Coming off convincing stakes victories, including one against open company, Touchuponastar did exactly as expected back in against fellow Louisiana-breds, dominating the Dec. 9 Louisiana Champions Day Classic Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. With Tim Thornton aboard, the 4-year-old Star Guitar gelding led gate to wire, taking the $145,500 feature by a geared-down 1 1/4 lengths in 1:50.12 for 1 1/8 miles over a fast surface.
Touchuponastar, sent off at 1/5, also won this race last year, clinching Louisiana’s champion 3-year-old colt or gelding honors. Jeff Delhomme trains the regional sensation for his brother, former New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, and father, Jerry Delhomme, who race as Set-Hut. Jerry Delhomme trains Cosmic Train and all runners were individual betting interests.
Bossier City, LA – It was another excellent edition ofLouisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 5 at Louisiana Downs. The quality of the Louisiana Thoroughbred breeding industry shone brightly in each of the six stakes on the program.
Despite temperatures in the low 100’s tremendous performances were noted throughout the afternoon with each of the defending champions denied by top efforts in the full and competitive fields. Here is a recap of the six Louisiana Cup stakes.
Norah G Returns to Glory in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
Norah G takes the Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. Ann Switalski Photography
The $75,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint kicked off the stakes portion of Louisiana Cup Day, with eleven Louisiana-bred fillies and mares taking on defending champion and LTBA champion filly Free Like a Girl.
The competition was fierce right out of the gate and it was Thomas Galvin’s homebred Norah G who won the race in gate-to-wire fashion. Breaking from the rail under jockey Emanuel Nieves, she carried her speed throughout the six furlong main track sprint, crossing the wire in 1:11.74.
Trained by Patricia West, the 3-year-old daughter of Fast Anna won the $112,000 Louisiana Futurity on December 31 for trainer Patricia West. This was her first start since January andGalvin was on hand to accept the trophy on the filly named for his youngest granddaughter Norah, who will turn nine at the end of this month.
“It was incredible,” said Galvin. “I was surprised she broke so well and that she would not be denied! Nieves gave her a great ride and Patty has been a godsend to us. She takes wonderful care of our horses and as an owner, I appreciate her communication skills.”
Also incredible, the 10-cent superfecta payout of $2,465 with Norah G ($44.80), followed by Final Quest at 31-1; Miss Priority, 36-1 and Zydeco Music, sent off at 13-1.
Free Like a Girl broke from the far outside post and never advanced from mid-pack, finishing eighth. She has won 13 of her 28 starts for owners Gerald Bruno, Jr; Carl J, Deville; Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom. She has banked $951,578 since making her debut in 2021.
Galvin may consider a start at Kentucky Downs for Norah G, whose record stands at three wins from five starts and earnings of $163,955.
Star Moment Proves Her Affinity for the Turf in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff
Star Moment victorious in Louisiana Cup Distaff. Ann Switalski Photography
The first turfstakes of the card, the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff, drew ten fillies and mares who will travel a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course.
Proving her versatility for the main track as well as the turf. Star Moment garnered the third stakes of her career for owner Intrepid Thoroughbreds, LLC (Tyron Picard and Stephen C. Henry). Previously trained by Ron Faucheux, the daughter of Star Guitar is now in the barn of Bret Calhoun. He was at Ellis Park this afternoon but was reached for comment following the race.
“She was impressive today,” said Calhoun. “I watched the race and she looked sharp and didn’t seem to have an issue with the heat. We didn’t think she could get beat in her last, but the track was deep, so maybe that was the case. We’ve started her four times and she’s won two stakes!”
A jockey claim of foul was disallowed, and rider Tim Thornton was pleased with her effort. As she stalked the pace and drew clear by 1 ¾ lengths in a final time of 1.41.22.
“She’s a class filly,” he stated. “I just got her in position and she took it from there.”
Front runner Birde Call held for second, followed by Wholelottamo and Eve’s Delight. Defending champion Cheapskate Diva mounted a bid at the top of the stretch, but finished sixth.
