This year’s $75,000 Treasure Chest Stakes for 3-year-old and up fillies and mares scratched down to a field of five but it didn’t lack excitement as Brittlyn Stable, Inc.’s Testing One Two earned a hard-fought victory under jockey Diego Saenz. The Victor Arceneaux trainee remained undefeated at Delta Downs with the win as she has taken all four of her local starts. Overall, she has won six of 10 outings during her career.
After breaking alertly in the one-mile test for 3-year-old and up fillies and mares, Testing One Two got a perfect stalking trip behind pacesetters Inspightof and Americium. The front-running pair dueled for the lead as they carved out fractional times of 23.44 second for the opening quarter-mile, 48.24 for the half, and 1:13.01 for three-quarters. As the field turned for home Testing One Two began a sustained rally three wide before running down Inspeightof in the lane for a neck victory. Americium stayed on for third another 3-1/2 lengths behind the top pair.
Testing One Two covered the Treasure Chest distance in a time of 1:39.49.
Bred in Louisiana by her owner, Testing One Two earned $45,000 for the victory on Friday night and now boasts a career bankroll of $299,060. Testing One Two is bay filly by Star Guitar out of the Scat Daddy mare Yes Sir.
Testing One Two holds off Inspeightof to win the 2018 Treasure Chest Stakes. Coady Photography.
Treasure Chest Stakes
Delta Downs, 11-16-18, 1 mile
Three-Year-Olds and upwards, Fillies and Mares, $75,000
TESTING ONE TWO
Star Guitar–Yes Sir
Breeder: Brittlyn, Inc.
Owner: Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd
Inspeightof
Orb–Quick Flip
Breeder: Hunter Valley Farm & Adrian Regan
Owner: Ben Rollins
Trainer: Thomas M. Amoss
Jockey: Gerard Melancon
3rd
Americium
Brilliant Speed–Sweet Maple
Breeder: Jose Luis Espinoza
Owner: M and M Racing (Mike Sisk)
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
Bermuda Star with jockey Diego Saenz gets a head in front of Hachi and jockey Florent Geroux to capture the 33rd running of the River Cities Stakes at Louisiana Downs. Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski
River Cities Stakes
Louisiana Downs, 9-2-18, 8.5 furlongs, turf, $60,000
Three Year Olds and Upwards, Fillies and Mares
BERMUDA STAR
Star Guitar–Bermuda Bride
Breeder: Tom Curtis & Wayne Simpson (LA)
Owner: Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Hachi (CHI)
Seeking the Dia–Habibti (CHI)
Breeder: Haras Don Alberto (CHI)
Owner: Don Alberto Stable
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: Florent Geroux
3rd Holiday’s Angel
Harlan’s Holiday–Senorita Corredora
Breeder: Elm Racing, LLC (KY)
Owner: Keene Thoroughbreds LLC
Trainer: Allen Milligan
Jockey: Eguard A. Tejera
It was another rousing finish by Bermuda Star, owned by Brittlyn Stable, Inc.to take the 33rd running of the $60,000 River Cities.
The daughter of Star Guitar won the $60,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff, run here on August 4.That race was run over a firm turf course, but due to a major downpour, the turf condition was changed to yielding.Rider Diego Saenz has the return call for trainer Victor Arceneaux, dueling withHachi (CHI) and winning in a final time of 1:44.35.
“I was really concerned with the condition of the turf course,” said Arceneaux. “I told Diego if she was not comfortable to pull her up, but all of the sudden, she went to running and the rest was history. I want to thank Wayne Simpson and Tom Curtis for breeding this horse.”
Hachi (CHI), a 5-year-old stakes-placed mare ran second under jockeyFlorent Geroux as the 7-5 morning-line choice. Brad Cox trains the Chilean import for breeder and owner Don Alberto Stable.Holiday’s Angel with Eguard Tejera up, ran third. Completing the superfecta was Calumet Farms’Susie Bee.
This was the sixth career win for Bermuda Star ($8.40), who was sent off as the second choice in the wagering.
Louisiana Cup Distaff
Louisiana Downs, 8-4-18, 8 1/2 furlongs, turf, $60,000
3YO and Upwards Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies and Mares
Brittlyn Stable’s Bermuda Star with Diego Saenz aboard captures the LA Cup Distaff at Louisiana Downs. Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski
BERMUDA STAR
Star Guitar–Bermuda Bride
Breeder: Tom Curtis & Wayne Simpson
Owner: Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Eskenformore Eskendereya–Madel
Breeder: Sugarland Thoroughbred, LLC
Owner: Sugarland Thoroughbreds LLC
Trainer: James E. Hodges
Jockey: Richard E. Eramia
3rd Ourgoldshalaylee
Mauk Four–Miss Goldwin
Breeder: Leighton Hall Dunham Jr.
