JUMP TO RACING NEWS 2007

Racing News

DELTA DOWNS RELEASES 2008-2009 THOROUGHBRED STAKES SCHEDULE - OVER $4 MILLION OFFERED DURING 88-DAY STAND

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel has released its 2008-2009 Thoroughbred stakes schedule, which will feature total purse money of $4.04 million.

The upcoming season at Delta Downs will begin on Wednesday, October 29. The first stakes activity of the meet will take place on Halloween Night, Saturday, October 31 when the track hosts the $60,000 Gardenia and the $60,000 Cocodrie Stakes.

Delta Jackpot Preview Night will happen on Friday November 7. The evening will feature four added-money races including the $150,000 Jean Lafitte and the $100,000 My Trusty Cat.

The Jean Lafitte is local prep for Boyd Gaming’s $750,000 Delta Jackpot Stakes and the My Trusty Cat is the setup race for Boyd Gaming’s $500,000 Delta Princess Stakes Powered by Youbet.com. The Jackpot and Princess will both take place on Friday, December 5.

Delta Jackpot Night will take on even more importance this year. In 2006 the Jackpot was contested as a grade III event for the first time since its inception in 2002. This year the Princess will also be a grade III event while receiving a $200,000 increase in purse money.

The sport of horseracing in the Bayou State will take center state once again on February 7, 2009 when Delta Downs hosts another edition of Louisiana Premier Night. The evening of equine competition will include 10 stakes races for Louisiana-bred runners worth total purse money of $1 million.

This year’s stakes schedule will come to a close on the final night of the meet, Saturday, March 28 when the track hosts the $50,000 B-Connected Stakes and the $50,000 Lookout Stakes.

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.

8/14/08 - Evangeline Mile a wide open affair at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino

Opelousas, Louisiana –A talented and evenly matched group on nine, including Sonoma Cat & Missed the Prom, one-two finishers in the Oak Hall Stakes here at Evangeline Downs last month, are set to square off in the 22nd running of the $200,000 Evangeline Mile, the richest race of the spring/summer thoroughbred season on Saturday evening at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino.

Sonoma Cat, an impeccably bred four-year-old Storm Cat colt has been installed at the 3/1 morning-line favorite off his gutsy victory in the Oak Hall. Making his local debut after winning an entry-level allowance event at Churchill Downs in his prior start, the Steve Asmussen trainee was able to save ground while tracking pacesetters Missed the Prom and Gowden Mile thru quick fractions before angling out at the top of the stretch and wearing down a stubborn Missed the Prom for the win in that seven furlong event. Owned by Jess Jackson’ s Stonestreet Stables, Sonoma Cat will break from post position four and will once again be ridden by Randall Toups.

In addition to Missed the Prom, who won the John Henry Stakes at the one mile distance here at Evangeline in April, 2008 stakes winners Ide Like a Double, Castle Berry Road, and Fass Feat are also in the line-up in what promises to be one of the most competitive running’s of the “Mile”.

Marvel Wood, who earned a eye-popping 107 Beyer speed figure in winning a conditioned allowance event at Louisiana Downs in his first start since shipping from the West Coast, and Got the Last Laugh, well beaten in the Presque Isle Mile in his last start, but multiple stakes placed this season, are two others who will attract plenty of attention with bettors.

Carded as the 9th race on Saturday’s eleven-race program, the approximate post time is 9:48pm central time.

Here is the field in program order with odds for the $200,000 Evangeline Mile to be run at Evangeline Downs on Saturday, August 16, 2008.

1. Castle Berry Road Carlos Gonzalez 10/1
2. Gowden Mile Billy Patin 12/1
3. Got the Last Laugh Donnie Meche 8/1
4. Sonoma Cat Randall Toups 3/1
5. State Power Colby Hernandez 10/1
6. Ide Like a Double Kerwin Clark 9/2
7. Marvel Wood Lonnie Meche 7/2
8. Missed the Prom Gerard Melancon 4/1
9. Fass Feat Marlon St. Julien 30/1

.

7/5/08 - Shutupanddance and Not Grounded score the upset in the “Shine” at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino!

Opelousas, Louisiana-Continuing what has become a longstanding tradition, Shutupanddance ($18.80) and Not Grounded ($25.20) recorded upset victories in their respective divisions of the D. S. “Shine” Young Memorial Futurity on Louisiana Legends Night at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino on Friday evening. The two divisions of the “Shine”, the marquee event on Evangeline Downs’ signature evening of racing which features a total of eleven stakes races for Louisiana bred horses vying for more than $1 million dollars in purse money, once again proved difficult for handicappers as Shutupanddance captured the Filly division of the “Shine” at odds of 8/1 under veteran jockey Gerard Melancon, while Sylvester Carmouche Jr. earned his third “Shine” victory in the past four years as he guided 11/1 outsider Not Grounded to victory in the colts & geldings division.

The “Shine” races, with a purse of $133,600 for the fillies, and $128,600 for the colts and geldings, were the richest of the eleven stakes races on the thirteen race program and both were won in wire-to-wire fashion. Carded as the eighth race, the filly division on paper looked to be an event that was chock full of early speed, but after breaking alertly, Shutupanddance quickly established a clear early lead that the daughter of Brassy Wells would never relinquish. Winning jockey Melancon stated “I planned on using her natural speed, but was prepared to take back if the pace was too hot, fortunately she outsprinted everyone in the first 100 yards and I was able to give her a good breather around the far turn, when I tapped her on the shoulder at the top of the lane, she gave me what she had and that was more than enough for the win”. Reckon, a previously undefeated daughter of Devil His Due who had won her trial by more than ten lengths, gamely chased the winner thru the final 5/16ths but was unable to catch her. Akiane, the $160,000 Sales-topper at the Fasig-Tipton Texas Sale in April, checked in third, 3 1/2 lengths behind the runner-up and more than 5 lengths behind the winner. Lightlightlight, the fastest trial winner and part of a Steve Asmussen trained entry that was the prohibitive betting favorite, finished fast, albeit belatedly after failing to show the high early speed that she had in her three prior career starts and checked in a disappointing fourth. Owned by her breeders Bill and Denise Morrison and trained by Stanley Roberts, Shutupanddance earned $80,160 for the victory and covered the five furlongs on a track labeled fast in 58 3/5ths after setting fractions of 22 and 46 seconds for the opening quarter and half-mile. Classic Ide was a late scratch.

In the colts and geldings division, Not Grounded, part of a three-horse John Gelner trained and Sam and Sammy Stevens owned entry also used front-running tactics to earn the $77,160 winner’s share of the $128,600 purse. The gelded son of Stormy Atlantic fired out from post position #11 and threw down the gauntlet to his eleven opponents with a blistering opening quarter-mile in 21 2/5, after enjoying a 24 second 2nd quarter, he responded readily to left-handed urging from Carmouche to hold off a host of rivals to win by 1 1/2 lengths. Carmouche, who won the 2005 “Shine” with Voodoo Gold and last year’s filly division with Swifty Victress, said this after the race “Both Scotty, (assistant trainer Scotty Gelner) and I were confident of our chances, he worked very well for me last week and during the work when I hit him left-handed he really took off so I figured that was my secret weapon and indeed it was”. Heavens Passage, who chased the winner the entire way, gamely held on to the runner-up spot, a neck in front of the fast closing Brett Brinkman trained duo of Gaston & Break Up. Even-money favorite Call West, another Steve Asmussen charge, finished another 1/2 length farther back in fifth.