Star Moment ($11.20), bred by Brittlyn, Inc., has won five of her eight lifetime starts. Calhoun is considering options but is leaning toward giving her some time off and pointing to the Fair Grounds meet
Strong Promise Keeps His Win Streak Intact Capturing the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile
Strong Promise adds Louisiana Cup Juvenile for third win in as many starts. Ann Switalski Photography
The $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings attracted a field of ten at the distance of five and one-half furlongs on the main track.
Norman Racing Stables, LLC’s Strong Promise made his Louisiana Downs debutand lived up to his favored status, drawing off to a 2 1/2 length victory for trainer Jayde J. Gelner, in a speedy 1:05.52. The 2-year colt by Broken Vow out of the Macho Uno mare St. Jean, is undefeated in two starts. Bred by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall. Strong Promise won at first asking, romping by a margin of 10 lengths on June 3 at Evangeline Downs before winning the $150,000 TTA Futurity at Lone Star Park on July 1.
“He’s a really nice horse and I am grateful to Mr. Norman and Jayde for the opportunity to ride him,” said winning pilot Luis Fuentes.
Gelner is the son of conditioner Scott Gelner and is a young horseman to watch. The 22-year-old has only been training for two years and has already topped his 2022 win and earning stats in the first month of this year.
“I thank Robbie (Norman) and my great team,” said the young trainer. “My dad picked Strong Promise in the (2021) Texas Thoroughbred 2-Year-Old Sale,” said Gelner. “He went for $125,000, but we knew from his first breeze at Copper Crown that he had talent.”
The third-generation horseman is off to a sensational start, and Robbie Norman was proud of both Jayde and his undefeated juvenile.
“That was a big purchase, but he has paid that off already,” stated Norman. “We feel he has a very bright future.
Good and Stout rallied for second under jockey C J McMahon, followed by El Dinero, also bred byJ. Adcock and Hume Wornall and Deal With it Daddy, who ran second in the D.S. Shine Futurity at Evangeline Downs.
Tap Galore Outduels her Stablemate in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies
Tap Galore takes Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies. Ann Switalski Photography
A field of 10 accredited 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies, competed in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies Several first-time winners will face off in the five and one-half main track sprint.
The victory went to Thompson Racing, LLC (Stephen F. Thompson)’s Tap Galore who broke maiden for trainer Jayde Gelner. The filly by Tapiture was bred by J. Adcock and Hume Wornell and exited a fifth place finish in the D.S. “Shine” Futurity at Evangeline Downs. She crossed the wire in 1:06.18 over her stablemate Thompson Racing LLC,’s Diamond Deal.
Joel Dominguez had the call and studied her previous two races.
“I watched the replays and wanted to be patient,” he explained. “I felt she would run better laying off the speed and she responded.”
Viv’s Wild Aces, who won here on June 5 for trainer Joe Duhon, ran third followed by Running Argument who had won the first two races of her career.
The victory by Tap Galore was the eighth stakes win this year for Gelner and he took a minute to reflect on the success in just his second year of training.
“I believe in setting goals, so when we were entered in four stakes today, I felt we would have solid chances,” said Gelner. “I am grateful to my owner and proud of the hard work of our team. I will continue to have high expectations and strive to achieve success for our barn.”
Woods N Water Defeated a Deep Field in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic
Woods N Water wins Louisiana Cup Turf Classic. Ann Switalski Photography
The $75,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic attracted 12 runners going a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course. Several proven turf stakes winners, including 2021 champion Carlea’s Dream and Budro Talking, who captured the trophy in 2020, are entered.
However, there was a new turf star entered and Woods N Water claimed the victory under a very confident ride by Tommy Pompell. Owned by Richard Painter and John Dewberry, the 4-year-old son of Palace has been very accomplished on the turf, winning the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Turf at Evangeline Downs for trainer Lee Thomas.
Sent off as the favorite, the bay gelding sat off the pace in the early stages of the race, rating behind horses, until Pompell guided through an opening in the stretch and surged to the wire in 1:42.12.
Thomas was in California attending his wife’s grandmother’s 99th birthday party, but did not miss a moment of the race.
“That was a beautiful ride by Tommy,” said Thomas. “I was a little nervous about his first start on the Louisiana Downs turf course and of course, about the heat. But he had enough to finish and just keeps getting better on the grass.”