Owner: Pedigo Family Racing
Trainer: Randy Pedigo
Jockey: Jose Andres Guerrero
Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
Louisiana Downs, 8-4-18, 6 furlongs, $60,000
3YO and Upwards Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies and Mares
P Boo with jockey Thomas Pompell aboard gets a head in front of Dixie Brees to win the LA Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at LA Downs. Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski
P BOO
Dominus–Paraiba
Breeder: Spendthrift Farm LLC
Owner: Robert Lestz, Gillian and Kirk L. Harris
Trainer: Kirk L. Harris
Jockey: Thomas L. Pompell
2nd Dixie Brees
Good and Tough–Shes Dixies Eskimo
Breeder: John Luck
Owner: Crusaders Stable LLC
Trainer: Ron Faucheux
Jockey: Richard E. Eramia
3rd Frolic
Custom for Carlos–Comehomewithasmile
Breeder: Bill Langford
Owner: Bill Langford and Roland Bruno
Trainer: Roland L. Bruno
Jockey: Alexis X
Jockey Sasha Risenhoover pilots Silvercents to victory in the 8th running of the Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies at LA Downs. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.
SILVERCENTS
Goldencents–Carl’s Frosty Girl
Breeder: Steve E Holliday
Owner: Johnny B. Evans and Terry Eoff
Trainer: Terry Eoff
Jockey: Sasha Risenhoover
2nd Raising the Ante
Cross Traffic–Ante Up Annie
Breeder: Clear Creek Stud LLC
Owner: Valene Farms LLC
Trainer: Sturges J. Ducoing
Jockey: Gerard Melancon
3rd Whodatwhodat
Custom for Carlos–Answer to Me
Breeder: Whitney J Zeringue
Owner: Denise Schmidt
Trainer: Denise Schmidt
Jockey: Richard E. Eramia
Cabo’s Rumor pulls away to win the 8th running of the Louisiana Cup Juvenile at Louisiana Downs. Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski
CABO’S RUMOR
Amanecer de Oro–The Rumor’s True
Breeder: Northpointe Thoroughbreds
Owner: Northpointe Thoroughbreds
Trainer: Steven Duke
Jockey: Emanuel Nieves
2nd Beto
Custom for Carlos–Bella Moneta
Breeder: Jason Hall & BCS Thoroughbreds LLC
Owner: L. William and Corinne Heiligbrodt
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Jockey: Diego Saenz
3rd Victory Trip
Guilt Trip–Anne Margaret
Breeder: Terry Adcock
Owner: Norman Stables
Trainer: Lonnie Briley
Jockey: Ashley Broussard
Louisiana Cup Sprint
Louisiana Downs, 8-4-18, 6 furlongs, $60,000
3YO and Upwards Accredited Louisiana Breds
Monte Man with Gerard Melancon (blue cap) aboard turns for home and goes on to win the 40th running of the Louisiana Cup Sprint at Louisiana Downs. Hodges Photography / Sam Switalski
MONTE MAN
Custom for Carlos–Sarah’s My Angel
Breeder: Val C. Murrell
Owner: Ivery Sisters Racing
Trainer: Ron Faucheux
Jockey: Gerard Melancon
2nd Cheers to Berti
Ready’s Image–Chef Bertie
Breeder: Richard Klein & Bertram Klein
Owner: Red Rose Racing
Trainer: Brian A. Huval
Jockey: Diego Saenz
3rd Divine Bean
Star Guitar–Good Human Bean
Breeder: Brittlyn, Inc.
Owner: Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
Louisiana Cup Turf Classic
Louisiana Downs, 8-4-18, 8 1/2 furlongs, turf, $60,000
3YO and Upwards Accredited Louisiana Breds
In The Navy with Colby Hernandez aboard captures the 35th running of the Louisiana Cup Turf at Louisiana Downs. Hodges Photograhy / Ann Switalski
IN THE NAVY
Midshipman–Southern Princess
Breeder: Ken Standlee
Owner: Kendel D. Standlee
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
2nd Magic Vow
Private Vow–Whitewashed
Breeder: J. Adcock
Owner: Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Allen Landry
Jockey: Kerwin D. Clark
3rd Sir Genghis
Tale of the Cat–Staria
Breeder: Randel Stutes
Owner: Gillian and Kirk L. Harris
Trainer: Kirk L. Harris
Jockey: Thomas L. Pompell
MR. AL’S GAL IS A FRONT-RUNNING WINNER OF THE $75,000 DISTAFF
OPELOUSAS, LA – Evangeline Downs hosted its richest night of the Thoroughbred season on Saturday with Louisiana Legends Night. There were eight stakes races held with total purses of $600,000 and the evening was a showcase of the finest Louisiana-bred horses currently in training.
Social Misfit (#2) holds off Lucky Andy (#6) to score a victory in the 2018 Louisiana Legends Classic at Evangeline Downs. Coady Photography.