Although the richest events on the program, the “Shine” divisions were only two of eleven stakes races on the program and far from the only newsworthy performances. Ide Like a Double ($3.20), a three-year-old Ide colt who briefly was on the Triple Crown trail this spring for trainer B J Gilbert and owner Valene Farms, continued his dominance of fellow Louisiana breds with a deceptively easy 3 3/4 length victory over Star Production and Strategic Weapon in the $75,000 B. B. “Sixty” Rayburn Memorial at one mile. Howdy Ho ($3.20), claimed for just $12,500 at the end of the winter meet at the Fairgrounds by trainer Patrick Mouton and owner Leighton Dunham Jr., established a new track record of 56 3/5ths for five furlongs in the $50,000 Attaway Darbonne Memorial Starter Stakes for three-year-olds and up. Kerwin (Boo Boo) Clark, rode both Ide Like a Double and Howdy Ho and said this regarding the two “Ide Like a Double didn’t get the trip I envisioned but he still was able to overcome that and powered home for me when I asked him to go at the top of the stretch. He’s certainly the best state-bred sophomore and the next Costa Rising, the two-time La. Bred Horse-of-the-Year that the veteran New Orleans native piloted to several victories over the past two seasons. Howdy Ho, he got a little tired on me in his last start (a seventh place finish in the Big Earl stakes at Louisiana Downs) but tonight when I let him roll he was like a rocket ship and if I had gotten after him in the stretch he would’ve set a track record that they would never break.” I Forty Nine was placed second after the disqualification of Convinceable for interference at the top on the stretch.

The much improved Sammie Sam ($5.40) pulled away from early pacesetter Cutie Sabrina in the stretch to win the $100,000 J. Archie Sebestien Memorial Stakes for older distaffers by more than four lengths and give jockey Francisco Torres his 2,000th career win in North America. Trained by Sturges Ducoing, the daughter of Autocracy stopped the teletimer in 1:42 4/5ths for the 1 mile & 70 yard distance and earned $60,000 for the win, her third in her last four starts and first in a stakes event for owner/breeder Valene Farms. While no match for the winner, Cutie Sabrina was clearly second best after leading thru early splits of 23 1/5, 47, and 1:12. The veteran Raspberry Wine was third, followed by Madame Falcon and Invading Deputy.

Also on the program, Superior Storm ($3.60) continued her winning ways with a determined 3/4 length victory over pacesetter Biduadeau in the $75,000 Frank A. “Buddy Abadie Memorial for three-year-old fillies at the distance of one mile. Ridden by John Jacinto, the Stormy Atlantic filly recorded her fifth stakes score since December for owner/breeder Jack Dickerson. Trained by Richard Jackson, Superior Storm covered the mile in 1:38 2/5 and has now earned almost $300,000 in her eleven race career. Bidaudeau, who set fractions of 24 2/5, 48 3/5, and 1:12 2/5, couldn’t match strides with the winner late but was well clear of third-place finisher Go Atm.

Longshot players rejoiced when Killing Me ($38.40) and Castle Berry Road ($21.20) sped away from their more accomplished rivals in the $100,000 Junius Delahoussaye Memorial Sprint Stakes and $100,000 Pola Benoit Memorial Stakes for older horses, respectively. Killing Me, a five-year-old Honour and Glory gelding earned the first stakes win of his career for owner/breeders Earl & Keith Hernandez with a 3 1/2 length victory over Tortuga Straits and Bandido, multiple stakes winner and 2/1 favorite, John Charles checked in fourth in the eight horse field. Trained by Frank Leggio and ridden by Curt Bourque, Killing Me set fractions of 21 2/5 and 44 1/5 en route to his final clocking of 1:03 for the 5 1/2 furlongs and earned $60,000 for the win. Castle Berry Road, a lightly raced four-year-old Chester House colt, was making his first start in a stakes race after winning an entry-level allowance event at the Fairgrounds and a high-priced claiming turf race at Louisiana Downs in his last two starts. Despite his apparent lack of seasoning, Castle Berry Road went right to the front under Carlos Gonzalez and after setting moderate fractions of 24 4/5, 48 2/5, and 1:12 4/5, never relinquished the lead while holding off the prohibitive favorite Magic Sunset by 1 1/2 lengths, covering the 1 1/16th miles in 1:44 1/5. Trained by Nick Leggio for owner/breeder Rancha Fresa Inc, Castle Berry Road nearly doubled his lifetime earnings with the $60,000 winner’s share. Willist was third after a ground saving trip, followed by Joe’s Majesty and Believe I’m Special.

Coach Mike ($8.60) edged clear from the well-traveled Smitty’s Sunshine to win the $100,000 Pierre LeBlanc Memorial Stakes for fillies and mares, three-year-olds and up sprinting 5 1/2 furlongs. Ridden by John Jacinto, the daughter of Toolighttoquit overhauled early pacesetter Fleet Rayburn rounding the far turn and was never seriously threatened while recording her third stakes win of the current season for owner/breeder Ryder River Ridge Farm Inc. Trained by Tony Richey, the four-year-old covered the distance in 1:03 1/5 and earned $60,000 for the win. Leesa Lee checked in third, followed by Anything but Quiet and Carson City Babe.

Two $50,000 Starter Stakes for horses which have started for a claiming price of $10,000 or less in 2007/2008 rounded out the rich program for state breds. The Mervin Muniz Memorial was captured by My Pocket ($4.00) under jockey Colby Hernandez. The six-year-old My Friend Max gelding outfinished Zenato to record his third win in as many starts since being claimed by Keith Bourgeois and owner Timothy Guidry for $10,000 this past February at Delta Downs. Kono ($17.40) held off the late bid of Kookie Storm to win the Gene Norman Memorial. Curt Bourque notched his second win of the evening aboard the five-year-old Mr. Shawklit mare for owner Andrea Sam and trainer Thomas Sam.

Legends Night IV to feature $1 Million dollars in purses at Evangeline Downs on Friday, July 4th!

Opelousas, Louisiana –Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino will once again offer purses totaling more than $1 Million dollars on the fourth installment of Louisiana Legends Night, a thirteen race program featuring eleven stakes races restricted to Louisiana bred horses on Friday, July 4th. Although still in its infancy, Louisiana Legends Night has already become the signature night here at Evangeline Downs and is an event that has been embraced by both horsemen and racing fans alike. This year’s event has drawn a total of 124 program starters, an average of more than 9.5 horses per race. Bettors responded to the series of stakes races by setting an all-time record handle on each of the last two editions of Louisiana Legends Night. More than $6.3 Million dollars has been wagered on the series to date, and last year’s total handle of $2.218 million was at the time, the highest single program handle in the history of racing in South Central Louisiana. The racing action will begin at 5:50 p.m. Central time instead of the usual first post of 6:20 due to the extended program.

The D. S. “Shine” Young Memorial Futurity for two-year-olds at the distance of five furlongs will once again headline the 2008 edition of “Legends” Night. The “Shine” (under various names) has been run each and every year that Evangeline Downs has been open, but this year marks only the first time that there will be a filly division in addition to the colts & geldings event. The Filly division, the richest race on the evening with a purse of $133,600, will be the 8th race on the program, while the colts & geldings will battle it out for a purse of $128,600 as the 9th race of the evening. In addition to the “Shine” divisions, there are four races worth $100,000, two races with a purse of $75,000, and three starter races with a purse of $50,000.