Oh My Aching Arch rallied for second, followed by Silver Galaxy and Real City Speed. Budro Talking, winner of the 2020 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic ran fifth with defending champion Carlea’s Dream, finishing seventh.
This was the fifth win in nine starts this year for Woods N Water ($5.60), who has banked $244,455 in 19 lifetime starts. He was bred by Orange Grove Thoroughbreds Inc. and Richard Painter.
X Clown Springs the Upset in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint
X Clown upsets Louisiana Cup Sprint. Ann Switalski Photography
The $75,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Sprint on the program witha solid field of nine sprinters traveling six furlongs on the fast main track.
It marked the biggest upset of the card with X Clown lighting up the tote board at 25-1 as he broke like a rocket and never relinquished his lead under jockey Devin Magnon. The 6-year-old gelding by Jimmy Creed was clocked in 1:11.06.
Owned by BW and HTS Stables, LLC (Jay Sheffield and Ray Mabile) and Jason G. Grudzien and trained by Rylee Magnon, was claimed for $20,000 in March Rylee and Devin are married and a true “hands-on” racing couple.
“As a trainer, I feel that I do better with older horses,” said Rylee. “We claimed him and gave him a fresh start. Our game plan was to take back and track the speed, but when he broke so well, he ended up being the speed!”
X Clown had been defeated twice by the defending champion Black Sword, but Devin gave credit to his wife for establishing a training routine that X Clown seemed to appreciate.
“He responded very well and got better and better in his works,” explained Devin. “We were concerned that he would be nervous shipping, so Rylee rode in the trailer with him! He stayed calm and broke super. As well as he was traveling, I felt we could outlast the speed and when he switched leads, he just went to running!”
Bred by Michael Villar and Cynthia Villar, X Clown ($52.40) was followed by Pickens, under rider Carlos Lozada and Mike J with Aubrie Green in the saddle finishing in a dead heat with post time favorite Big Chopper.
About Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.
Louisiana Bred Touchuponastar, (Star Guitar-Touch Magic, by Lion Heart), became the fourth Star Guitar progeny to add Graded Stakes placing credentials to his name when he finished second in the Grade III Steve Sexton Mile at Lone Star Park on Memorial Day.
Touchuponastar broke from the far outside and hustled to get position out of the gate. Vying for the lead in the run down the backstretch Touchuponastar took the lead turning for home but could not resist the closing rush of the winner Frosted Grace. Earning a 110 Equibase Speed Figure for his effort Touchuponastar has now earned $408,100 having never been worse than third in ten career efforts.
Touchuponastar is owned by the Set-Hut LLC stable of Jake Delhomme, is trained by Jeff Delhomme and was bred by Coteau Grove Farms of Ginger and Keith Myers.
Touchuponastar shines bright in EVD Classic. Coady Photography
TOUCHUPONASTAR DAZZLES IN THE $60,000 EVANGELINE CLASSIC
OPELOUSAS, LA – Touchuponastar was brilliant once again with an impressive score in the $60,000 EVD Classic on Saturday night. The race for 3-year-olds and upward was one of three stake races for Louisiana-bred runners on the Derby night card.
Away in good order under jockey Tim Thornton, Touchuponastar was allowed to settle into stride as Calculated sprinted to the lead. The early fractions were solid with an opening quarter-mile in 23.62 seconds and a half-mile in 47.21. As the field headed towards the far turn, it wasn’t a question of who was going to win, but by how wide of a margin. Touchuponastar steadily increased his lead on the turn while Highland Creek and Double Star chased the leader.
With six furlongs covered in 1:12.07, the Jeff Delhomme-trained Touchuponastar spurted away and widened the margin in the run to the wire. The winning margin was a convincing 9-1/4 lengths in the end, with Double Star second and Highland Creek another 1-3/4 lengths back in third. The finishing time for the mile distance was 1:37.87 over a track rated fast for the evening.
Owned by Set Hut LLC (Jake Delhomme), Touchuponastar is a winner for the seventh time in nine career starts. The winning share of $36,000 increased his lifetime earnings to $334,100.
The 4-year-old bay gelding was bred by Coteau Grove Farms and was sired by Star Guitar. He is out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic.