SOCIAL MISFIT
Porto Foricos-Unfriendly Koo
Breeder: Earl Hernandez and Keith Hernandez
Owner: End Zone Athletics, Inc.
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
2nd Lucky Andy
Lookin At Lucky-Sweet Britches
Breeder: George Gary Guidry MD & Walter Dwayne Brown MD
Owner: G. Gary Guidry and W. Dwayne Brown
Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun
Jockey: Roberto Morales
3rd Mageez
Musket Man-Spaseeba
Breeder: James A. McGehee Jr.
Owner: Double Dam Farm
Trainer: Delmar Caldwell
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
It isn’t very often that a horse trained by Karl Broberg and ridden by Tim Thornton will go off at 8-1 at Evangeline Downs, but that is exactly what happened with Social Misfit in the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Classic, much to the delight of his backers as he was a winner, covering the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.94 over a fast track.
The 1-2 betting favorite in the Classic, Mobile Bay, got off to a slow start and was last after the break. He had won five races in a row entering Saturday night, but was unable to mount a rally and settled for fifth. Social Misfit had been up close to the pace being set by longshot No One Greater, who led through a quarter-mile of 24.99 seconds and a half-mile of 50.01. Social Misfit assumed the lead at the top of the stretch and held off the valiant challenge of Lucky Andy through the lane to win by a head.
Social Misfit paid $18.20 to win, $7.80 to place and $12.40 to show. Lucky Andy returned $16.20 to place and $26.80 to show. Mageez finished third and paid $10.20 to show. The win was the 17th in 63 lifetime starts for Social Misfit and the $60,000 first-place purse increases his lifetime earnings to $486,966.
Social Misfit is a 9-year-old gelding by Porto Foricos and out of the Friendly Lover mare, Unfriendly Koo. He is owned by End Zone Athletics, Inc and was bred in Louisiana by Earl and Keith Hernandez.
Mr. Al’s Gal, Diego Saenz up, takes the Louisiana Legends Distaff with a Wire to Wire Win. Coady Photography.
Louisiana Legends Distaff
Evangeline Downs, 5-26-18, 1 1/16 Miles, $75,000
Accredited Louisiana Bred 3yos and Upwards, Fillies and Mares
MR. AL’S GAL
Salute The Sarge-Spanish Ice
Breeder: J. Adcock & Neal McFadden
Owner: Brittlyn Stable Inc.
Trainer: Justin Jeansonne
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Hyper Piper
Old Fashioned-Filaree
Breeder: Earl Hernandez, Keith Hernandez & John Duvieilh
Owner: John Duvieilh, Keith J. & Earl J. Hernandez
Trainer: Sam B. David Jr
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
3rd Pacific Pink
Private Vow-Truly Romantic
Breeder: Brandon Adcock
Owner: Keith Plaisance
Trainer: Edward J. Johnston
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
Mr. Al’s Gal went right to the lead in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Distaff and never relinquished it, going all the way in front to win by 1-1/2 lengths in a final time of 1:45.40 for the 1 1/16 miles. Mr. Al’s Gal turned the tables on the heavy favorite, Pacific Pink, who had defeated her in their last meeting this season at Evangeline Downs on May 2. The win was the first of 2018 for the filly owned by Brittlyn Stable, Inc. She is trained by Justin Jeansonne and was ridden to victory by Diego Saenz. Mr. Al’s Gal was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Neal McFadden. She is by Salute The Sarge and out of the Spanish Steps mare, Spanish Ice.
Testing One Two wins the Louisiana Legends Soiree. Coady Photography.
TESTING ONE TWO
Star Guitar-Yes Sir
Breeder: Brittlyn, Inc.
Owner: Brittlyn Stable Inc.
Trainer: Vitor Arceneaux
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Special Blessing
Flat Out-Langsyne
Breeder: J. Adcock
Owner: Coteau Grove Farms LLC
3rd Tap Dance Star
Star Guitar-Dance By Em
Breeder: Virginia Lazenby
Owner: Virginia Lazenby Racing Stable, LLC
Trainer: Oscar Modica
Jockey: Alexis X. Batista
Testing One Two is another filly that has certainly made her mark on Louisiana racing during her brief career and she came through with a two-length victory in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Soiree. The victory on Saturdaynight was the fourth stakes win in her seven lifetime races. She covered the one mile distance in a time of 1:39.36. Testing One Two is owned and bred by Brittlyn Stable, Inc. She is trained by Victor Arceneaux and was ridden to victory by Diego Saenz. Testing One Two is by Star Guitar and is out of the Scat Daddy mare, Yes Sir.
Ours To Run Puts Away the Competition in the Louisiana Legends. Mademoiselle. Coady Photography.
Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle
Evangeline Downs, 5-26-18, 5 1/2 Furlongs, $75,000
Accredited Louisiana Bred 3yos and Upwards, Fillies and Mares
OURS TO RUN
Half Ours-Brown Eyed Baby
Breeder: Clifford Grum
Owner: Colonel Thoroughbreds, LLC
Trainer: J. Larry Jones
Jockey: Roberto Morales
2nd Efforting
Into Mischief-Get Going Bertie
Breeder: Orange Grove Thoroughbreds
Owner: Horseplayers Racing Club, LLC
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
3rd Frolic
Custom For Carlos-Comehomewithasmile
Breeder: Bill Langford
Owner: Bill Langford and Roland Bruno
Trainer: Roland Lee Bruno
Jockey: Alexis X. Batista
Ours To Run claimed a second straight stakes victory over a dirt surface by winning the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle. Previously, she had won the Premier Night Matron at Delta Downs in February before trying the turf in consecutive losses at Fair Grounds and Keeneland. Ours To Run made a four-wide move around the far turn and surged to the lead at the top of the stretch. She went on to record a 4-1/4 length victory in a time of 1:03.41 for the five and one-half furlongs. Ours To Run was bred in Louisiana by Clifford Grum. She is owned by Colonel Thoroughbreds, LLC., trained by Larry Jones and was ridden to victory by Roberto Morales.
Monte Man takes his 5th straight victory in the Louisiana Legends Sprint. Coady Photography.
MONTE MAN
Custom For Carlos-Sarah’s My Angel
Breeder: Val C. Murrell
Owner: Ivery Sisters Racing
Trainer: Ron Faucheux
Jockey: Gerard Melancon
2nd Sir Ghengis
Tale of the Cat-Staria
Breeder: Randel Stutes
Owner: Gillian and Kirk L. Harris
Trainer: Kirk L. Harris
Jockey: Thomas L. Pompell
3rd Stand Him Up
Time Bandit-Taffy Davenport
Breeder: Hay Hollow Racing Stable LLC
Owner: Hay Hollow Racing Stables LLC
Trainer: Howard R. Alonzo, Jr.
Jockey: Diego Saenz
Monte Man overcame a squeeze at the start and a five-wide trip to win the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Sprint by 1-3/4 lengths in a time of 1:03.86 for the five and one-half furlongs. The win was the fifth in a row for Monte Man and the third straight stakes score for the gelding. Monte Man was bred in Louisiana by Val C. Murrell. He is owned by Ivery Sisters Racing, trained by Ron Faucheux and was ridden to victory by Gerard Melancon. Monte Man is by Custom For Carlos and is out of the Sutter’s Prospect mare, Sarah’s My Angel.
Double Star Takes The Louisiana Legends Cheval by 8 1/4 Lengths. Coady Photography.
DOUBLE STAR
Star Guitar-Bond Queen
Breeder: Thomas Edward Vinci & Bill Mayfield
Owner: Four Star Racing
Trainer: Robert D. Schultz
Jockey: Jose Andres Guerrero
2nd Pound For Pound
Redding Colliery-Buttercup’s Song
Breeder: J. Adcock & B&B Bloodstock
Owner: Israel Flores Horses LLC
Trainer: Jose Grimaldo
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
3rd Grand Luwegee
El Corridor-Magical Mia
Breeder: Gerard Perron
Owner: Gerard Perron
Trainer: Gerard Perron
Jockey: Roberto Morales
Double Star managed to record his second stakes victory of the 2018 Evangeline Downs season on Saturday in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Cheval. Double Star made an aggressive move on the far turn to overtake the pace-setters, In Charge Halo and Battle At Sea. From there, he went on to win by 8-1/4 lengths in a time of 1:39.09 for the one mile. Double Star also won the Equine Sales Derby at Evangeline Downs on May 5. He was bred in Louisiana by Thomas Edward Vinci and Bill Mayfield. Double Star is owned by Four Star Racing, trained by Robert Schultz and was ridden to victory by Jose Guerrero. The colt is by Star Guitar and out of the Stormy Atlantic mare, Bond Queen.
Trust Factor Lead Wire to Wire to Win the Louisiana Legends Turf. Coady Photography
TRUST FACTOR
Paddy O’Prado-Marshall
Breeder: J. Adcock & Hume Wornall
Owner: Scrivener Stables
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
2nd In The Navy
Midshipman-Southern Princess
Breeder: Ken Standlee
Owner: Ken Standlee
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: Luis Negron
3rd Extra Credit
Proud Citizen-Sunny Isles
Breeder: Richard Klein& Bertram Klein
Owner: Klein Racing
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
Trust Factor was a gate-to-wire winner in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Turf. Colby Hernandez was aboard for the one-length victory over the yielding turf course in a final time of 1:45.45 for the 1 1-16 miles. This was his second stakes win of 2018 having previously won a stakes race at Fair Grounds in March. Trust Factor was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Hume Wornall. He is owned by Scrivener Stable and trained by Mike Maker. Trust Factor is by Paddy O’Prado and out of the Mizzen Mast mare, Mainsail.
