Sent off as the 7-2 third choice, with GIII Victory Ride S. runner-up Dazzling Blue (Into Mischief) the pari-mutuel princess at 3-5, the bay–bred by Ladner in partnership with trainer Brett Brinkman–attended a sharp early pace while three wide, turned back a challenge from the heavy favorite nearing the stretch and ran away with authority in the final furlong to romp by 8 3/4 lengths.

Jersey Pearl (Bee Jersey), a latest fifth in the GI Test S. Aug. 5, outfinished a disappointing Dazzling Blue for second.

“This filly had not missed a beat since the Delaware race and we just felt really good coming into the race,” Brinkman said.

“It doesn't put us into the winner's circle, but we felt good about it. A lot of times good horses make it look easy, but they are running fast and she's got a quick turn of foot from a high cruising speed and that's all I told Jose [Lezcano] when he worked her and when he got on her today. I said, 'Let her be who she wants to be, she is very manageable and use her assets.'”

A start in Keeneland's GII Raven Run S. Oct. 21 may be next for Alva Starr, who was narrowly defeated by the aforementioned Jersey Pearl by a neck in a Churchill optional claimer May 27.

Pedigree Notes:

Alva Starr, already one of five stakes winners for Lord Nelson, becomes the first graded winner for her late sire. Into Mischief is now the broodmare sire of four graded winners, including Saratoga's GI Whitney S. winner White Abarrio (Race Day).

The winner's dam Sittin At the Bar, just a $30,000 BSCYRL yearling purchase, won 11 of 19 career starts–led by nine stakes victories in Louisiana–for Ladner and Brinkman.

Sittin At the Bar has also produced the 2021 Prioress heroine Cilla (California Chrome) for these same connections and two other stakes winners. She is responsible for a Frosted filly of 2022 and a Gun Runner filly of 2023. She was bred back to Cyberknife.

That's a gate-to-wire win for ALVA STARR in the Grade 2 Prioress Stakes with Jose Lezcano aboard! #Saratoga pic.twitter.com/1fzUin5Utj

— NYRA () (@TheNYRA) September 2, 2023

Saturday, Saratoga
PRIORESS S.-GII, $242,500, Saratoga, 9-2, 3yo, f, 6f, 1:09.14, ft.
1–ALVA STARR, 120, f, 3, by Lord Nelson
          1st Dam: Sittin At the Bar (MSW & GSP, $705,896), by Into Mischief
          2nd Dam: Fast Laner, by Mutakddim
          3rd Dam: Lois Laner, by Cutlass Reality
1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. O-P. Dale Ladner; B-Brett A. Brinkman & P. Dale Ladner (KY); T-Brett A. Brinkman; J-Jose Lezcano. $137,500. Lifetime Record: 5-3-2-0, $268,900. *1/2 to Cilla (California Chrome), GSW & GISP, $509,000; 1/2 to Jack the Umpire (Bodemeister), SW, $193,435; 1/2 to Club Car (Malibu Moon), SW & MGSP, $677,265. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Jersey Pearl, 120, f, 3, Bee Jersey–Jersey's Soul, by Perfect Soul (Ire). 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($12,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-Silverton Hill LLC; B-Charles Fipke (KY); T-Darrin Miller. $50,000.
3–Dazzling Blue, 120, f, 3, Into Mischief–Blue Violet, by Curlin. ($500,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-Juddmonte; B-WinStar Farm, LLC (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $30,000.
Margins: 8 3/4, 2HF, 7HF. Odds: 3.50, 3.05, 0.65.
Also Ran: Unsung Melody, Unified Alliance.
Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

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Stepping into stakes company, the Brett Brinkman trainee was sent off at 8-1 odds and it was second verse, same as the first: the colt broke on top, commanded the early pace, and pulled away from competition in the stretch under steady urging to win by 3 3/4 lengths despite not changing leads until the final sixteenth. Surfer Dude tracked from second all the way around and held his spot in the lane.

The winner is his dam's first foal and stakes winner. He has a 2-year-old half-sister by Astern (Aus) named Cora Pearl and the mare delivered a 2022 filly by Practical Joke. This is the family of Italian Group 1-placed runner Without Connexion (Ire),  Grade I Frizette S. winner Yellow Agate (Gemologist), and six other group or graded runners. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

LAFAYETTE S., $342,175, Keeneland, 4-8, 3yo, 7f, 1:22.98, wf.
1–OLD HOMESTEAD, 118, c, 3, by Overanalyze
                1st Dam: Pearl de Vere, by Songandaprayer
                2nd Dam: The Dove, by Hawk Wing
                3rd Dam: Flabbergasted (Ire), by Sadler's Wells
1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O/B-Marablue Farm LLC and Pegasus Stud LLC; T-Brett A. Brinkman; J-Thomas L. Pompell. $169,725. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0, $212,325.
2–Surfer Dude, 118, c, 3, Curlin–Tiz Miz Sue, by Tiznow. ($190,000 Ylg '20 KEESEP). O-Mark H. and Nancy W. Stanley; B-CresRan LLC (KY); T-Dallas Stewart. $73,000.
3–Osbourne, 118, g, 3, Tapiture–Planet Rock, by Rock Hard Ten. ($9,500 RNA Ylg '20 WANJUL). O-Southern Springs Stables (Ron Moquett), The Estate of Floyd Sagely, Mark Tauber, Keith Johnston and Robert V. LaPenta; B-Amy Boulton (KY); T-Ron Moquett. $36,500.
Margins: 3 3/4, 1, 1. Odds: 9.90, 14.20, 25.60.
Also Ran: My Prankster, Money Supply, American Xperiment, Magnolia Midnight, All in Sync, Ignitis, Unified Report, Tejano Twist, Barossa.