Heavily favored in the wagering, Touchuponastar returned $2.60 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Double Star paid $16.60 to place, $13.40 to show and Highland Creek paid $2.80 to show.
LONGSHOT MACHO BEANIE EDGES ALLNIGHT MOONLIGHT TO WIN RAGIN CAJUN
Macho Beanie Crosses the Wire Ahead of Allnight Moonlight to Win Ragin Cajun Stakes. Coady Photography
Macho Beanie made a bold bid on the far turn and pulled off a mild upset winning the $60,000 Ragin Cajun. A new addition to the stake calendar for 3-year-olds, the Ragin Cajun was narrowed down to a three-horse field after scratches.
Macho Beanie and jockey C.J. McMahon were last as the trio moved down the backside with Allnight Moonlight and Late September disputing the early lead. The Scott Gelner trainee made a bold bid outside of rivals midway on the turn and the three runners were separated by less than a length at the top of the stretch.
As they straightened away, Macho Beanie edged forward to challenge Allnight Moonlight as Late September backed out of the battle. Inside the final furlong Macho Beanie began to edge clear and hit the wire a neck to the good of Allnight Moonlight. It was 7-3/4 lengths back to Late September. The running time for the seven furlongs was hand timed in 1:23.50.
Owned by Oak Tree Stables LLC (Bennett Powell), Macho Beanie wins for the second time in four starts. The first stakes victory was worth $36,000 and increases his career bankroll to $94,000.
The 3-year-old bay colt was bred by Oak Tree Stables LLC,. Sired by Mucho Macho Man, he is out of the My Pal Charlie mare My Pal Beanie.
Macho Beanie went off as the longest odds in the short field and returned $8.40 to win and $3 to place. Allnight Moonlight returned $2.20 to place. No show wagering was offered on the Ragin Cajun.
BLACK SWORD TAKES FIRST RUNNING OF KING CREOLE
Black Sword Proves Best in King Creole Stakes. Coady Photography
Black Sword proved best in the inaugural running of the $60,000 King Creole under jockey Vicente Del-Cid. Away in good order, Black Sword settled in mid-pack as Bertie’s Galaxy and X Clown battled for the lead through an opening quarter-mile in 23.10 seconds and a half-mile in 46.35.
Black Sword made a four-wide bid at the top of the stretch and wrestled the lead away from a stubborn X Clown nearing the furlong pole. The Ronnie Averett runner pulled away from the field in the final yards and was four lengths clear at the wire. X Clown battled on for second, one length better than a late closing Big Chopper. The final time for the 5-1/2 furlongs for the field of 3-year-olds and upward was 1:04.30.
Owned by Treanor MD LLC (Leonard Treanor, MD), Black Sword is a winner for the seventh time from 24 career starts. The winning purse of $36,000 increases his lifetime earnings to $214,705.
Bred by Margie Averett, Black Sword is a 6-year-old dark bay or brown gelding. Sired by Awesome Sword, he is out of the Devil His Due mare Black Mariah.
Black Sword paid $6 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.40 to show. X Clown returned $6.60 to place, $3.40 to show and Big Chopper paid $2.40 to show.
Live racing resumes on Wednesday with a 5:30pm first post. The Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred season runs until August 12.
JOCKEY TIM THORNTON WINS FOUR RACES WITH A STAKES DOUBLE
FREE LIKE A GIRL REIGNS SUPREME IN THE $60,000 EVANGELINE DISTAFF
Free Like A Girl wins EVD Distaff. Coady Photography
OPELOUSAS, LA –Free Like a Girl kept her local record unblemished with a victory in the $60,000 EVD Distaff on Friday night. The Distaff was part of a three-stake program that included the new Cajun Miss and Creole Lady. The stake races, all for Louisiana-bred runners, were contested over a track rated fast.
Jockey Tim Thornton and Free Like a Girl broke sharply to contest the early lead in the Distaff with Mishpachah, who hopped slightly at the start. A G’s Charlotte, a stake winner earlier in the meet, was also away in good order and tracked the leaders from third through opening fractions of 24.35 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 48.29 for the half-mile. As the field entered the far turn, Free Like a Girl edged forward to take a slim lead from Mishpachah, while A G’s Charlotte moved closer in third.