Theoryintopractice Takes the Louisiana Legends Starter on the Turf. Coady Photography.
THEORYINTOPRACTICE
Into Mischief-Cayman Colada
Breeder: Cypress Bend Farm
Owner: Courtney Barousse
Trainer: Corale A. Richards
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
2nd Harbor Pilot
Trappe Shot-harbor Princess
Breeder: Curt Leake
Owner: Red Rose Racing
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: Diego Saenz
Theoryintopractice made it a sweep of the turf races on Louisiana Legends Night for jockey Colby Hernandez, winning the $50,000 Starter. Theoryintopractice made the winning move on the far turn while running three-wide and was then able to withstand the late charge of Harbor Pilot to win by a half-length in a final time of 1:38.64 for the one mile. Theoryintopractice was bred in Louisiana by Cypress Bend Farm. The gelding is owned by Courtney Barousse and trained by Corale Richards. Theoryintopractice is by Into Mischief and out of the Yonaguska mare, Cayman Colada.
DOUBLE STAR
Star Guitar–Bond Queen
Breeder: Thomas Edward Vinci & Bill Mayfield
Owner: Four Star Racing
Trainer: Robert D. Schultz
Jockey: Jose Andres Guerrero
2nd Honor My Speed
To Honor and Serve–Unbridled’s Secret
Breeder: Barry Simpson
Owner: Rodney J. Verret
Trainer: Allen Landry
Jockey: Timothy Thornton
3rd Discreetly D
Discreetly Mine–Evening Muse
Breeder: Michael Villar & Cynthia Villar
Owner: Set-Hut LLC
Trainer: Jerry Delhomme
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez
OPELOUSAS, LA – Four Star Racing’s Double Star claimed the first stakes win of his career on Saturdaynight at Evangeline Downs in the $75,000 Equine Sales Derby. Regular rider Jose Guerrero was aboard for the victory for trainer Robert Schultz.
Double Star had to overcome being wide on both turns in the race. The colt was hung five-wide on the first turn and ended up getting a wide run up the backstretch as well, while sitting in mid-pack. Tensas’s Boy set the early fractions of 24 seconds for the quarter-mile and 48.39 for the half-mile. Double Star commenced a four-wide rally on the far turn and was able to power past the early leaders by the top of the stretch. From there, the colt withstood the closing efforts of a 17-1 longshot, Honor My Speed and the 2-1 second choice, Discreetly D, to win by 2-3/4 lengths in a final time of 1:40.21 for the one mile over the fast track.
The winner was sent off as the even-money favorite in the Equine Sales Derby. Double Star paid $4.20 to win, $2.80 to place and $2.20 to show. Honor My Speed finished second and paid $10.40 to place and $5 to show, while Discreetly D finished third and paid $3.20 to show.
Double Star is a 3-year-old colt bred in Louisiana by Thomas Edward Vinci and Bill Mayfield. He is by Star Guitar and out of the Stormy Atlantic mare, Bond Queen. Double Star now has three wins in his 10-race career and the $45,000 first-place purse increased his lifetime earnings to $110,820.
Evangeline Downs will resume live racing on Wednesday night with a nine-race program. First post time on Wednesday will be 5:50 pm Central Time.
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.
BATTLE AT SEA
Into Mischief–Mystery At Sea
Breeder: Clear Creek Stud LlLC
Owner: Three Diamonds Farm
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
2nd Pound for Pound
Redding Colliery–Buttercup’s Song
Breeder: J. Adcock & B&B Bloodstock
Owner: Israel Flores Horses LLC
Trainer: Jose Grimaldo
Jockey: Florent Geroux
3rd Gracida
Custom for Carlos–Tensas Wedding Joy
Breeder: Curt Leake & Elm Tree Farm , LLC
Owner: Zedan Racing Stables Inc
Trainer: Doug F. O’Neill
Jockey: Terry J. Thompson
NEW ORLEANS (March 24, 2018) – Three Diamonds Farm’s Battle At Sea successfully transitioned into stakes company with a win in the $75,000 Crescent City Derby against state-bred competition.
Coming off a gate-to-wire maiden breaking score February 10, the 3-year-old trained by Mike Maker led his foes from start to finish again Saturday with Jose Ortiz aboard.
“Going into the race, I saw some speed to my inside but when I went to the post parade he was really keen and pulling me,” Ortiz said. “When I got to the lead, he relaxed. I felt like I was going fast but he was relaxed. When I asked him to go, he gave me a little run.”