As is often the case in horse racing these days, trainer Steve Asmussen appears to hold a strong hand as he sends out the likely favorite in each division. In the filly division of the “Shine”, he will tighten the girth on 2/1 morning-line favorite Lightlightlight, a daughter of Whywhywhy who won her trial in impressive fashion despite racing just five days earlier in the TTA Sales Futurity at Lone Star Park. Showing no after effects from that event, she inched clear late under mild encouragement from jockey Donnie Meche after dueling for the lead the entire way. Her final running time of 58.15 seconds for the five furlongs was the fastest final time recorded by either sex in the eight trials held three weeks ago. Reckon, unchallenged and undefeated in two starts looms as the major challenger to the expected favorite. After recording a professional win in her debut, the daughter of Devil His Due wowed horsemen and patrons with a double-digit victory in her trial. Showing considerable early speed, she led at every point of call and drew away from her rivals without being shown the whip by Hector Santiago, who returns in the saddle for Trainer Wiley Shirey. Other trial winners include Charles Castille Jr.’s Akiane, the $160,000 Sales-topper at the Fasig-Tipton Texas Sale in April, and Shutupanddance, a daughter of Brassy Wells who won her trial in front-running fashion for owners Denise and Bill Morrison and trainer Stanley Roberts. In the colts & geldings division, Call West is also the 2/1 favorite off a dominating win in his trial on short rest after running in the TTA Sales Futurity at Lone Star Park. The son of Macabe has plenty of early speed and he used it to great effect in his trial leading all the way stopping the teletimer in 59.39 for the five furlongs under jockey Donnie Meche. The only multiple winner in the field, he is owned by Dan Bearden. Other trial winners include Dancesing, a well-bred son of Songandaprayer who won his trial by six lengths in 59.34 for trainer Carl Deville under jockey Colby Hernandez, Heavens Passage, a wire-to-wire winner of his trial for trainer Chad Hassenpflug and owner Allen Peterson, and Green Cascade, a gelded son of High Cascade who is one of three entrants for trainer John Gelner.

Smitty’s Sunshine makes her Evangeline debut in the $100,000 Pierre LeBlanc Memorial Stakes

Smitty’s Sunshine, a seven-time stakes winner who has annexed black-type events at Churchill Downs, Calder Race Course, Fair Grounds, Delta Downs, and Sam Houston Race Track en route to earnings of more than $500,000, makes her Evangeline Downs debut in the $100,000 Pierre LeBlanc Memorial for fillies & mares sprinting 5 1/2 furlongs. Owned by Roger Smith and trained by Morris Nicks, the daughter of Seeking a Home finished second in her prep for this event last month in a five-furlong turf sprint at Louisiana Downs. The 9/5 morning-line favorite will be ridden by Donnie Meche. Stakes winners Carson City Babe and Coach Mike as well as Delaware Park invader Golden Opportunity also figure prominently in this, the first of the six-figure events on the program.

Magic Sunset the one to beat in the $100,000 Pola Benoit Memorial Stakes

Magic Sunset, winner of the $200,000 Premiere Championship at Delta Downs this past February, looms as a short price favorite with regular rider Don Simington against seven other four-year-olds and up in the $100,000 Pola Benoit Memorial at the distance of 1 1/16th miles. Owned by the Heiligbrodt Racing stable and trained by James Hudson, the five-year-old gelded son of Mutakdim thrashed many of his rivals in the aforementioned Premiere Championship and in his most recent start, an allowance event at Louisiana Downs three weeks ago. Defending Champion Grand Minit, along with stakes winners Willist and Joe’s Majesty are in good form and must be respected.

John Charles looks to rebound in the $100,000 Junius Delahoussaye Memorial Stakes

Coming off his only off the board finish in his nine-race career, L & R Racing Stable’s John Charles looks to rebound in the $100,000 Junius Delahoussaye Memorial Stakes for three-year-olds and up sprinting 5 1/2 furlongs. Compromised by an uncharacteristically poor start, John Charles failed to show his customary early zip and checked in fourth behind three of his main rivals in his prep for this event three weeks ago. Prior to that effort, the gelded son of Belek had reeled off three consecutive wins including front-running scores in the Big Earl and Need for Speed stakes. The latter of which was recorded right here at Evangeline Downs. Trained by Sam Breaux, John Charles will be ridden by Gerard Melancon, who has ridden him in all six of his career wins. Tortuga Straits, who set a track record for the 5 1/2 furlongs distance here at Evangeline Downs in that same event three weeks ago, has won a stakes race at all four pari-mutuel racetracks in Louisiana for trainer Ralph Irwin and owner Karla Balensiefen. Stakes winners Brother Bean, Fass Feat, and Bandido make up what maybe the most competitive event of the evening.

Veteran Raspberry Wine accorded the edge in the $100,000 J. ArchieSebastien Memorial Stakes

Although she may have lost a step or two, the six-time stakes winning Change Takes Time mare Raspberry Wine is still a major player in any Louisiana bred stakes race. Now six-years-old and winless in four starts this year, the beaten favorite in last year’s J. Archie Sebastien Memorial comes off a solid runner-up effort in the Seven Stars Stakes at Louisiana Downs. Owned by the Sport of Kings Racing and trained by Al Stall Jr., the lifetime winner of more than $480,000 sports a solid work tab leading up to this event and will be ridden by Curt Bourque. Sammie Sam, a winner of two of her last three starts, and Leestown Light, claimed for $30,000 by Richard Foudriat and trainer Kelly Broussard out of her last start, appear to be the main rivals.

Streaking Superior Storm the big favorite in the $75,000 Frank A. “Buddy” Abadie Memorial Stakes

Superior Storm, whose only loss in her last five starts came at the hands of the ill-fated Eight Belles in the Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn Park this past February, looms a short-priced favorite as she takes on seven other three-year-old fillies in the $75,000 Frank A. “Buddy” Abadie Memorial Stakes at the distance of one mile. Owned and bred in Louisiana by Jack Dickerson, the daughter of Stormy Atlantic is the only multiple stakes winner in the field and the field’s leading money earner with more than $250,000 bankrolled in ten career starts. Trained by Richard Jackson, the six-time winner will be ridden by regular pilot John Jacinto. Go Atm, the only other stakes winner in the field, and Biduadeau, who finished a close third behind Superior Storm in the recent Fantasia Stakes and Louisiana Downs appear to be the main threat to the big favorite.

Ide Like a Double the one to beat in the $75,000 B. B. “Sixty” Rayburn Memorial Stakes

Ide Like a Double, fresh off a clear-cut victory over many of her rivals tonight in the recent Acclaim Stakes here at Evangeline Downs, figures to be a solid favorite in the $75,000 B. B. “Sixty” Rayburn Memorial Stakes for three-year-old colts & geldings at the distance of one mile. After a couple of so-so efforts on the Triple Crown trail this spring, the Ide colt returned to state-bred competition in the aforementioned Acclaim Stakes and picked up right where he left off, in the winner’s circle. Trained by veteran B. J. Gilbert for owner Valene Farms, Ide Like a Double is the 8/5 morning-line favorite in the nine horse field. Kerwin Clark, his regular jockey, will ride. Bluehard and Star Production, one-two finishers in the Free Spirit’s Joy Stakes in May at Louisiana Downs, but no match for Ide Like a Double in the Acclaim Stakes, figure as the most likely challengers.

Also on the program are three $50,000 Starter Stakes, the Mervin Muniz Memorial, the Attaway Darbonne Memorial, and the Gene Norman Memorial. All three starter events are for horses that have raced for a claiming price of $10,000 or less in 2006-2007. The Gene Norman & the Attaway Darbonne are each at the distance of 5 furlongs, while the Mervin Muniz will be contested at 1 mile & 70 yards.

Carded as the 8th & 9th races on the program, the two divisions of the D. S. “Shine” Young Memorial Futurity have approximate post times of 8:38 and 9:02 p.m.