Through six furlongs in 1:13.10, Free Like a Girl had assumed a length lead as A G’s Charlotte moved in to second and set the stage for the stretch duel. The Chasey Deville Pomier trainee would not be denied and held sway for a two-length victory. A G’s Charlotte finished second with Mishpachah another seven lengths back in third. The running time for the mile was 1:39.09 for the 3-year-old and up filly and mares.
Owned by the partnership of Gerald Bruno, Jr., Carl Deville, Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom, Free like a Girl captured her 12th career victory from 26 career starts. With the $36,000 winning share, her career bankroll grows to $870,378.
The winner is a bay 4-year-old filly. Sired by El Deal, she is out of the Flashy Bull mare Flashy Prize.
Free Like a Girl returned $4.20 to win as the slight betting favorite, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. A G’s Charlotte paid $2.10 to place, $2.10 to show and Mishpachah returned $2.10 to show.
STAR MOMENT EARNS SECOND CAREER STAKES IN CAJUN MISS
Star Moment take the Inaugural Running of the Cajun Miss Stakes at EVD. Coady Photography
Star Moment parlayed a stalking trip into her second career stakes victory in the $60,000 Cajun Miss. With jockey Tim Thornton in the irons, Star Moment was away in good order and tracked the speed of Kyle Beauty through quick early fractions of 22.49 seconds for an opening quarter-mile and 45.33 for a half-mile.
As the field of 3-year-old fillies made their way to the top of the stretch, Star Moment had collared Kyle Beauty and was starting to edge clear. The final winning margin was 4-1/2 lengths, as Kyle Beauty held on for second, with Louisiana Liberty another ¾-lengths back in third. The final time for the seven furlongs was 1:25.05.
Owned by Intrepid Thoroughbreds LLC (Logan Trotter and Tyron Picard) and trained by Bret Calhoun, Star Moment wins for the third time in five career starts. The winning share of $36,000 increases her career bankroll to $127,530.
Bred in Louisiana by Brittlyn, Inc., she is a bay filly sired by Clear Creek Stud stallion Star Guitar and is out of the Saint Liam mare Moment of Majesty.
Star Moment returned $11.60 to win, $5.20 to place and $4.20 to show. Kyle Beauty paid $4.60 to place, $3.40 to show and Louisiana Liberty returned $4.20 to show.
FLASHY MEG FINISHES STRONG TO WIN CREOLE LADY STAKES
Flashy Meg Pulls Away to Win the Cajun Miss Stakes at EVD. Coady Photography
John Sargent’s Flashy Meg battled through some fast early fractions but had plenty in the tank to pull away in the $60,000 Creole Lady. Away sharply under Jockey Joe Stokes, Flashy Meg was joined by Wupkar as they zipped through an opening quarter-mile in 21.79 seconds and a half-mile in 45.35 in the stake for 3-year-old and up filly and mares.
As the field moved to the top of the lane, the leading duo was being chased by First I’ve Seen and Snowball was starting a wide run. In the run to the wire Flashy Meg found some extra energy and pulled clear to win by two lengths. Wupkar battled on to hold second, a half-length better than First I’ve Seen. Favored Snowball’s run flattened out as she finished fourth. The final time for the 5-1/2 furlongs was 1:04.63.
Trained by Kearney Segura, Flashy Meg wins for the fifth time from 15 career starts. She earned $36,000 in the victory and increases her bankroll to $174,050.
Bred by Steven Miller, the 4-year-old is a dark bay or brown filly sired by Flashpoint. She is out of the West Acre mare Meg’s Answer.
In addition to the Louisiana Derby Day races, Fair Grounds held six stakes for Accredited Louisiana-breds closing weekend, Saturday, March 25, and Sunday March 26.