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Breaking from post eight in a field of nine, Cilla stalked the early pace set by Icy Charlie, who carved out fractional times of 22.54 seconds for the opening quarter mile and 46.01 for the half. As they turned for home Cilla engaged Icy Charlie who didn't give way easily in the stretch. The pair battled it out for a few strides before Cilla gained the upper-hand and went on to a 2 3/4 length victory over a game Icy Charlie, while Onerollofthedice settled for third, another half length behind the runner-up.

Cilla covered the five-furlong distance of the Orleans in 58.40 seconds. Each race on the Friday program was contest of a fast track and under sunny skies.

The win by Cilla marked the sixth of her 13-race career. She earned $45,000 for the effort and now has a career bankroll of $416,000.

Bred in Louisiana by Ladner and her trainer Brett Brinkman, Cilla is a 4-year-old bay daughter of California Chrome, out of the Into Mischief mare Sittin At the Bar.

Fans who wagered on Cilla collected payoffs of $3.20 to win, $2.40 to place and $2.20 to show. Icy Charlie was worth $4.80 to place and $3.40 to show. Onerollofthedice returned $7 to show.

Delta Downs will close out its race week on Saturday afternoon with another nine-race program that kicks off at 12:55 pm. The headliner will be the $75,000 Sam's Town Stakes for older horses sprinting five furlongs.

For more information about the current season visit the track's website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about the track through Facebook by visiting the page 'Delta Downs Racing'. The track's Twitter handle is @deltaracing.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.

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The answer is yes.

76.00-1 longshot Sumitup hustled through the mix of sharp breaks to get the lead and sped on setting the opening first quarter fraction of :21.89. Breaking inside the early leader, second-choice 1.90-1 Cilla was close to the front but relaxed and shifted to one path outside to be joined by quickening 25.30-1 shot Sarah's Passion, who pressed tightly and did not let up pressure. The pair moved through the turn behind the leader but took over the front at the half pole. And that's when everyone wondered, where is .40-1 favorite Ova Charged?

Breaking slowest of the field, rider Reylu Gutierrez guided Ova Charged at the back of the pack going four-wide through the turn while targeting the main foe. As Cilla put away Sarah's Passion, it looked like she could sustain. Drifting in, Ova Charged seemed to lose focus but Gutierrez came with the crop and Star Guitar's talented 3-year-old showed more than talent, digging in with Cilla in her sights and the finishing line just beyond, Ova Charged showed the heart of a Louisiana-bred champion and won by ¾ length over Cilla who never gave up. Five starts, four wins, and one graded stakes second totaling $174,600 lifetime earnings. The connections were in attendance and they were proud.

“It's an honor to ride for Jose's stable, to ride Ova Charged,” jockey Reylu Gutierrez said. “What a smart, talented, strong, physically and mentally imposing filly. I am really delighted I can ride her. Two champion fillies neither of them deserved to lose.”

Cilla's trainer Brett Brinkman had indicated before the race that the goal was to keep teaching Cilla to relax, but when you get drawn the 3 post, inside a filly like Ova Charged, it forced their hand when it came time to run.

“The post position dictated what we had to do,” Brinkman said. “The only two disappointing finishes I've had with her lately have been in the lane and we've been the target. When we are fixed on a target, we are much better off. I think that's the same way with his filly [Ova Charged]. She's a fighter, those are two good mares right there. She had the benefit of a recent race, which is no excuse. My filly fights, she's good. I'd like to turn the tables and have the outside the other way and force his hand. That's just the competitor in me.”

After the slow start, Ova Charged's connections didn't know this race could unfold in their favor.

“I was worried at the beginning because she didn't break sharp,” Fair Grounds co-leading trainer Jose Camejo said. “When she was coming home I knew she had a lot of horse left, but I knew she still had to pass the three [Cilla]. She got it done and we are so proud of what she did.”

The other co-leading trainer, Ron Faucheux, sent out 15.30 – 1 Strong Beauty who finished well for third place. An impressive turning out by her and the other sharp fillies in this race. 25.30 – 1 Sarah's Passion holding on for fourth. 14 – 1 Snowball finished fifth. Then 116.70 – 1 Sienna Breeze finished ahead of the tiring early speed Sumitup.

On a day dedicated to Louisiana's best horses and horsemen, Ova Charged owner's said it best:

“Louisiana I love you,” said Evelyn Benoit of Brittlyn Stables. “And I love Star Guitar.”

As for Cilla's next steps, her trainer has a solid plan.

“I am shooting for a summer career with her,” Brinkman said. “We weren't pointing to this race but it was a race I wanted to hit. We'll look to hit a race in February, then we are going back up the country.”