For Entries Please visit www.equibase.com

6/13/08 - Juveniles qualify for the D. S. “Shine” Young Memorial Futurity at Evangeline Downs

Opelousas, Louisiana –Two-year-old fillies followed by colts & geldings each squared off in four trials for berths in the $100,000 added D. S. “Shine” Young Memorial Futurity on Thursday and Friday evening at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino. Each trial was contested at the distance of five furlongs and featured a purse of $20,000 with the first three finishers in each trial advancing to the final in their respective divisions.

On Thursday the fillies went first and the trials winners were Lightlightlight, Shutupanddance, Reckon, and Akiane. Lightlightlight, second narrowly beaten in the TTA Sales Stakes Filly division last Saturday at Lone Star Park, recorded a popular one-length victory over Classic Ide under jockey Donnie Meche. The daughter of Whywhywhy stopped the clock in 58 seconds flat on a track labeled wet fast and returned $2.60 for the win to her many backers. Her clocking was the fastest of the four trials for the fillies. Owned by Heligbrodt Racing Stables, she is trained by Steve Asmussen. Longshot Sunday in the Bay rallied late to earn a spot in the rich Futurity by finishing third.

Denise and Bill Morrison’s Shutupanddance recorded an easy wire-to-wire victory in the second trial. Ridden by Gerard Melancon, the daughter of Brassy Wells stopped the teletimer in 59 2/5 and returned $7.60 for the victory. Littleshawgirl rallied in the stretch to finish second, while odds-on favorite held on late to finish third and earn her way into the Futurity. Patroon was scratched.

Reckon, the talk of the backstretch at Evangeline Downs after a dominating debut, lived up to the hype as she recorded a visually impressive win in trial #3. The Devil His Due filly went right to the front from her inside post and steadily drew clear under a hand ride from her overmatched opponents en route to a double-digit win. Hector Santiago was aboard for owner Virginia Shirey and trainer Wiley Shirey. Aetta re-rallied in the stretch to finish second, with Sweet Brandi Wine prevailing in a blanket finish to earn a spot into the Futurity. Reckon returned $3.00 for the win and covered the five furlongs in 58 4/5.

In the fourth and final trial, Akiane, the $160,000 Sales Topper at the Fasig-Tipton Texas Sale for Two-year--olds in April, made her debut a winning one as she outfinished both Tensas Cool Town and Ide Cost Pennies in a time of 59 4/5 and paid $5.40 to win as the 8/5 favorite. Charles Castille Jr. and Glenn Delahoussaye, connections of 2006/2007 Louisiana bred Horse of the Year Costa Rising are the owner and trainer. Trinket was a late scratch.

On Friday, the colts & geldings were in action and Green Cascade outnodded Mr. Mackey Boy & Gaston to win the first trial by a nose in a time of 1:00 2/5 on a track labeled fast. The son of High Cascade dug in bravely after losing the lead in deep stretch to earn the win in his lifetime debut. Curt Bourque, last year’s leading rider at Evangeline, was in the irons for trainer John Gelner and owner Kotton Patch Stable. He returned $9.40 for the win.

In the second trial, a pair of well regarded first-time starters finished one-two. Heavens Passage, a Storm Passage colt never relinquished the lead after breaking sharply from post position #1 under jockey Colby Hernandez. Scatineasycat, couldn’t match strides late with the winner, but was well clear of third place finisher Macabe Who. As the betting favorite, Heavens Passage returned $5.00 for the win and stopped the teletimer in 1:00 flat for the five panels. He is owned by Allen Peterson and trained by Chad Hassenpflug. Dabajo and Forty Legacies were scratched.

Call West, coming off a troubled fourth-place finish in the $104,000 TTA Sales Futurity last Saturday at Lone Star Park, registered an easy gate-to-wire victory in the third trial. Ridden by Donnie Meche, the Macabe colt never looked back while stopping the clock in 59 1/5. Owned by Dan Bearden and trained by Steve Asmussen, he returned $3.00 as the odds/on favorite. Break Up rallied in the stretch to finish second with Lee City Slew just hanging on to third over Check Out and Training Room.

In the fourth and final trial, Dancensing, a bay Songandaprayer colt, ceded the early lead to Not Grounded after a blistering 21 3/5 first quarter, then grabbed the lead back from him in mid-stretch before pulling away to an impressive six length victory in a time of 59 1/5 for the five panels. Not Grounded easily held the second spot with Ide Miss Dixie earning his way into the Futurity with his third place finish. Dancensing, sent off as the even-money favorite, paid $4.20 for the win. Trained by Carl Deville and owned by the Pre K Training Center and Michael Buckingham Thoroughbreds, he was ridden to victory by Colby Hernandez.

The “Shine” Futurities are restricted to Louisiana bred two-year-olds who were nominated and made the required sustaining payments.

06/13/08 - Superior Storm romps in the Salute Stakes at Evangeline Downs

Opelousas, Louisiana –Superior Storm ($4.60) romped to her fourth stakes win in her last five starts in the $60,000 Salute Stakes at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino on Friday evening.

Allowed to sit just off the past early pace set by A Little Tipsy, the Louisiana bred daughter of Stormy Atlantic rushed to the front approaching the top of the stretch and pulled clear under left handed urging from jockey John Jacinto to win by more than five lengths.

The running time for the seven furlongs was 1:23 4/5 on a track labeled fast.

Miss Dixie Doodle, the longest price horse in the field at odds of 26-1 finished second, 1 1/2 lengths clear of Amiabandit. A Little Tipsy, who set the early pace thru fractions of 22 1/5 & 45 2/5, checked in fourth, followed by her stablemate Peachsfromthegitgo. Tensas Gray Girl and Hisse completed the official order of finish.

Out of the Total Departure mare Alittlebitsuperior, Superior Storm has now won a stakes race at all four pari-mutuel racetracks in Louisiana. Trained by Richard Jackson and owned by her breeder, the Jac Mac Stable LLC, Superior Storm earned $36,000 for the win and pushed her career earnings past the 1/4 Million dollar mark.

6/13/08 - Evangeline Downs announces purse increase

Opelousas, Louisiana – Purses for all overnight races have been increased by more than 5 percent at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino effective with the beginning of the next condition book on Saturday, June 21.

“All Maiden Special Weight and Allowance races will be increased $2,000, stated Jason Boulet, Racing Secretary at Evangeline Downs. Purses for the mid and upper level claiming events will see an increase of $1,000 while the lower level claiming races will go up $500. Our average field size continues to be one of the top in the nation. That, along with our exciting brand of racing we’ve been able to buck the nation-wide trend of reduced handle as we are on pace for another record breaking season here in Cajun country.”

The purse hike means that Maiden Special Weight races will now feature a purse of $24,000, with the same event restricted to Louisiana Breds running for $32,000. Conditioned allowance races will start at $25,000, $33,000 if it’s a state-bred event. Open allowance races are now worth $28,000, and $37,000 for state-breds, respectively. A Mid-level claiming event for $12,500 to $10,000 claimers will feature a purse of $13,000, $20,000 if it’s a state-bred event and a conditioned $3,500 claiming race (the lowest level at Evangeline) will now race for a purse of $8,000, with the same event worth $14,500 for Louisiana Breds.

This will bring the average nightly overnight purse distribution to more than $190,000 which includes the Accredited La. Bred Slot Supplement but does not include the $1,000 starter’s bonus offered on each race at Evangeline Downs.

A complete list of purses for the upcoming condition book is available on the track’s website at www.evangelinedowns.com under the Horsemen section.