Watch highlights and post race interviews below
Crescent City Derby
Allnight Moonlight
Ransom the Moon–Gingertini, by Medaglia d’Oro
O–Roger G. Smith, B–Coteau Grove Farms, LLC (LA), T–Ron Faucheux, J–Florent Geroux
Crescent City Oaks
Star Moment
Star Guitar–Moment of Majesty, by Saint Liam
O–Intrepid Thoroughbreds LLC, B–Brittlyn, Inc. (LA), T–Ron Faucheux, J–Corey J. Lanerie
Costa Rising Stakes
Big Chopper
Shackleford–Miss Well Molded, by Unusual Heat
O–Kendel D. Standlee, B–Kendel Standlee (LA), T–Scott Gelner, J–Corey J. Lanerie
Star Guitar Stakes
Touchuponastar
Star Guitar–Touch Magic, by Lion Heart
O–Set-Hut LLC, B–Coteau Grove Farms, LLC (LA), T–Jeff Delhomme, J–Timothy Thornton
Page Cortez Stakes
First I’ve Seen
Astrology–Correct Call, by Consolidator
O–Tom Curtis, B–Tom Curtis & Wayne Simpson (LA), T–Victor Arceneaux, J– Casey Fusilier
Shantel Lanerie Memorial Stakes
Nosilverspoonshere
Connect–Grand Style, by Giant’s Causeway
O–Rocket Ship Racing, LLC, B–Gulf Coast Stables LLC (LA), T–Thomas M. Amoss, J–Corey J. Lanerie
FREE LIKE A GIRL SURPASSES $800,000 IN EARNINGS WHILE WINNING THE DISTAFF
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted its richest program of the season on Saturday evening as the 20th edition of Louisiana Premier Night took center stage. The 12-race program featured 10 stakes races and $980,000 in total purse money for Louisiana-bred horses.
The featured race on the program was the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship. The favorite, Touchuponastar did not disappoint in the race, winning easily under jockey Tim Thorton, who notched a pair of wins on the rich program.
Touchuponastar, who is owned by retired NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme’s Set Hut Stables and trained by Jeff Delhomme, was expected to set the pace in the 1 1-16-mile test for 4-year-olds and up, but an early lead was not in the cards as Brian’s Iron Mike shot to the front in the initial strides after Touchuponastar stumbled when the gates opened.
Thornton appeared to struggle with his mount early after a rough start, but he settled down and angled off the rail entering the first turn of the two-turn race. The opening quarter mile was clicked off in 23.65 seconds by Brian’s Iron Mike while Thornton guided his mount into a stalking position onto the backstretch. When the half-mile was reached in 47.47, Brian’s Iron Mike was feeling the pressure from Touchuponastar and eventually gave way to the eventual winner, who clicked off a rapid time of 1:12.89 for three quarters.
Turning for home the outcome was never in doubt, as Touchuponastar increased his lead and cruised to a final winning margin of 2-1/2 lengths over late runner Behemah Star, while recording a final time of 1:45.53. Ballinonabudjet wound up third, another three lengths behind the runner-up.
After the race, Thornton raved about Touchuponastar, whom he has ridden in all but one of his seven career starts.
“He’s a class act; does everything you ask of him,” stated the winning rider. “He stumbled out of the gate, but I was never worried.”
Touchuponastar has now won four consecutive races and five-of-seven starts overall. He banked another $90,000 for the win on Saturday and his earnings now stand at $253,100.
Bred in Louisiana by Coteau Grove Farms, Touchuponastar is a 4-year-old gelding by Star Guitar, out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic. He was purchased for $15,000 as yearling.
Sent off at odds of 6-5 by the fans, Touchuponastar returned $4.40 to win, $2.80 to place and $2.10 to show. Behemah Star was worth $3.20 to place and $2.60 to show. Ballinonabudjet paid $2.80 to show.
In other action on Louisiana Premier Night, Free Like a Girl won the $125,000 Distaff under jockey Pedro Cotto, Jr. for trainer Chasey Deville Pomier. The multiple graded stakes placed 4-year-old filly notched her 11thwin from 23 career starts in the race for owners Gerald Bruno, Jr., Carl J. Deville, Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom. The $75,000 winner’s paycheck raised Free Like a Girl’s lifetime bankroll up to $829,878.
Race favorite Bron and Brow used a rail-skimming trip up jockey Rey Gutierrez to claim victory in the $100,000 Sprint. The Mark Casse trainee was well behind the leaders early in the five-furlong affair but found a seam on the inside of leader Takes Two to Tango in the stretch before drawing clear to win easily. Bron and Brow, a 4-year-old by Gormley, is owned by Gary Barber and has now won five-of-11 starts while earning $284,670.