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Two impressive 3-year-old fillies face off: the lightly-raced Ova Charged, representing owner and breeder Brittlyn Stables and trainer Jose Camejo, and the relatively seasoned graded stakes winner, Cilla, owned by P Dale Ladner, bred by P Dale Ladner and Brett Brinkman, who also serves as her trainer.

With a post time of 2:56 p.m. CT, The Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint Stakes is the 7th race on Saturday's 13-race card at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Louisiana Champions Day includes 10 stakes races totaling $1,050,000. Race 1 post time is 12:05 p.m. CT.

“Kudos to the breeding establishment in the state because I think we've got a pretty good bunch of horses in our program right now,” Cilla's trainer and breeder Brett Brinkman said.

Cilla and Ova Charged come into the race poised to run big and likely eclipse the photo finish light from reaching the rest of the field.

The daughter of Louisiana legend Star Guitar, who won 24 of his 30 races, Ova Charged has the potential to be one of the very best her stallion has ever produced. That title is currently held by Minit to Stardom, who banked $536,180 for the same connections, winning the Ladies Sprint in 2019 along the way.

“She is gonna be the one,” trainer Jose Camejo said. “Everybody saw how she ran last time. We have had high hopes for her from day one. She's been doing good. And hopefully in this race she can improve and show who she is. We're ready for her.”

But is Cilla ready for her? Let the facts speak for themselves: sired by California Chrome and out of the broodmare Sittin at the Bar, she's a perfect three for three at 6 furlongs on the dirt (1 for 1 at Fair Grounds), winner of the Prioress (G2) at Saratoga, the Louisiana Legends Mademoiselles Stakes in the slop at Evangeline Downs, and the Blue Sparkler Stakes at Monmouth.

“I wouldn't trade places with anybody,” Brett Brinkman said. “We love her [Cilla]. She has been really good to us. I know Camejo has a really nice filly on his hands–she ran a big race here earlier in the meet. But I like my filly and her accomplishments–she's been rock steady for us since Champions Day at Evangeline. She is doing good. I feel great about her.”

In the Raven's Run (G2) at Keeneland in October, Cilla got caught in the middle of a three-wide duel led by Strong Silent and followed by Miss Speedy. At 7 furlongs, a distance she has yet to prove herself over, she put away those quality foes and finished third, five lengths ahead of graded stakes winners Souper Sensational and Obligatory (who won the Chilukki at Churchill Downs next out). But the early exertion set up for closers Caramel Swirl and Joy's Rocket to come flying late for the respective win and place.

“Tyler said when she broke, she broke right on the button and he caught himself a little further forward than he anticipated,” Brinkman said. “When she settled in, she wanted to be just right up there with them [Miss Speedy and Strong Silent] and ended up on the lead going into the turn. By the middle of the turn she ended up on the front end so instead of fighting and dragging her backwards, he went on with it. Take nothing away from the two fillies that outrun her–they are really nice fillies–but she ran for the wire, it's not like she hung it up, those fillies came and got her.”

Ova Charged's most recent start came against far lesser foes, but the optional-claiming second-level state-breds, allowed her to try something new in preparation for Saturday. Her 10+ length victory last out was guided by 68-year old jockey Rafael Torrealalba. She had wired her first two races, finishing a combined 16+ lengths ahead of Delta Downs maidens and Monmouth Park first-level allowance company in the slop. One of dam Charged Cotton's five who have won 28% of 49 starts, this phenom filly could have wired the field, but instead the veteran jockey got her to relax, perching in 4th through the ¼ pole and on the move but still in 2nd at the ½.

“That was the plan,” Camejo said. “She was coming from a long layoff and we didn't want her to be on the lead even though she was the best in the race. We wanted to teach her a little patience from behind and see if she could do that. I told the rider [Torrealba] 'try and see if you can run from behind, let her break and see where she wants to be and at the 3/16s, then let her go and see how she will finish.'”

You wouldn't guess it from watching their last races, but on Saturday, Cilla looks to relax and make a targeted run, while Ova Charged plans to be on or near the lead. Possible rain could alter course, and both trainers Camejo and Brinkman expressed confidence in their jockeys.

“The plan for Saturday,” Camejo continued, “I am going to leave that to the rider, I'll be honest with you. She is going to be a little more sharp for this race, running closer to the lead now that she has the race under her belt.”

Jockey Reylu Gutierrez will guide Ova Charged from post 5. Fresh off the Pan Zareta masterpiece on Brooke Marie, Adam Beschizza will guide Cilla from post 3. Both are riding their horse for the first time.

“[Cilla's] last work was by herself,” Brinkman said. “We had been working her with company, letting her sit off by herself and then go after them. This last breeze we just kinda let her ease away from the pole and power home from the lane. It opened my eyes a little bit–she was really fast in the lane, a lot faster than I thought she was going to be. As much as I want to win the race, I am really focusing on her relaxing. Giving her a target to run at. I'm gonna tell Adam what my filly's preferences are and how she has exhibited her best racing and just let him ride his race from there.”