5/3/08 - Opelousas, Louisiana –Classify ($4.20) recorded a popular victory in the $60,000 Tellike Stakes at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino on Saturday evening. Receiving a perfect tracking trip behind early pacesetters Carson City Babe and Polyhymnia, the four-year-old Kentucky bred daughter of Unbridled’s Song surged to the front at the top of the stretch and after opening a clear lead had more than enough left in the tank to hold off the late charge of Precious Kiss to win by 3/4’s of a length under jockey Donnie Meche.

The running time was 1:10 2/5 for the six furlongs on a track labeled fast.

Doyouwanttodance, making her first start in more than two months, rallied well in the final stages to finish third, followed by Ruling Class. Carson City Babe and Polyhymnia, who vied for the lead thru fractions of 21 3/5 & 45, tired from their early efforts and finished fifth & sixth respectively.

Classify, trained by Steve Asmussen earned $36,000 for the win and increased her lifetime earnings to $161,710. This was the sixth career win and second stakes victory (she captured the Spring Fever at Oaklawn Park in March) for the Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC homebred out of the Olympio mare Classic Olympio.

4/12/08 - Opelousas, Louisiana –Tensas Gray Girl ($52.40) upset the applecart in the $62,230 Hallowed Dreams Stakes at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino on Saturday evening. Biding her time in the early stages under jockey Edwin Maldonado, the three-year-old Louisiana bred filly closed determinedly while racing wide in the final quarter-mile en route to a one length victory over Diamondaire and Queen Rolex. The running time for the 5 1/2 furlongs was 1:05 2/5 on a track labeled fast.

Winning jockey Maldonado stated “Even though she was facing winners for the first time, I had plenty of confidence. She is still learning but in all of her starts she has given me a strong late kick so I wasn’t worried when she broke a step slow. When I saw the riders of the leaders including the big favorite asking their mounts midway on the turn I angled her to the outside so she would have clear sailing and she responded like I expected she would.”

Roseaguska, who was also reserved off the field in the early going rallied in the stretch to finish fourth. Elocution, the prohibitive favorite at odds of fifty cents on the dollar, faded badly after facing heavy pace pressure thru the early fractions of 22 1/5 and 46 2/5 eventually checking in fifth, beaten more than six lengths. Purely Class and Steamy Ridge rounded out the complete order of finish.

Tensas Gray Girl, a daughter of Ide out of the Cozzene mare Cool Kiss, earned $38,100 for the win, her second win in four starts. She is owned by the Riceland Racing Stables LLC and is trained by the veteran conditioner Enis Mouton. The winner’s prize of $38,100 more than doubled her previous lifetime earnings of $26,970.

4/8/08 - Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino Set To Open 43rd Season of Thoroughbred Racing with Expanded Fields

4/5/08 - 2008 season to feature big fields, big purses at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino

Opelousas, Louisiana –Racing returns to South-Central Louisiana for the 43rd consecutive year as Evangeline Downs kicks off the 85 night spring/summer season on Wednesday, April 9. Coming off a record breaking 2007 which saw sizeable increases in both simulcast handle and total handle, and in field size average, Evangeline Downs will offer horsemen a beefed up Stakes schedule as part of a daily purse structure of approx. $200,000 a night. Known nationwide as the “Home of the biggest fields”, Evangeline Downs last year averaged slightly more than 10 runners per race over the spring/summer season, one of the highest in North America. If early entries are an indication, the 2008 season should see similar if not higher totals as over the first three nights of racing an average of more than 11.5 runners are expected to break from the starting gate.

The expanded stakes schedule is worth in excess of $2 million and includes three new events, they are the Opelousas for two-year-old fillies sprinting six furlongs on closing weekend and a pair of state-bred races, the Salute for three-year-old fillies, and the Acclaim for three-year-old colts & geldings. The Opelousas will have a purse of $75,000, and both the Salute and the Acclaim will be worth $60,000. In addition, many of the races received increases from last year; the majority of those are now worth $60,000, compared to $50,000 in 2007.

Keith Bourgeois, the leading trainer the past three years including last year’s with a total of 76 wins, and Sam Breaux, runner-up to Bourgeois both last year and at Delta Downs over the winter, both have large stables and are expected to once again lead the way in the standings.

The Jockey’s room will also feature an unprecedented wealth of talent. Last year’s leading rider, Curt Bourque, who won 93 races and almost $1,7 million in purses, is back to defend his title, but will face stiff competition from both Gerard Melancon and Colby Hernandez. Melancon, 40, enters the meet off a sensational winter, winning the riding title at Delta Downs with an all-time record of 148 wins and more than $2.8 million in purses won. In addition, Melancon also recorded the richest victory in his career last month when he piloted Liberty Bull to victory in the $600,000 Winstar Derby at Sunland Park in El Paso, Texas. Hernandez, a solid second behind Melancon at Delta, is improving on a daily basis and despite losing his apprentice allowance has continued to ride for many of the top stables in Louisiana.

Other talented riders who are expected to ride the opening stages of the meet include Lonnie and Donnie Meche. The Meche brothers, perennial leaders at Louisiana Downs, will ride until the Bossier City oval begins their season next month. Don Simington and Jose Riquelme are two others who are slated to ride daily during the first half of the season.

The fourth edition of Legends Night, along with the Evangeline Mile, will headline the 2008 stakes calendar. The “Mile”, is the richest race of the season with a purse of $200,000. Legends Night, a stakes laden program restricted to horses bred in the Pelican state, honors those who have made an indelible impact and contribution to Evangeline Downs and racing in the state of Louisiana. This year’s edition will feature eleven stakes races worth a total of more than $900,000 highlighted by the two $100,000 D.S. “Shine” Young Futurities for two-year-olds. One for colts & geldings and one restricted to fillies.

Director of Racing Operations Steve Darbonne stated “We are excited by the talent gathered here for our 43rd season. Everyone is optimistic that we will have another excellent season, we continue to attract a solid group of horses and horsemen with our strong overnight and stakes schedules and we fully expect them to provide our growing fan base with the exciting and competitive racing product that Evangeline Downs is known for.”

A total of 113 horses were entered for Wednesday’s opening night 10- race program, including six oversubscribed events. The following two programs drew 121 & 115 entries respectively.

This year’s meet will once again run through the traditional closing night, Monday, September 1, Labor Day, with racing conducted Wednesday through Saturday.

4/2/08 - HORSEMEN SET MULTIPLE RECORDS DURING ‘07-‘08 THOROUGHBRED SEASON AT DELTA DOWNS RACETRACK CASINO & HOTEL - NEW STANDARDS ESTABLISHED BY JOCKEY, TRAINER AND OWNER - VINTON, LA.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel closed out its 2007-2008 Thoroughbred Season last Saturday night, March 29. The 93-day stand produced several new records by the top horsemen competing at the meeting. Gerard Melancon recorded his first leading rider title at the Vinton, Louisiana oval by booting home a record 146 winners, breaking the old mark of 121 established by Guy Smith in 2004-2005 and tied by Tracy Hebert last year.

Melancon also set a new record for mount earnings in a single meet by a jockey with $2,815,690. The old record of $2,415,745 was established in 2006-2007 by Hebert.

Keith Bourgeois continued his Thoroughbred dominance at Delta Downs in recent years. The Lafayette, Louisiana resident won his fifth consecutive training title while also establishing new records for wins and total earnings during the meet. Bourgeois’ barn accounted for 88 wins and $1,377,080 in earnings. In 2003-2004 Bourgeois set the old mark of 61 tallies during a single Thoroughbred season and just last year his runners amassed $947,525 in total earnings.