Alpine Mist made her stakes debut a winning one in the $100,000 Starlet on Louisiana Premier Night. Under jockey Vicente Del Cid, Alpine Mist pulled the upset at odds of 11-1 for owner/breeder Melissa Cantacuzene and trainer J. Luis Garcia. Alpine Mist, a 3-year-old filly, is now a perfect three-for-three in her career and has earned $108,600.
The $100,000 Prince wasn’t without controversy this year as Allied Racing Stables’ gelding Jack Hammer made it to the wire first in the one-mile test for 3-year-olds but had to survive a jockey’s objection from C. J. McMahon, who rode runner-up Marks Promise. The objection was eventually disallowed, and the W. Bret Calhoun trainee was declared the official winner. Jack Hammer is now undefeated in his three-race career and banked $60,000 for his victory on Saturday night. His fledgling bankroll now stands at $157,755.
This year’s $100,000 Matron featured a dramatic photo finish between Snowball and Ova Charged, who hit the finished line together. After the image was examined by the placing judges, the tote board displayed a dead heat for the win.
Snowball’s effort earned her the eighth victory of her career from 47 overall starts. The 7-year-old mare has now won $470,370 for owner Tin Roof Farms, LLC and trainer Sam Breaux. Snowball was ridden to victory by jockey Vicente Del Cid.
Ova Charged, who was sent off was the heavy favorite while on a five-race winning streak, was ridden by jockey Jose Rodriguez. The Jose Camejo trainee is owned by Brittlyn Stables, Inc. Ova Charged has only suffered defeat once in her nine-race career, and that was in a graded stakes race at Belmont Park in July of 2021. Ova Charged has now earned $364,600 during her stellar career.
The biggest upset of the night came in the $60,000 Gentlemen Starter as Kevin Delahoussaye’s Freedomfi wore down pacesetter Doctor Leo in the stretch of the 1 1/16-mile event. Going off at odds of 31-1, the Glenn Delahoussaye trainee was ridden to victory by Tim Thornton. Freedomfi is now six-for-47 during his career, and he has earned $253,847.
The Mark Hibdon owned and trained D’wild Muffin took the $50,000 Bon Temps Starter under jockey Alex Birzer. The 9-year-old mare has now won six-of-16 career starts and has a bankroll of $114,704. Her local record at Delta Downs now stands at five wins and three seconds from 12 trips to the starting gate.
This year’s $60,000 LAPN Ladies Starter went to Zydeco Music under jockey Rey Gutierrez. The Shane Wilson trainee used a front-running trip to lead all the way before holding off a late challenge by A Wish for Madelyn, who made it close at the wire in the one-mile affair. Owned by Richard Anthony Tompkins, Zyedeco Music has now won 10-of-28 career starts and banked $204,440.
The final race on the card was the $50,000 Ragin Cajun Starter and it was won by Vanessa Motta’s Dixie Street under jockey Tracy Hebert for trainer Sean Alfortish. Dixie street went from last to first in the five-furlong sprint and has now won nine-of-33 career starts. He earned $30,000 for his win and now has a bankroll of $219,520.
Delta Downs has three weeks left in its 2022-23 season. The track will move to a 5:20 pm post time each Wednesday through Saturday until closing night on February 25.
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.
Touchuponastar, with Timothy Thornton aboard, wins the 31st running of the Louisiana Champions Day Classic. Hodges Photography / Jamie Newell.
NEW ORLEANS, La. (December 10, 2022) – The commanding speed in the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic, Set-Hut’s Touchuponastar overcame a slow break to lead through all calls and pour it on late to win by 4 3/4 lengths over Behemah Star. The Star Guitar-sired exacta had plenty in the tanks after coasting through soft fractions, keeping the odds-on favorite Who Took the Money at bay.
Touchuponastar, a lightly raced-3-year-old trained by Jeff Delhomme, ran the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.66 to collect his first career stakes win. Timothy Thornton rode the winner for Delhomme family, Jerry, Jeff, and ex-NFL quarterback Jake.