Though overmatched on paper, the remainder of the 8-horse field is filled with well-bred winners in more-than-capable hands. Breaking from the 1st post is stakes winner, Strong Beauty. Trained by Fair Grounds' 2020-2021 leading trainer, Ron Faucheux, this daughter of Overanalyze and Headstrong Beauty has shown early speed and likely will need to send from the rail. Bred by Terry Gabriel & Dr. & Mrs. E C Hart, this 4-year-old to be ridden by Carlos Marquez needs to have found another level of speed in her 100+ day freshening.

The first of two 4M Ranch-breds, gray mare Snowball, looks to find more in her 10th start as a 5-year-old. Breaking from post 2 with hot jockey Colby Hernandez up, this Tin Roof Farms-owned earner of $323,280 will benefit from a duel out front that she can close into. Sired by Apriority and dam Inner Peace, Snowball is making her second start off a layoff for trainer Samuel Breaux, finishing 4th to quality statebred company last out.

Wire-to-wire maiden winner last out, Sum of the Parts sired Sumitup will break from post 4 with Jose Riquelme riding. Bred by J Adcock and trained by Delmar Caldwell, this filly owned by Double Dam Farm appears overmatched but is a lightly raced 3-year-old running 2nd time in her form cycle so could improve.

The Lonnie Briley-trained 7-year-old mare, Suzie's Dream, has not shown the same speed she once had since Norman Stables claimed this Tiz the One for $7,500 three races back in June. She breaks from post 6 with Aubrie Green up. Suzie's Dream is the second 4M Ranch-bred competitor.

Last-out wire-to-wire winner at a mile, Sarah's Passion makes her third start in her form cycle. Drawing post 7, Allen Landry calls Joe Stokes to ride this Songandaprayer 4-year-old owned and bred by Perform Stables.

In the far outside post, Sienna Breeze makes her stakes debut with apprentice Brianne Culp aboard. Bred by Joey R Agular, owned and bred by Charles Rosier, this Custom for Carlos 4-year-old has won one time before at this distance and has shown alacrity from the gate in the past.

Louisiana Champions Day Turf Winner looks to add Distaff to her Stakes Success

Net a Bear can do it all: turf, dirt, sprint, route. But one of the things this versatile 5-year old mare hasn't done is win at 1 1/16th miles on dirt. That's the distance they'll travel in the 31st running of the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Distaff.

Entered for a $20,000 claiming tag in her third career start, Net a Bear is now a 6-time stakes winner with over $400,000 in the bank. Installed as Mike Diliberto's 7-5 morning line favorite, Net a Bear rides three straight wins into this, beating her two main rivals in those contests. Bred by Lora Pitre & Elaine Carroll and sired by Awesome Bet, this 5-year old mare loves the grass as much as the dirt. Trainer Allen Landry calling upon regular rider Timothy Thornton, this team does not turn back a challenge–as long as it is in the state of Louisiana. And she is not alone in having made all her starts in “The Boot;”. Her main competition, Fort Polk and Quikfast N Ahurry, have always kept it close to home, too.

Quikfast N Ahurry is making the third start in her form cycle after finishing second in her last two outings at Delta Downs, including a half length loss to Net A Bear in the Magnolia. A positive angle for this Steve Flint 4-year old filly is that she won her last two starts 3rd off the layoff. Owned by Whispering Oaks Farm and bred by Carol J Casille out of sire Closing Argument and dam Wynning Ride. Colby Hernandez will break from the rail and is likely to save ground on the first turn.

Morning 6-shooter, Fort Polk looks to have sustained her spring form. There are more bullets on her PPs than holes in the OK Corral. Blinkers off woke up this horse and it has been apparent in the mornings. She's won three of her last four, with her lone loss in that stretch coming at the hooves of Net a Bear. Patrick Mouton trained, Steve and Pat Roe owned, Fort Polk makes her first start after three months off. Prudently placed, Mouton now aims this Behindatthebar Spanish Cross Stable LLC bred for her first stakes victory. Jorge Guzman up, this 5-year old mare will break from the 2 and likely press potential early pacesetter, Winning Romance.

Another rounding second in her form cycle is her 3-year old Winning Romance. Her three wins have come out front but trainer Bret Calhoun has been stretching her out, last time going Saturday's distance at Churchill Downs finishing 15+ lengths back after a slower than usual start. Deshawn Parker will look to return to her impressive 20-length win at Evangeline Downs on June 5th. Allied Racing Stable owned and bred will break from post 4.

The last of the five starters is the 3-year old filly, Eileen Alexandra. Running against the pace dynamic last out, this early speed presser struggled, but she has the tactical advantage to tighten up to the likely early speed to her inside. The second race since transfering from the Amoss barn to Ronnie Ward, this Bob Mahoney owned daughter of Jess's Dream needs to show more to score against this small but mighty team of Louisiana breds.

Former Champions Grand Luwegee and Pound for Pound will have plenty of company out front for the Classic

The best effort of 6-year old Grand Luwegee's career came when he won this race last year at Fair Grounds, his lone start at 1 ⅛ miles on dirt. A muddy track last year may have contributed to his 52-1 shocker, and a Saturday forecast repeat that could be to his liking for the 30th start of his career as he has never finished out of the money out of 6 starts in the mud. Add to that jockey Colby Hernanadez is back up and we have the recipe for this Gerard Perron owned, bred, and trained horse to take the big stack and move less than $10,000 away from a cool half million.