K. A. T. Racing Stable (Katie Bourgeois, Anthony Distefano & Troy Williams) also joined the record breaking crowd at Delta Downs this season. The ownership group watched 25 of their runners make it to the winner’s circle, breaking the old mark of 18 wins by Carrol Castille in 2005-2005. Delta Downs will begin its 52-day American Quarter Horse Season for 2008 on Thursday, April 17. Live programs will be held each Thursday through Sunday night with post times during the meet scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

3/25/08 - THE STAKES SCHEDULE WRAPS UP THIS WEEK

Delta Downs will close out its Thoroughbred Season on Saturday with an 11-race program that includes the final stakes activity of the year. The closing night card will feature the $50,000 Gardenia Stakes for Louisiana-bred fillies and mares and the $50,000 Cocodrie for 3-year-olds and up also bred in the Bayou State. Both events will be contested at seven furlongs.

The Gardenia Stakes attracted 26 nominations including that of Road To Windy Hill. The bay filly is conditioned by Guy Smith, who will be seeking his first stakes victory as a trainer after a tremendous career as a jockey. During the 2004-2005 season at Delta Downs, Smith set a record for wins in a single season with 121.

The Cocodrie Stakes closed with 32 horses nominated including that of John Charles. The Sam Breaux trainee began his career with three consecutive victories at Delta Downs this season before suffering his first setback while running second in his most recent start on January 19. Saturday’s test will mark the first stakes race for the son of Belek.

3/18/08 - THE STAKES SCHEDULE CONTINUES THIS WEEK

There are only four stakes races left in the season at Delta Downs and two of them will take place this Friday night. They include the $100,000 Goddess Stakes for older fillies and mares and the $100,000 Gulf Coast Classic for 4-year-olds and up. Both races are contested at 1-1/16 miles.

The 2007-2008 stakes schedule will come to an end on closing night, Saturday, March 29, when the track hosts the $50,000-added Gardenia Stakes for Louisiana-bred fillies and mares as well as the $50,000-added Cocodrie for 3-year-olds and up. Both races will be carded at seven furlongs. Nominations close for the Gardenia and Cocodrie stakes on Thursday, March 20.

3/11/08 - MELANCON JOINS RECORD BREAKERS
It’s been a record breaking season at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel. The 35-year-old oval has seen new records set in all three horsemen’s categories during the 2007-2008 Thoroughbred Meeting.

The most recent addition to the record-breaking club is jockey Gerard Melancon. On Friday night the journeyman rider established a mark for victories in a single Thoroughbred season when he booted home the 4-year-old filly Flawless Gold for trainer Maynard Chatters in the fourth race. It was the 122nd tally of the season for Melancon.

The previous record for wins in a single season belonged to Guy Smith and Tracy Hebert. Smith rode 121 winners during the 2004-2005 season, while Hebert duplicated that mark last year. In addition to breaking two records this season, Melancon is also attempting to secure his first riding title at Delta Downs. Coming into this week’s action Melancon leads Colby Hernandez in the standings by a tally of 128 wins to 83. Melancon, who was born and raised in Rayne, Louisiana, also surpassed Hebert’s record of $2,415,745 in mount earning last weekend.Through 81 days of a 93-day season, Melancon has $2,440,920 total earnings.

Earlier this season trainer Keith Bourgeois broke his own record of 61 wins and $947,525 in total earnings during a single Thoroughbred season. Coming into this week the Lafayette, Louisiana resident has saddled 78 winners and amassed $1,161,845 in earnings.

And last but not least, owners K.A.T. Racing Stable (T. Williams, K. Bourgeois & A. Distefano) surpassed the record for wins by a Thoroughbred owner earlier this season. With three weeks left in the meet they have notched 20 wins, eclipsing the old mark of 18 established by Carrol Castille in 2004-2005.

3/4/08 - JUST FOUR RACES REMAIN ON DELTA’S 2008 STAKES SCHEDULE

Delta Downs’ 2007-2008 Thoroughbred season will come to a close at the end of this month on March 29 and there are only four stakes races left on the calendar. They include the $100,000 Goddess Stakes for older fillies and mares and the $100,000 Gulf Coast Classic for 4-year-olds and up on March Friday, March 21. Both races are contested at 1-1/16 miles. And the $50,000-added Gardenia Stakes for Louisiana-bred fillies and mares as well as the $50,000-added Cocodrie for 3-year-olds and up will both be held on closing day, Saturday, March 29. Those races are each carded at seven furlongs.

Horsemen need to take note of the nomination closing dates for all four stakes. The Goddess and Gulf Coast Classic nominations close on Thursday, March 6. The Gardenia and Cocodrie each close on Thursday, March 20.

BOURGEOIS BREAKS RECORD; MELANCON ONLY SIX WINS AWAY Keith Bourgeois has won or tied for the leading trainer title at Delta Downs four years in a row. And it looks like he’ll make it five while breaking his own records this time around. The Lafayette, Louisiana resident has already won 75 races this season, breaking the record of 61 victories he set back in the 2003-2004 season. And his earnings total coming into this week of $1,118,815 far outpaces his old mark of $947,525 set just last year.

Gerard Melancon has yet to break any seasonal records at Delta Downs this year but he is getting closer each time he breaks from the starting gate. With 16 days left in the season, Melancon needs just six wins to tie the single-season mark for tallies by a jockey in one Thoroughbred meet. Melancon has notched 115 wins and is chasing Guy Smith and Tracy Hebert for the record. Smith rode 121 wins during the 2004-2005 season, while Hebert tied that mark last year. Melancon became the fourth jockey in Delta Downs’ history to surpass the $2 million mark for mount earnings in a single season earlier this year. His current total of $2,266,050 trails only Hebert for the all-time lead. Hebert amassed $2,415,745 during the 2006-2007 stand.

3/3/08 - Record stakes schedule offered at Evangeline Downs during 2008 spring/summer season

Opelousas, Louisiana –Evangeline Downs will offer horsemen an expanded and beefed up stakes schedule featuring 25 events worth a record $2.015 million, an increase of more than 12% from last year during the upcoming 2008 Spring/Summer meeting that will begin on Wednesday, April 9. The 85-night season will feature the same four evening a week schedule, Wednesday-Saturday thru the traditional closing night of the season, Monday, September 1, Labor Day with a first post time of 6:20 p.m. central.

The stakes schedule features a total of ten events worth $100,000 or more, including the Evangeline Mile on August 16. The “Mile” for three-year-olds and up, annually attracts the best handicap horses from both the mid- and southwest and is the richest race on the calendar with a purse of $200,000. Last year’s renewal was captured by Louisiana bred Costa Rising, who dominated his rivals by double-digits under veteran Kerwin Clark for trainer Glenn Delahoussaye and owner Charles Castille.

State-bred horses are in the spotlight on the fourth edition of Louisiana Legends Night, which features six races with a purse of at least $100,000 and a total of eleven black type events that are worth more than $900,000 on the program which will be held on Friday, July 4.

Three new races appear on the schedule and they include the $75,000 Opelousas Stakes for two-year-old fillies on Saturday, August 30, and a pair of races that are restricted to state-bred three-year-olds, the Salute Stakes for fillies on June 13, and the Acclaim Stakes for colts & geldings on June 14. The Salute Stakes this year honors A Thrill for Jill while the Acclaim Stakes will honor Bet Me Best. Evangeline Downs Racing Secretary Jason Boulet stated “Louisiana Racing, and especially Evangeline Downs has long been a proving ground for two-year-olds, and while we have a three-race program of six-figure events for the colts, the addition of the Opelousas now gives us a similar program for the fillies.” Boulet further stated “The Salute & Acclaim Stakes will each have a purse of $60,000 and will be held three weeks prior to Louisiana Legends Night in order to provide a final lead-in event for those three-year-olds and their connections preparing for their respective Legends Night engagements.”

