited
Jockey: Diego Saenz
If Mobile Bay can race well off an extended layoff, the grade 2 winner looks well-positioned to register a second straight Louisiana Champions Day Classic Stakes win Dec. 9 at Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots.
The $150,000 Classic is the most lucrative race on a card that features six other black-type stakes for Louisiana-bred Thoroughbreds. Those seven stakes will offer total purses of $750,000.
Tigertail Ranch homebred Mobile Bay closed out his 2016 season with a 4 3/4-length romp in last year’s Louisiana Champions Day Classic then opened 2017 with a clear victory in the LA Bred Premier Night Championship Stakes Feb. 11. at Delta Downs. But the son of Lone Star Special has not raced since picking up the eighth stakes win of his career in that February test.
Winner of the 2015 Super Derby (G2), Mobile Bay will carry high weight of 124 pounds in Saturday’s 1 1/8-mile race. He enters the race off a strong work pattern for trainer Victor Arceneaux, including a five-furlong breeze in a bullet 1:00 1/5 Dec. 2 at Evangeline Downs.
In the six other stakes:
Juvenile fillies will get the day started in the $100,000 Lassie Stakes, where Brittlyn Stable homebred Minit to Stardom (Star Guitar) will try to make the class jump from impressive debut maiden winner to stakes winner when she makes her second career start in the six-furlong test.
In the Ladies Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on the turf, Allied Racing Stable’s Invenian Viam (Half Ours) will try for a second straight win on the course after taking the Si Cima overnight stakes Nov. 18.
In the 1 1/16-mile Turf, Scrivener Stables’ Trust Factor (Paddy O’Prado) will try for his second stakes win of the season. He enters with a win or runner-up finish in each of his past four starts.
In the six-furlong Juvenile, Brittlyn Stable again figures prominently with a Star Guitar 2-year-old entered off an impressive maiden debut win in Divine Bean.
In the Sprint, at six furlongs, Dare to Dream Stable’s Jockamo’s Song (Half Ours) will try to secure a third straight stakes victory.
Closing out the day will be the six-furlong Ladies Sprint where Town and Country Racing’s My Miss Chiff (Into Mischief) enters off a clear victory in the Happy Ticket Stakes.
Mobile Bay was named Louisiana’s 2016 Horse of the Year at the June 10 Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s annual meeting and awards banquet at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, Louisiana.
This is the second consecutive year that the Tigertail Ranch homebred received Horse of the Year honors. He was also named Louisiana’s Four Year Old & Upwards Champion Male earlier this year after ending his 2016 campaign with three stakes wins and $302,150 earnings for the year, the highest earnings of any Louisiana-bred for 2016.
The son of Lone Star Special is out of Tranquility Bay (Out of Place), the dam of five winners from six starters including the stakes placed Galveston Harbor. She also has an unraced juvenile filly by U S Ranger and foaled a Dominus colt in April. Lone Star Special, the sire of Mobile Bay belongs to Tigertail Ranch and stands at The Horse of Course in Benton, La.
Trained by Victor Arceneaux, Mobile Bay won the 2017 Louisiana Premier Night Championship Stakes to boost his lifetime earnings to $1,006,440, only the 9th Louisiana bred in history to reach millionaire status.
Irwin Olian’s Tigertail Ranch dominated the awards. In addition to Horse of the Year and Older Male honors, Tigertail Ranch also garnered awards for Four-Year-Old & Upwards Filly or Mare, Wheatfield, and Leading 2016 Breeder by Breeders Awards.
Horse of the Year ~ Mobile Bay: Tigertail Ranch (Irwin Olian), owner and breeder. 2yo filly ~ Mr. Al’s Gal;: J. Adcock and Neal McFadden, breeders; Keith Bonura and Rodney Virgadamo, owners. 2yo colt or gelding ~ Tip Tap Tapizar: Summer Hill Farm LLC (William Andrade), breeder; Whispering Oaks Farm (Carol Castille), owner. 3yo filly ~ Big World: Curt Leake and Elm Tree Farm, LLC (Michelle and Jody Huckabay), breeders; Maggi Moss, owner. 3yo colt or gelding ~ Extra Credit: Richard and Bertram Klein, owner and breeder. 4 & up filly or mare ~ Wheatfield: Tigertail Ranch (Irwin Olian), owner and breeder. 4 & up male ~ Mobile Bay: Tigertail Ranch (Irwin Olian), owner and breeder. Broodmare of the Year ~ Pentatonic: Relentless Racing, LLC (Misty and Chad Dugar), owners. Stallion of the Year ~ Half Ours: Half Ours Group, owners; standing at Clear Creek Stud. Breeder of the Year ~ Irwin Olian (Tigertail Ranch) High Percentage Breeder (tie) ~ Relentless Racing, LLC (Misty and Chad Dugar), and Warren J. Harang III.
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