Pausing for an instant after the gates flew upon, Touchuponastar recovered quickly, hustling by the early challenger Highland Creek in the early going to set fractions of 24.55 and 49.34. He received no pressure as Highland Creek kept 1 1/2 lengths back to his outside. Behemah Star made his move to take over in second through the final bend but never menaced Touchuponastar who extended his lead to six lengths at the stretch call. Who Took the Money stalked wide in sixth before beginning a late move that never threatened the winner but was game enough to beat Ballinonabudjet for third.The rest finished well back.
“We knew he was a special horse all along,” Timothy Thornton said. “We knew we were coming here to beat Who Took the Money, but when I was able to get that first quarter as slow as I was going, I thought Calhoun’s horse (Highland Creek) was going to pressure me. When they left me alone, I knew I was going to have plenty left, and he was definitely able to show how special he is today.”
Touchuponastar is a son of Guitar Star out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic and was bred in Louisiana by Coteau Grove Farms. The four-time winner returned $12.40, $5.60 and $3.00 as the 5-1 third betting choice in the field of seven older males.
Cosmic Train, Highland Creek, and Maga Man completed the order of finish. Beauregard was scratched.
Touchuponastar netted $60,000 for owner Set-Hut LLC and now boasts career earnings of $163,100 from a record of 4-1-1 in 6 starts.
“He’s young and has a big future ahead of him,” trainer Jeff Delhomme said. “We were leaning towards the Classic the entire time (instead of the Sprint). We didn’t run in the prep because earlier in the career we swung back in three weeks and we think that ended up being a little too fast. It opens a lot of doors for us to be able to get nine furlongs, even outside Louisiana-bred horses.”
In other stakes action on the Louisiana Champions Day Card, Kendel D. Standlee’s Big Chopper rolled from off a 44.79 opening half mile to win the $100,000 Sprint going away at 6-1 for trainer Scott Gelner and jockey Corey Lanerie. He was followed home in the trifecta by longshots Relentless Dancer (15-1) and Mike J (46-1). After pressing into a hot pace, 2-1 favorite Bertie’s Galaxy finished last of the 12.
In the $100,000 Ladies Distaff, Thomas Galvin’s A.G’s Charlotte proved her upset win in the Big World last month was no fluke, but this time she was forced to close into moderate fractions instead of having the table set for her. The circumstances were different, but the results were the same as she scored by a narrow margin under a heady, rail-skimming ride by Marcelino Pedroza, Jr. as the 5-2 second choice for trainer Patricia West. The pacesetter Winning Romance, who walked through an opening half-mile in 49.19, battled gamely but finished secondas the 3-5 public choice. Fort Polk, last year’s Distaff winner, settled for third.
In the $100,000 Ladies Sprint, Brittlyn Stables’ Ova Charged made short work of her overmatched rivals, rolling home in gate-to-wire fashion to score by 4 ¾ effortless lengths at the 1-5 chalk for Jose Camejo. Free Like a Girl, Spirited Beauty and Snowball completed the order of finish. With the win, Evelyn Benoit’s Brittlyn Stables extended their record of Champions Day wins to 15.
In the $100,000 Juvenile, Kevin Stedman’s Late September (5-1) broke inward from the starting gate, wired the field, and eventually survived a claim of foul to give trainer Jose Camejo his first of two Champions Day wins on the card. It was one of three scores on the day for Fair Grounds’ leading rider Jose Luis Rodriguez. Tumbarumba, the 3-5 favorite, was severely compromised at the start, but he rallied on nicely to be second in front of Calicoco, who checked in third.
In the $100,000 Lassie, Mansfield Racing’s Free Drop Maddy (6-5 second choice) battled for the lead from the rail, took over on the turn for home and built the lead in the stretch before holding off the slow starting 1-1 favorite Norah G to win by a diminishing neck. It was far back to Tensas Candy in third.
The two starter races were won by the mare Zydeco Music (7-5) for owner Richard Anthony Tompkins, jockey Jose Rodriguez and trainer Shane Wilson and the gelding Dixie Street for owner Vanessa Motta, trainer Sean Alforish and jockey Tracy Hebert respectively.
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