Battle At Sea opened up on the field going down the backside after posting splits of 23.28 and 46.69. He shrugged off a challenge from eventual third-place finisher Gracida around the turn, and never relinquished his advantage. He crossed the line 2 1/4 lengths clear of second-place finisher Pound for Pound. The final time was 1:44.90. Double Star rounded out the superfecta. Sent off at 7-1, Battle At Sea paid $17.40, $7.40, $4.80.
Three Diamonds Farm bought the son of Into Mischief for $55,000 at last year’s OBS March 2-year-olds in training sale. He debuted at Churchill Downs in June only a few months later with a fourth-place finish but did not start again until December 29.
“He had a little injury at Saratoga so we had to give him some time off,” Maker said. “We were pointing to this meet. He’s a big old horse that wants more ground.”
That seems to be the case as the Louisiana-bred is now 2-for-2 around two turns.
Rounding out the field were Double Star, Treys Midnite Moon, Gladyousawme, Grand Luwegee, Uncle Nearis and Ready Prospector.
Diego Saenz aboard Testing One Two wins the 13th running of the Crescent City Oaks at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.
TESTING ONE TWO
Star Guitar–Yes Sir
Breeder: Brittlyn, Inc.
Owner: Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Champagne Diva
Tale of the Cat–Wine Diva
Breeder: Becky Winemiller
Owner: Diamond Racing, Inc., Janssen, J., Janssen, J., Camodeca, P. and Camodeca, N.
Trainer: Leo G. Gabriel, Jr.
Jockey: Corey J. Lanerie
3rd Remember Daisy
Misremembered–Very Speightstown
Breeder: Al Ulwelling & Bill Ulwelling
Owner: Al Ulwelling & Bill Ulwelling
Trainer: Gary M. Scherer
Jockey: Mitchell Murrill
Earlier on the card, Brittlyn Stable’s Testing One Two made amends in the $75,000 Crescent City Oaks five weeks after a fifth-place finish in the Gr. II Rachel Alexandra Stakes.
Testing One Two pounced from a stalking position around the far-turn and went clear of her Louisiana-bred competition in the stretch to win by 3 1/4 lengths. The final time for the 1-mile 70 yards distance was 1:43.21.
“Last time she wasn’t really prepared for this stretch but she was so game,” said Evelyn Benoit, owner of Brittlyn Stables Inc. “I just hoped she could relax and do her thing today.”
With her win Saturday, Testing One Two improved her record to four wins from six starts and $199,135 in earnings.
Jockey Diego Saenz has ridden the filly in each of those starts.
“All I needed was to have a clear trip and I got it,” Saenz said. “I felt like I had it from the three-eighths pole because I was where I wanted, on the outside, and she finished strong.”
A daughter of Star Guitar, Testing One Two is a homebred for Evelyn Benoit’s Brittlyn Stable.
“I didn’t expect this filly to be better than Minit To Stardom, who is undefeated right now, we thought she would be the superhero,” Benoit said. “I’ve been breeding horses for close to 40 years. Every year Star’s babies are looking great. We’ve had 19 born this so far this year and they look fabulous.”
The connection between Arceneaux and Benoit dates back to Star Guitar.
“He actually broke Star Guitar. He was my Kindergarten teacher, and now I gave him the opportunity to be the trainer,” Benoit said. “I have seven or eight trainers right now and I think I’m going add two more. We understand that a lot of people don’t want to come to Louisiana to breed to Star Guitar so we’re going to send them all over. That’s a great way for people to see them.”
Arceneaux and Benoit noted after the race that Testing One Two be sent out of town in her next start.
“We’re thinking about the (Gr. II $250,000) Black Eyed Susan (at Pimlico on May 18) next,” Benoit said.
Rounding out the field are Special Blessing, Saint’s Girl, Tap Dance Star and Thegrayspider.
TESTING ONE TWO
Star Guitar – Yes Sir
B- Brittlyn, Inc.
O- Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
T- Victor Arceneaux
J- D. Saenz
The $60,000 Take Charge Brandi Stakes was won impressively by Brittlyn Stable, Inc.’s Testing One Two under jockey Diego Saenz, Friday night at Delta Downs in Vinton, LA.
The Take Charge Brandi was a seven-furlong test for 3-year-old fillies and Testing One Two, who is trained by Victor Arceneaux, used a stalking style plus a strong finish in the stretch to win the event by a widening four lengths over Upset Brewing. Laudation finished another 1-1/2 lengths behind the top pair in third. The winner covered the distance over a fast track in 1:27.08.
The victory by Testing One Two marked her third win in a row and her second straight tally in stakes company. She also took the Louisiana Legacy at Delta Downs on November 17 by an astounding 16-1/2 lengths while making her stakes debut. Testing One Two earned $36,000 for her exploits in the Take Charge Brandi and now boasts a career bankroll of $150,135.