2008 spring/summer stakes schedule

April 11. $60,000Inaugural 3yo 6f
April 12. $60,000Hallowed Dreams 3yof 5 1/2f
April 19. $60,000John Henry 3&up 1 mile
May 2. $60,000Need for Speed 3&up 5f
May 3. $60,000Tellike 3&upf/m 6f
June 13. $60,000The Salute Stakes 3yof 7f
June 14. $60,000The Acclaim Stakes 3yo 7f

LOUISIANA LEGENDS NIGHT- JULY 4.

Mervin Muniz Starter 3&up 1m 70yds
Gene Norman Starter 3&upf/m 5f $50,000
Attaway Darbonne Starter 3&up 5f $50,000
B.B “Sixty” Rayburn 3yo 1 mile $75,000
Frank A. “Buddy” Abadie 3yof 1 mile $75,000
Pola Benoit 4yo&up 1 1/16 miles $100,000
J. Archie Sebastien 4yo&upf/m 1m 70yds $100,000
Junius Delahoussaye 3yo&up 5 1/2f $100,000
Pierre Leblanc 3yo&upf/m 5 1/2f $100,000
D.S. “Shine” Young 2yoc&g 5f $100,000added
D.S. “Shine” Young (filly) 2yof 5f $100,000added
LOUISIANA LEGENDS NIGHT- JULY 4.

July 19. $60,000Oak Hall 3yo&up 7f
July 26. $60,000Matron 3yo&upf/m 1 mile
Aug 1. $100,000John Franks Sales (filly) 2yof 6f
Aug 2. $100,000John Franks Sales (c&g) 2yo 6f
Aug 16. $200,000Evangeline Mile 3&up 1 mile
Aug 30. $75,000Opelousas 2yof 6f
Sept 1. $100,000 Lafayette 2yo 6f

3/2/08 - CROOK’S BODGIT AND ALINA WIN SOPHOMORE STAKES AT DELTA DOWNS - IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCES HIGHLIGHT SATURDAY CARD -
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted a pair of 3-year-old stakes races on Saturday night with Crook’s Bodgit winning the $75,000 Sportsman’s Paradise and Alina scoring a victory in the Green Oaks. Crook’s Bodgit’s defeated Gangbuster by 2-1/2 lengths with jockey Donald Simington in the saddle. Heresyasign reported home in third, three-quarters of a length behind the top pair. The winner covered the one-mile distance over a fast track in 1:41.84.

Crooks Bodgit is owned by Double Diamond LLC and is conditioned by John D. Barger. The 3-year-old chestnut gelding is by Byars, out of the Captain Bodgit mare Baby Bodgit. He was bred in Texas by Bryon Crook.

Alina’s run in the Green Oaks was ultra impressive as she defeated Seal Jane by an astonishing 18-3/4 lengths with jockey Gerard Melancon in the saddle. Miss Missile, the 3-5 favorite, finished another 2-1/2 lengths behind in third. Alina recorded a rapid time of 1:39.41 for her mile journey.

Alina is owned by Savorthetime Stables LP and is trained by Steve Asmussen. The 3-year-old filly is by Came Home, out of the Sea Hero mare Lady Heroine. She was bred in Kentucky by Glencrest Farm.

3/1/08 - ‘POLY’ AND ‘PROBATION’ SWEEP STAKES - TRAINER STEVE ASMUSSEN WINS FEATURE RACES ON FRIDAY CARD - VINTON, LA. –

Nationally prominent trainer Steve Asmussen sent out the winners of both stakes races at Delta Downs on Friday night. Polyhymnia won the $55,000 Mademoiselle Stakes and Probation Ready scored a victory in the $54,500 Delta Express Stakes.

Polyhymnia’s effort came with leading rider Gerard Melancon in the saddle as the pair pressed the pace before gaining a half-length lead at the wire over High Heritage. Casino Transaction wound up third, another 2-1/4 lengths behind the top two. Polyhymnia covered the five-furlong distance of the Mademoiselle in a time of :58.35 over a track listed as fast. Polyhymnia, who is owned by Little Red Feather Racing and Stonestreet Stables, LLC, was sent off at odds of 7-2 and paid $9.60 to win, $5.80 to place and $4.60 to show.

The Delta Express featured a late rally by Probation Ready with jockey Colby Hernandez in the saddle for Asmussen. Probation ready defeated Sumfun by 1-1/4 lengths with Mystery Classic finishing third another half-length back.

2/26/08 - Only eight stakes races remain on the calendar for the 2007-2008 Thoroughbred Season at Delta Downs.

Two of those events will be held this Friday as the track will offer the $50,000 Mademoiselle Stakes for older fillies and mares and the $50,000 Delta Express Stakes for 4-year-olds and up.

Both races will be run at five furlongs. A total of 29 fillies and mares were nominated to the Mademoiselle Stakes including Roger G. Smith’s Smitty’s Sunshine. The Morris Nicks trainee most recently scored a big win in the $100,000 Louisiana Premier Night Matron on February 2.

The Delta Express nomination list ended with 31 names on it headed by Whispering Oak Farm, LLC’s All Wired Up, who owns four previous stakes wins at Delta Downs. All Wired Up’s most dramatic performance in Vinton, Louisiana came in the Zydeco Stakes on opening night of the current season when he set a new track record of :57.24 for five furlongs.

2/19/08 - DELTA’S STAKES SCHEDULE RESUMES THIS WEEK Although the richest race days of the season have already passed, Delta Downs race fans still have 10 stakes races worth $650,000 to look forward to before the season comes to an end next month.

The next added-money activity will come on Friday night when the track hosts the $50,000 Golden Triangle for older fillies and mares and the $50,000 Delta Mile for 3-year-olds and upward. Both events will be run at eight furlongs.

Some of the top names on the nomination list for the Golden Triangle include Cigar Starter, who recently won the Louisiana Premier Night Ladies’ Starter at Delta Downs on February 2; Kathleens Reel, who scored a big win in the Prime Rewards Stakes in December; Zarb’s Ballerina, who just won the Louisiana Premier Night Distaff three weeks ago; and Miss Atlantic City, who scored a huge win in Boyd Gaming’s $300,000 Delta Princess Stakes in 2006.

Horses to keep your eye on in the Delta Mile include nominees Cozy Time, who won the Lookout Stakes at Delta Downs in December; Z Storm, who was successful in winning the LAPN Gentlemen’s Starter last year; and Magic Sunset, who rallied for victory in this year’s LAPN Championship on February 2.

2/3/08 - LOUISIANA PREMIER NIGHT BRINGS OUT STATE’S BEST HORSES

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel hosted the fifth running of Louisiana Premier Night on Saturday. The prestigious program featured 10 Louisiana-bred stakes races worth total purse money of $1 million.

The highlight of LAPN was the $200,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship for older horses going 1-1/6 miles. This year’s edition of the big race was won by Heiligbrodt Racing Stable’s Magic Sunset, who was ridden to victory by Don Simington.

Magic Sunset defeated Z Storm by 1-3/4 lengths with Chip Hunter finishing another ½-length behind the top two in third. Magic Sunset covered the distance over a fast track in 1:46.62.

Trained by James Hudson, Magic Sunset earned $120,000 for his effort, which raised his overall bankroll up to $356,258 on six wins from 26 career starts.