But he'll have company out front with the presence of Pound for Pound. No rider has been more assertive with her speedy mounts so far at Fair Grounds than Aubrie Green who rides the 2019 Classic champion, who missed the race last year. Owned by Israel Flores Horses, bred by J Addock & B & B Bloodstock, this early mover also knows how to fight off rivals late. Seven of his seventeen exacta finishes have come down to less than half a length. Trained by Andrea Ali, the 6-year old horse drew post 3 and could follow Grand Luwegee until ready to punch.

Likely to settle and make one run, Jimi's A Star will have to go further than he has ever attempted before. With 3 wins out of 31 starts, this 5-year old Star Guitar gelding knows how to cash, finishing in the money 18 times. Jose Guzman grabs the reins out of post 2 for connections trainer Henry Johnson and owner/breeder James Boyd.

Mageez in the money line looks like the stat sheet for James HArden after a night against the Rockets: 64 starts 11 wins 14 places 12 shows. But none of those wins have come at Saturday's distance. This 8-year old veteran sired by Musket Man relies on his late kick and often gets caught wide or finds trouble doing so. Facing lesser the last five races, trainer Delmar Caldwell and rider Mitchell Murrill surely smiled to see that even though the competition is stiff, there is a strong possibility of a pace meltdown playing into Mageez hoofs. Owned by Double Dam Farm and bred by James A Mcgehee Jr, a return to summer's form would light up the tote board for this stalwart in post 4.

Unrestricted's best races have been his last two. After a three-month freshening for trainer Kenneth Hargrave, this 5-year old out of Bind makes his first start at this distance while running in the best form of his career. Owned by Yovanni Rustrian Munoz and bred by Columbine Stable, Jose Riquelme will guide this quick consistent gelding from post 5.

With four wins out of seven starts, Who Took the Money often answers his own question. After an awkward start in the Churchill Downs slop last out and a slow start at Indiana Downs before that, this Bret Calhoun 3-year old looks to get back to breaking sharp and winning in the homestretch. Always a bit of a headcase, this Allied Racing Stable owned and bred gelding is 3 for 3 at Fair Grounds, and he will break from post 6.

Secret Vista faces his toughest yet while going longer than a mile for the first time. Angel Cordero keeps Carlos Marquez up to pilot this Paddy O'Prado 4-year old. Owned by Omar Ramirex and bred by J Adock & Hume Wornall, maybe stretching out will show another level for this 3 for 19 gelding breaking from post 7.

Sprint to route would be the path taken to glory if Allied Racing owned and Bret Calhoun trained second entrant Highland Creek can win the Classic. A dominant press and pass winner off a summer layoff last out over 6 ½ furlongs at Delta Downs, jockey Adam Beschizza might choose to send from the outside, post 8. J Adock & Neil McFadden bred gelded son of Broken Vow is cross-entered in the LA Champions Turf.

Unified Report enters Juvenile sprint undefeated

Need for speed is the name of the game in the $100,000 Juvenile Sprint where five horses entered have proven to win out front. On a dirt course that has been favoring front runners, whether or not these 2-year olds can relax behind others and find rhythm late is the question they will have to answer.

Morning line favorite Unified Report (5-2) led most of the way in both of his previous victories, but those leads came after rating and passing–always a sign of talent and good things to come for horses early in their career. Dallas Stewart calls his go-to pilot Brian Hernandez Jr to ride this Stephen Brown bred colt, owned by Valene Farms. The recent winner of the Louisiana Legacy Stakes at Delta Downs will break form post 8 with two speed demons to his outside.

Immediately in post 9, Gotmy Mo Jo Workin earned an impressive speed figure breaking his maiden in gate to wire last out. The Mo Tom gelding won't have it quite so easy this time. Far outside True Deal has done his best running on the lead and going shorter. Lonnie Brilley brings 2,576 lifetime winning jockey Timothy Thornton on board to see what kind of trip he can work out from the far outside post.

The meet's leading trainer Jose Camejo sends out Tamborine Star (post 4, ML 4-1) after a live, front running score with the addition of blinkers last out. Irwin Rosendo strikes again aboard this Brittlyn Stable owned son of Star Guitar.

The mornings have belonged to 2nd-time starter maiden Bron and Brow (post 5, ML 5-1). Three bullet workouts concluded with best of 90 going 4 furlongs on December 4th. Blinkers are on for this Lakers fans hunch play that will likely not get many Pelicans backers.

Brett Brinkman's Grunt won with the easy lead last and will likely have difficulty seeing the front end from the rail (ML 12-1). Patrick Mouton sends out last time winner My Heavy Son (Angel Suarez riding from post 2, ML 30 -1) who has stayed fresh since that Louisiana Downs maiden win against state breds. Steven Asmussen's Charco (post 3, ML 9-1) has not shown much improvement in four starts and took advantage of the paceless gift he was given on the lead last time out at Delta Downs.

Route to sprint is the angle for Allen Landry's Vodka Gimlet (ML 8-1), breaking from post 6 with Joe Stokes on board. And in post 7 Feisty Fist takes another shot at morning line favorite, Unified Report, after falling 3 ¾ lengths short after stalking the easy going leader last out.

Little Question that No Parole Will Break Loose in the LA Champ Sprint, but How Long Will He Last?