Bred in Louisiana by her owner, Testing One Two is a bay filly by Star Guitar, out of the Scat Daddy mare Yes Sir.
Sent to the gate as the 6-5 wagering favorite, Testing One Two paid $4.40 to win, $2.80 to place and $2.20 to show. Upset Brewing was worth $3.20 to place and $2.10 to show. Laudation returned $3.20 to show.
Brittlyn Stable’s Iona Star breezes to the finish with Diego Saenz aboard in the Louisiana Futurity – Filly Division at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr
IONA STAR
Star Guitar–Miss Peenyata, by Mr. Greeley
Breeder: Brittlyn Stables, Inc.
Owner: Brittlyn Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Justin Jeansonne
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Feisty Embrace
Brethren–Appalachianna, by Langfuhr
Breeder: Matalona Thoroughbreds, LLC
Owner: Matalona Thoroughbreds, LLC
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
3rd Cool Spring
Concord Point–Thistle Bear, by Gators N Bears
Breeder: Tigertail Ranch
Owner: Tigertail Ranch
Trainer: Danny Pish
Jockey: Jose Valdivia, Jr.
Several Delta Downs-based horses shipped 231 miles east to New Orleans and two of them took home both divisions of the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots’ Louisiana Futurity on Sunday, Dec. 31.
In the fillies division, which carried a purse of $96,430, Brittlyn Stable Inc.’s Iona Star broke straight to the lead coming out of the gate, never looked back and won in wire-to-wire fashion.
Guided by jockey Diego Saenz, the two-year-old daughter of Star Guitar set opening fractions of 22.78, 46.63, and 58.95 before opening up on the field at the top of the stretch to win the Louisiana Futurity by four lengths. Feisty Embrace and Cool Spring were second and throughout the six-furlong journey and took the place and show spot, respectively. Overwhelming 1-5 favorite Champagne Diva was bumped at the start and did not fire finishing a disappointing fourth.
“She had a good trip,” Saenz said. “She was in front the whole time and that’s what we wanted. She likes the long stretch. She finished well.”
Iona Star entered her victory in the Louisiana Futurity off of a maiden win at Delta Downs on Nov. 21, which she also took in wire-to-wire fashion. She is trained by Justin Jeansonne.
“She broke real sharp,” Jeansonne said. “Her biggest thing is to get out of the gates, make the lead and keep her mind focused. Diego knows her and he’s been getting on her since her first work so he knows her pretty well.”
Iona Star gave back $14.20, $4.60 and $10.40 while Feisty Embrace returned $4.20 and $8. Cool Spring, who went off at 27-1, returned $25.40 to show.
She earned $57,138 from her triumph in the Louisiana Futurity fillies’ division and increased lifetime earnings to $79,578. She won her last two in four lifetime starts.
Rounding out the field are Champagne Diva, Girls Life and Bionic Butterfly.
Minit To Stardom, the 6-5 morning-line favorite, was scratched.
Pound for Pound, with Miguel Mena aboard, beat Givemeaminit in a close race for the Louisiana Futurity – Colt and Gelding Division at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr
POUND FOR POUND
Redding Colliery–Buttercup’s Song, by Unbridled’s Song
Breeder: J. Adcock & B&B Bloodstock
Owner: Israel Flores Horses LLC
Trainer: Jose Grimaldo
Jockey: Miguel Mena
2nd Givemeaminit
Star Guitar–Powerful Nation, by Turkoman
Breeder: Clear Creek Stud LLC
Owner: Valene Farms LLC
Trainer: Dallas Stewart
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
3rd Greeley Went West
El Corredor–So Well Read, by Read the Footnotes
Breeder: Tom Curtis & Wayne Simpson
Owner: Phyllis J. Hodges and Randy Schiender
Trainer: James E. Hodges
Jockey: James Graham
Four races later, Israel Flores Horses LLC’s Pound For Pound made an eight-day return to the races to hold off 4-5 favorite Givemeaminit down the Fair Grounds stretch and light up the tote board at odds of 21-1 in the colts and gelding division of the $104,930 Louisiana Futurity.
Trained by Jose Grimaldo and ridden to victory by Miguel Mena, the two-year-old son of Redding Colliery came from well off a swift pace led by Divine Bean, who threw down opening fractions of 21.84 and 45.15 before giving way in mid-stretch to Ready Prospector who led at the five-eighths mark in 58.06. Finally, Ready Prospector was passed up by Pound For Pound and Givemeaminit who battled their way to the wire but it was the former of the two who got the job done by a neck. Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile winner Greeley Went West finished third.
“Jose told me to ride him with a lot of confidence and I did,” Mena said. “We had a good trip and he was kind of green down the stretch but (Givemeaminit) came along the outside and was very game, too.”