Magic Sunset is a 5-year-old gelding by Mutakddim, out of the Unaccounted For mare Hidden Gem. The chestnut was bred in Louisiana by Jerry R. Adkins.

Sent off as the 4-5 favorite along with entry-mate Hallway, Magic Sunset paid $3.80 to win, $2.60 to place and $2.10 to show. Z Storm returned $5 to place and $3.80 to show. Chip Hunter was worth $4 to show.

In other stakes activity Saturday night it was Zarb’s Ballerina winning the $150,000 LAPN Distaff with jockey Lonnie Meche in the saddle. Zarb’s Ballerina is owned by Triple R Stable and is trained by Danny Whited.

The $125,000 LAPN Starlet was taken by Superior Storm with jockey Robby Albarado aboard for trainer Richard Jackson. Superior Storm is owned by Jac Mac Stable LLC.

The $125,000 LAPN Prince was annexed by Doble Quebrado with rider Cody Meche in the saddle. Doble Quebrado is trained by James Hodges and is owned by Ruben Valdes.

All Wired Up took the $100,000 LAPN Sprint with jockey Joe Patin at the controls. All Wired up is trained by Brandon Marks and is owned by Whispering Oaks Farm LLC.

Smitty’s Sunshine scored a big win in the $100,000 LAPN Matron with jockey Robby Albarado in the saddle. Smitty’s Sunshine is owned by Roger G. Smith and is conditioned by Morris Nicks.

The $55,000 LAPN Ladies Starter was won by Cigar Starter with Cody Meche aboard. Cigar Starter is trained by Brian House and is campaigned by owner Peter T. Barta.

The $55,000 LAPN Gentlemen’s Starter finished in a dead heat with Simma Down and Joe’s Majesty hitting the finish line together. Simma Down was ridden by Colby Hernandez, is trained by Keith Bourgeois and is owned by Robert Asaro Enterprises, Inc. Joe’s Majesty was ridden by Gerard Melancon, is trained by Glen Delahoussaye and is owned by D.L.M. Racing and Darrin and Lawerence Menard.

Choice of Dreams won the $45,000 LAPN Bon Temps Starter with jockey Shane Laviolette in the saddle for trainer Charles Begnaud. Choice of Dreams is owned by Michell Joseph Domingue.

And finally the $45,000 LAPN Ragin Cajun Starter was won by Mt. Ree Tah with jockey Colby Hernandez at the helm. Mt. Ree Tah is conditioned by Keith Bourgeois and is owned by KAT Racing Stable.

2/1/08 - PREMIER NIGHT NEWS Heiligbrodt entry tops Championship
Delta Downs
By MARY RAMPELLINI

With divisional standout Costa Rising sidelined until the spring, Saturday night's $200,000 Premier Night Championship at Delta Downs will require more in-depth handicapping. There are 10 well-matched older Louisiana-breds to sort through, led by the Heiligbrodt Racing Stable-owned entry of Magic Sunset and Hallway.

The Championship, at 1 1/16 miles, is the richest of six Louisiana-bred stakes on the annual Premier Night program. There also are four statebred starter races on the card for total purses of $1 million.

The entry could go favored. Magic Sunset is based at Delta, where in his last start he had a wide trip and finished second by a half-length in the $58,000 Cypress. The seven-furlong race was run around two turns, and Magic Sunset, after breaking last from the rail, closed from well back. He earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 92.

"Our racing luck wasn't the best, but he came up and finished second and showed a lot of courage getting there," said Jim Hudson, who trains Magic Sunset. "His biggest asset is his heart. He tries hard every race."

Hudson likes the move to 1o1/16 miles for Magic Sunset. The last time the horse raced at the distance, he was third in the $100,000 Gold Cup at Delta on Nov. 17, beaten four lengths by Costa Rising.

Hallway ran second to Costa Rising in the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic at Fair Grounds Dec. 8. Costa Rising won by 15 lengths that afternoon and has since been sidelined. Hallway, meanwhile, moved back to turf and was beaten a neck in the $60,000 Dixie Poker Ace at Fair Grounds on Jan. 5.

"He ran excellent last time," said Steve Asmussen, who trains Hallway. "He was second in the turf stakes. He's versatile in that regard, surface-wise."

Hallway, to be ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan, and Magic Sunset, with Don Simington, are both closers.

Willist comes into the Championship off a pair of turf stakes wins, the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Turf and the Dixie Poker Ace. Willist also is a multiple winner on dirt. He will break from post 10 under Miguel Mena.

"He likes to be right close to the pace," said Kelly Broussard, who trains Willist.

Nicks saddles two good ones

Trainer Morris Nicks has the possible favorite in each of the card's two stakes for fillies and mares. He will send out multiple stakes winner Smitty's Sunshine in the $100,000 Matron at five furlongs, while Tensas Yucatan goes to bat for him in the $150,000 Distaff at a mile. Both will be ridden by Robby Albarado.

Tensas Yucatan is moving back to dirt following a dominant allowance win on turf at Fair Grounds. She is a multiple stakes winner on the grass and has placed in three dirt stakes.

"We're going to give her another shot on the dirt," Nicks said. "I think this filly's a lot better on turf, but she's run some good races on the dirt."

Tensas Yucatan's last dirt race came Dec. 8, when she was second in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies at Fair Grounds. She finished in front of a number of the rivals she meets Saturday.

Smitty's Sunshine is making a rare appearance on dirt and in the Louisiana-bred ranks. A multiple stakes winner, she last raced on the main track in July and won the off-the-turf $100,000 Distaff Sprint at Calder.

* In the $125,000 Prince for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs, the undefeated Erlroy and 11-length maiden winner Bluehard will make their stakes debuts against Cubera. Cubera is a stakes winner at Fair Grounds who also has a seven-furlong allowance win at Delta.

* Superior Storm, T C's Charmer, and Hisse appear to be the top contenders in the $125,000 Starlet.

* All Wired Up returns to Delta, where he is 5 for 6, for the $100,000 Sprint.

2/1/08 - PREMIER NIGHT NEWS Turf specialists switch to Delta dirt
Delta Downs
By MARY RAMPELLINI
Desert Wheat, Willist, Smitty's Sunshine, and Tensas Yucatan, all multiple stakes winners on turf, will test their skills on dirt Saturday night in the $1 million Louisiana Premier Night program at Delta Downs.

Delta, which does not have a turf course, is running six six-figure stakes for Louisiana-breds on Premier Night. There are also four statebred starter races on the card for total purses of $1 million. The rich night has lured Desert Wheat, Willist, Smitty's Sunshine, and Tensas Yucatan in from Fair Grounds.

Desert Wheat and Willist were among the 10 older horses entered Wednesday morning in the $200,000 Championship, a 1 1/16-mile race that serves as Saturday night's main event. Willist won the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Turf in December, and the $60,000 Dixie Poker Ace in January, both on turf at Fair Grounds. Miguel Mena has the mount on Willist, a two-time winner on dirt, for trainer Kelly Broussard.

Desert Wheat, whose seven career starts have all come on turf, closed from well back to finish a close fourth last out in the Dixie Poker Ace. Bill Mott, the trainer of Desert Wheat, will be making his second Delta appearance of the meet. In December, Mott sent out Z Humor to a dead-heat win in the Grade 3, $1 million Delta Jackpot. Corey Lanerie will ride Desert Wheat.

Smitty's Sunshine, who won an off-the-turf stakes at Calder in July, goes in the $100,000 Matron for fillies and mares at five furlongs. Her stablemate, Tensas Yucatan, a two-time winner on dirt, will run in the $150,000 Distaff for fillies and mares at a mile. Morris Nicks trains both horses.