A return to top form has been as difficult to find as favorable pace setups for the classy front-runner No Parole. The 2020 G1 Woody Stephens has won only once in six starts since, and in his losses, he hasn't been close, leaving many to wonder if this shooting star has faded away. Tom Amoss calls the 4-year old colt's original rider, James Graham, back to the saddle. Perhaps the “lucky charm,” who was aboard for No Parole's first three races resulting in wins by 34 combined lengths for this Maggie Moss and Greg Tramontin owned enigma, can help make a difference.

Monte Man, an 8-year-old son of Custom for Carlos, has been a revelation since being claimed by trainer Gary Sciacca for $25,000 at Belmont Park in October 2017. Ivory Sisters Racing turned him over to trainer Ron Faucheux for his next start and he won a local optional-claimer in December 2017, which was the start of a seven-race winning streak. All told, Monte Man is 17-for-49, which includes eight stakes wins, though last year was his first win in the Louisiana Champions Day Sprint, after running third in the race in 2018 and fourth in the 2019 renewal. Always ready with a late move, the pace dynamic should set up nicely and Adam Beschizza gets the call for Ron Faucheux to try to repeat this winning tradition. Faucheux also sends out Bertie's Galaxy, who finished a disappointing 5th as the favorite in the 2020 edition. Another speedster who doesn't perform nearly as well when not allowed to dictate terms, this 5-year old gelding has won three out of this last 4, most recently at Delta Downs against conditioned allowance company.

Rounding out the field from the inside out starts with trainer Ricky Courville's Father Goose (jockey Pedro Cotto Jr, ML 20-1) who has won three out of twelve starts but has yet to face anything as tough as these stakes superstars. Most recently winning against allowance company sprinting on turf, Allen Landry's Hail State (jockey Joe Stokes, post 3, ML 10-1) would need a hail mary type miracle to score this caliber of win against these foes. A two-time stakes winner out of the Hugh Robertson barn, Sir Wellington (post 4, ML 8-1) is a 3-year old coming into his own. Making his second start after a tough duel against talented foes at Churchill Downs last out, this colt by Palace gets hot jockey Marcelino Pedroza Jr up. Woodbine shipper, Swot Analysis (post 6, jockey Deshawn Parker, ML 8-1) tried two turns on the turf last out, flashed speed and faded 7th against second level optional claimers. A one time G3 entered 3-year old by Anchor Down, this Mark Casse trainee seems to have used that as a prep for Champions Day and this horse could be a live long shot. Last out winner Pickens (jockey Jose Varga, post 7, ML 10-1) has posted competitive speed figures but against much lesser in the optional claiming ranks at Delta Downs. If the up and down form holds true for the every other start superstar/clunker runner Takes Two to Tango (post 8, Emmanuel Nieves, ML 8-1) then Saturday could be a high mark for this Jose Garcia trained 5-year old gelding who was eased in his most recent start. Scott Gelner sends out Izzy's Baby Boy (jockey Aubrie Green, post 9, ML 20-1) who is 0 for 6 at this distance but had a nice recent win two back going 6 ½ furlongs.

Large Field for the Lassie Creates Interesting Puzzle of Possibility

A full field of lightly raced 2-year olds creates the type of chaos that savvy bettors thrive on, but three logical horses will take the lion's share of the market's action: Free Like a Girl, Basalt Street, and Wholelottamo.

Eight races run and eight races in the money puts Free Like a Girl as the 9-5 morning line favorite in the 31st running of the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie. Her last three races were strong wins against state-bred stakes company. Second favorite Basalt Street will likely attract a lot of sharp money after her dominating eight length maiden win here on opening day. Louisiana Downs stakes winner Wholelottamo could redeem herself after tossing in a clunker last out behind Free Like A Girl as the well beaten 3-5 favorite in the Louisiana Jewel at Delta Downs.

Second time starters Valtesse (trained by Allen Landry, ridden by Colby Hernandez, post 1, ML 20-1), Dreaming of Neany (trained by Sam David Jr, ridden by MArcelino Pedroza Jr, post 3, ML 8-1), Beleout (trained by Delmar Caldwell, ridden by James Graham, post 4, ML 20-1), Won Day (trained by Allen Landry, ridden by Joe Stokes, post 10, ML 8-1), all ran impressively at first asking and appear to be in striking distance in terms of logical speed figure improvements second time out. Dreaming of Neany looks to have won in a key race that featured two next winners, including Basalt Street.

Filling out the field is Medley (trained by Steve Asmussen, ridden BJ Hernandez Jr., post 6, ML 8-1), Dream on It (trained by Emile Schwandt, ridden by Reylu Gutierrez, post 8, ML 6-1), Maestria (trained by Cathal Lynch, ridden by Adam Beschizza, post 9, ML 8-1), and Buckly Bunny (trained by Steve Flint, ridden by Kevin Smith, post 11, ML 20-1).

Recency Key to Turf Championship: Oldies but goodies try to remain prominent

Two horses on the rise look to offer peak performances in the 31st running of the Louisiana Champions Day Turf.

