OPELOUSAS, LA –Running Argument stated her case with a strong performance in the $70,000 D.S. ‘Shine’ Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs on Friday night.  The filly division of the futurity for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old runners was contested over a fast track at the distance of 5-1/2 furlongs.

Longshots Jaydan Cat, Custom Sunshine and Astrology Girl were away quickly to set a fast early pace, with Running Argument and jockey Elio Barrera settling into stride in mid-pack.  The trio sped through an opening quarter-mile in 22.23 seconds, with Running Argument commencing a four-wide bid from fifth position.

As the field turned into the stretch, the Hance Robbins, Jr. trainee swept to the front to lead by a length after a half-mile in 47.17 seconds.  Girl Likes Bling had parlayed a ground saving trip into a contending position, with Emily’s Bullet and Bohemian Jiggles running on late for minor awards.  Running Argument slowly extended the lead in the final yards, with the winning margin 1-3/4 lengths.  Girl Likes Bling was second with Emily’s Bullet a half-length away in third and Bohemian Jiggles finishing fourth.  The final time for the winner was 1:07.61.

Owned and trained by Hance Robbins, Jr., Running Argument earned $42,000 in the second victory from two career starts.  Her bankroll increases to $62,400.

The winner was bred in Louisiana by Hance Ray Robbins, Jr.  The dark bay, or brown, filly was sired by Closing Argument and is out of the Cherokee Run mare Run Jamaican’s Run.

Running Argument returned $4 to win as the favorite, $2.60 to place and $2.20 to show.  Girl Likes Bling paid $10.60 to place, $6.60 to show and Emily’s Bullet paid $5.60 to show.