Pound For Pound’s last start was just last Saturday, Dec. 23 where he defeated seven other Louisiana-breds in a 7½-furlong allowance event at his Delta Downs home base. In October, he broke his maiden first time out at 48-1 odds, which he followed with a third-place effort in the Louisiana Legacy Stakes behind Gladyousawme (seventh in the Louisiana Futurity), both of which were also at Delta Downs. He then shipped to the Fair Grounds for another crack at a state-bred stakes in the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile, but could do no better than fifth behind Greeley Went West.
“The last couple of times he was kind of green but he’s getting better,” Grimaldo said. “I was happy with the way he ran and I think we have a future with this horse. I never expected this because these were such nice horses but I told the owner, ‘I think we have a chance to be in the money,’.”
Pound For Pound popped the cork on his backers’ New Year’s Eve rewarding them in payouts of $45.80, $10.60 and $6 while Givemeaminit returned $3 and $2.20. Greeley Went West returned $3.20 to show.
He earned a $60,798 share from his victory in the Louisiana Futurity which boosted his lifetime earnings to $123,798. He has won three of his five career starts.
Completing the field were Ready Prospector, Divine Bean, Da’ Big Newt, Gladyousawme, Vapor Viper and Monsieur Brown.
A strong crop of 2-year-olds in 2017 prompted Evelyn Benoit’s Brittlyn Stable to raise the stud fee for homebred Star Guitar to $7,500 for the 2018 breeding season.
The four-time Louisiana Horse of the Year and winner of 22 black-type stakes out of 30 starts has been represented this year by 11 juvenile winners from 21 starters. His top 2-year-olds include stakes winners Testing One Two, a daughter out of Yes Sir (Scat Daddy) who won the Louisiana Jewel Stakes, and Aceguitar, a colt out of Cherub Heart (Dehere) who won the Louisiana Cup Juvenile Stakes and finished second in the Texas Thoroughbred Futurity. Star Guitar also sired Givemeaminit, out of Powerful Nation (Turkoman), who finished third in the grade 1 Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.
“Star Guitar is certainly passing on his will to win that he demonstrated with his race record of 24 wins from 30 starts,” said Benoit, who has stood Star Guitar at Clear Creek Stud near Folsom, La., since he entered stud in 2013 at $4,000.
From two crops of racing age, Star Guitar sired 28 winners that have earned more than $1.3 million. He has a third black-type winner in Bermuda Star, who won or placed six times in eight starts as a 3-year-old. One of her wins includes the Equine Sales Oaks at Evangeline Downs. The filly out of Bermuda Bride (Runaway Groom) also placed in the Elge Rasberry Stakes and the Louisiana Legends Soiree Stakes.
Star Guitar is a 12-year-old son of Quiet American—Minit Towinit, by Malagra, and a half brother to black-type winners Favorite Minit and Grand Minit, who were all bred and initially raced by Brittlyn Stable.
TESTING ONE TWO
Star Guitar-Yes Sir
Breeder: Brittlyn, Inc.
Owner: Brittany Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: D. Saenz
2nd Yes Gorgeous
Mass Media-Isn’t She Gorgeous
Breeder: J. Adcock & Montgomery Equine Center
Owner: Scott Gelner
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: T. Woodley
3rd Bionic Butterfly
Custom For Carlos-Pentatonic
Breeder: Relentless Racing, LLC
Owner: Whispering Oaks Farm LLC
Trainer: Steven B. Flint
Jockey: G. Melancon
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted the $150,000 Louisiana Jewel Stakes for 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies on Friday night and the one-mile race turned into a coming out party for Brittlyn Stables, Inc.’s Testing One Two. The Victor Arceneaux trainee cruised to an astonishing 16 ½-length victory under jockey Diego Saenz while making her stakes debut in her third career start.
After breaking alertly in the field of 10, Testing One Two stalked the early pace set by Just a Bandit who carved out fractions of 22.99 second for the quarter-mile, 47.29 for the half, and 1:13.55 for three-quarters. Entering the far turn Testing One Two surged to the lead and when she hit the top of the lane she was on cruise control while increasing her advantage and never being asked by Saenz. Yes Gorgeous finished second while Bionic Butterly picked up the show spot, another 2-1/4 lengths behind the runner-up.
Testing One Two covered the eight-furlong distance in a time of 1:40.09 over a track listed as fast.
Testing One Two has now won two of her career starts and she earned $90,000 for Friday’s exploits. Overall, she now boasts a $114,135 bankroll.
Bred in Louisiana by her owner, Testing One Two is a bay daughter of Star Guitar, out of the Scat Daddy mare Yes Sir.
Sent to the gate at odds of 4-5 on the tote board, Testing One Two returned $3.80 to win, $2.40 to place and $2.10 to show. Yes Gorgeous was worth $6.60 to place and $5.20 to show. Bionic Butterfly paid $7.20 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.