Making his second career start in the Turf, Carlea's Dream (post 3, ML 3-1) seems sharper than ever, posting two of his fastest lifetime speed figures in recent starts. Three wins out of four tries at the race's distance of 1 1/16 miles on turf, the gelded son of Lea trained by Karen Jacks should be involved early and often keeping close to his front-running fow, Mangelsen. SInce Ron Faucheux claimed this 5-year old gelding, he has done nothing but find his form and post faster speed figures. The Big Band Sound gelding loves the turf and loves to send it back into his foe's faces. Mangelsen (ML 4-1) has one way to go and the rail draw keeps it simple for regular rider, Marcelino Pedroza Jr.

Programmed between the two likely favorites in post 2 Highland Creek. Sprint to route, dirt to turf would be the path taken to glory if Allied Racing owned and Bret Calhoun trainee can win the Turf. A dominant press and pass winner off a summer layoff last out over 6 ½ furlongs at Delta Downs, jockey Adam Beschizza might choose to send along with Mangelsen but likely will follow. J Adock & Neil McFadden bred gelded son of Broken Vow is cross-entered in the Louisiana Champions Classic.

With four wins out of seven starts, another contender is Who Took the Money, After an awkward start in the Churchill Downs slop last out and a slow start at Indiana Downs before that, this Bret Calhoun 3-year old looks to get back to breaking sharp and winning in the homestretch. Always a bit of a headcase, this Allied Racing Stable owned and bred gelding is 3 for 3 at Fair Grounds, and he will break from post 5. He too is cross-entered in the Classic. .

Rounding out the field is last out winner Jeb's Lucky Eight (trained by Frank Pennino, ridden by James Graham, post 4, ML 20-1); the always fortunate Mr. Four Sevens (Courtney Dandridge Jr, ridden by Jose Riquelme, post 6, ML 20-1); Louisiana stalwart Trey's Midnite Moon (trained by Bunky Richards, ridden by Aubrie Green, post 7, ML 15-1); Get Them Justin (trained Sturges Ducoing, ridden by Angel Suarez, post 8, ML 15 -1); I'm a Cowboy Too (trained by Gary Scherer, ridden by Mitchell Murrill, post 9, ML 15-1); the third from Bret Calhoun, late kicker Budro Talking (ridden by Emmanuel Nieves, post 10, ML 8-1); Britts a Closer (trained by David Gomez, ridden by Colby Hernandez, post 11, 6-1); and Jaci's Royalty (trained by Cortland Harrison, ridden by Declan Carroll, post 12, ML 12-1).

The post Louisiana Champions Day: ‘Rock Steady’ Cilla Takes On ‘Sharp’ Ova Charged In Contentious Ladies Sprint Stakes appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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“I think the light bulb went on after the Beaumont,” said trainer Brett Brinkman, who co-bred Cilla with Ladner. “She was not a very confident filly early on, but we gave her some time, and I think maturity has played a big part for her mentally and physically.”

Cilla, a Louisiana-bred daughter of California Chrome, received a short vacation following the Beaumont and came back to win three consecutive races highlighted by a victory in the 6-furlong Prioress (G2) at Saratoga on Sept. 4.

“We didn't really focus on this (Lexus Raven Run) because she went through another growth spurt,” Brinkman said of the filly, who arrived at Keeneland Tuesday afternoon. “We were going to wait to go to Fair Grounds for Louisiana Champions Day (Dec. 11), but Mr. Ladner and I started talking about it and she needs to answer the seven-furlong question. The only other option was to run against older horses at Churchill Downs going 6 furlongs (in the $300,000 Dream Supreme-L on Nov. 13).

“Most of the big races for fillies and mares next year are seven-eighths, so this is the time to answer that question.”

Tyler Gaffalione, who was aboard for the first time in the Prioress victory, retains the mount Saturday.

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The Lexus Raven Run is scheduled as the ninth race on Saturday's 10-race program with a 5:16 p.m. ET post time. First post Saturday is 1 p.m.

Trained by Brett Brinkman, Cilla returned Tuesday afternoon to Keeneland, where she finished sixth as a 62-1 shot in the Beaumont (G3) Presented by Keeneland Select. Since then, the Louisiana-bred daughter of California Chrome has won three consecutive races highlighted by the Prioress victory.

Tyler Gaffalione will have the mount Saturday and break from post position seven.

Souper Sensational, winner of the Victory Ride (G3) at Belmont Park who has placed in three graded stakes, was runner-up in the Grade 1 Test prior to her run in the Prioress. Trained by Mark Casse, Souper Sensational will exit post position three and be ridden by Ricardo Santana Jr.

Another Grade 2 winner in the field is Juddmonte's homebred Obligatory.

Trained by Bill Mott, Obligatory won the Eight Belles (G2) on April 30 at Churchill Downs going 7 furlongs. Runner-up in the Cotillion (G1) at Parx in her most recent start, Obligatory drew post 13 and will be ridden by Florent Geroux.

The field for the Lexus Raven Run, with riders and weights from the inside, is:

1. Shalimar Gardens (Rafael Bejarano, 118 pounds)
2. Joy's Rocket (Julien Leparoux, 118)
3. Souper Sensational (Santana Jr., 118)
4. Minute Waltz (Martin Garcia, 118)
5. Strong Silent (Corey Lanerie, 118)
6. Feeling Mischief (Mitchell Murrill, 118)
7. Cilla (Gaffalione, 120)
8. Caramel Swirl (Junior Alvarado, 118)
9. Zainalarab (John Velazquez, 118)
10. Someone Said So (Adam Beschizza, 118)
11. Miss Speedy (Brian Hernandez Jr., 118)
12. Just Read It (Gerardo Corrales, 118)
13. Obligatory (Florent Geroux, 120)

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Baker's affinity for Saratoga is well founded, as the conditioner was one of just 12 trainers to register at least eight wins during the prestigious meet entering Sunday action, carrying an 8-2-2 record with 26 starters into the day.

On Saturday, Baker was credited with his third career graded stakes win and first since 2016 when P. Dale Ladner's Cilla bested favorite Souper Sensational by a half-length to win the $250,000 Grade 2 Prioress for sophomore fillies sprinting six furlongs. The win was a technicality for Baker, who saddled the Louisiana bred for trainer Brett Brinkman, who did not take out a license in New York but was on hand to witness the victory that earned Cilla an 88 Beyer.

While Brinkman remains Cilla's trainer, Baker is the conditioner of record, officially tallying his first graded stakes score since Joking won the 2016 Grade 1 Vosburgh and Grade 2 True North. A connection with former Baker employee Lisa Whitaker, who now works for Brinkman, helped facilitate what turned out to be a winning move for all involved.

“That was impressive. She's a very nice-looking filly to start with and she looks like she has come class to her, and it was nice to see her come in and get the win for them,” Baker said. “One of my old employees works for him, so Brett called him a couple of weeks ago about it. He wanted to come but wasn't sure what to do, so we talked about it and handled it that way.

“I get credited with it, but that's all it is,” Baker added with a laugh. “But Brett did the work.”

Baker has also enjoyed Saratoga success with his own stock, highlighted by Happy Face Racing Stable's Gold Panda, who improved to 2-for-2 at the meet after registering a 2 1/4-length score in a seven-furlong allowance contest on September 3 over the Saratoga main track.

The 3-year-old Goldencents gelding did not make his debut until July when running third in a 6 1/2-furlong sprint at Belmont. Gold Panda followed with a maiden-breaking 5 1/2-length win on August 19 over a sloppy and sealed Spa track before winning his second consecutive start and garnering an 88 Beyer for his Friday victory over a fast track.

“He's getting better every start. We figured we'd give him a little bit of time before his next race and go from there. He's definitely developing,” said Baker, who said his next start will likely be a two-other-than at Belmont. “Eventually, if he keeps on progressing, I think he's headed to [stakes] company. He has the mind to do it and the ability. He can be a nice horse.”

Gold Panda, a $65,000 purchase at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-Bred Yearling Sale, was bred in the Empire State by T/C Stable. Baker said the patience in not racing him as a juvenile has paid off as Gold Panda continues to progress.

“He just needed to mature. As a 2-year-old, we wasn't ready to go. We gave him some time and let him mature and brought him back this year and he's got better and better,” Baker said. “He ran a good race the first time out and then he came back and won. He learned from the first and I think he's just going to go forward from there.”

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Under Tyler Gaffalione, Cilla broke sharp and then settled into fourth behind Oxana and Edie Meeny Miny Mo, who traded the lead early in the six-furlong Prioress. Victor Espinoza, in from California to ride Edie Meeny Miny Mo for a second time, took over entering the far turn, but could not hold on to the advantage entering the stretch. To her outside, both Cilla and Souper Sensational took up position for their stretch runs, with Ricardo Santana, Jr. poised to send Souper Sensational on as they hit the Saratoga straight.

Gaffalione and Cilla stayed with her, the two fillies dueling in the race's final furlong. As they approached the wire, Cilla rallied past Souper Sensational in the race's final yards to a half-length lead at the finish. Li'l Tootsie was third.

Ricardo Santana, Jr. claimed foul after the race, citing interference by Cilla and Gaffalione in the stretch, but the stewards dismissed the foul, allowing the final results to become official.

The final time for the six furlongs was 1:10.05 over a fast track. Find this race's chart here.

Cilla paid $23.40, $6.20, and $3.40. Souper Sensational paid $2.50 and $2.10. Li'l Tootsie paid $3.50.

“She's fast and she's a 3-year-old. There's limited opportunities for those fillies. We felt like after we got her on track a couple of races ago and that we were going to let her step along and buy her way to the next one. She's obviously bought her way to this one.” Brett Brinkman said after the Prioress.

“As soon as Ricardo [Santana, Jr., aboard Souper Sensational] put a head in front of me, I asked her and she surged back to them, so I was confident that we were going to be able to come back to them. I was confident that we were able to get back,” Gaffalione told the NYRA Press Office after the race. “She fought gamely and all the credit goes to the connections for having her ready.”

Bred in Louisiana by Brett A. Brinkman and P. Dale Ladner, the 3-year-old filly is by California Chrome out of the Into Mischief mare Sittin At the Bar, a black-type stakes winner in Louisiana. Owned by P. Dale Ladner, Cilla is trained by Charlton Baker. The Grade 2 Prioress is the filly's fourth win in six starts in 2021, for a lifetime record of five wins in ten starts.

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