News - Preview March  28, 2024

Ivan James, Tellereyematthebar Return in Evangeline Downs Derby Trials


Firecracker Derby winner Ivan James will head Saturday’s Evangeline Downs Derby trials.

© Coady Photography

BY MICHAEL CUSORTELLI

OPELOUSAS, LA—NOVEMBER 21, 2016—A total of 71 3-year-olds, led by recent major stakes winners Ivan James and Tellereyematthebar, has been entered in Saturday’s Evangeline Downs Derby trials.

The 10 fastest qualifiers from the eight 400-yard heats will meet in the December 17, $50,000-added final.

Ivan James is a son of Ivory James trained by Jose Sanchez for owner Jorge Meraz. The colt will be making his first start since July 1, when he scored a neck victory in the 400-yard, $195,000 Firecracker Derby at Delta Downs.

An earner of $395,817 from eight outs, Ivan James drew post 3 and will be ridden by Raul Ramirez Jr. in the second trial.

Tellereyematthebar outran his 19-1 odds to win the 440-yard, $236,000 Dash For Cash Derby (G3) at Lone Star Park on October 8. Trained by Brian Stroud for owners James Hrabovsky and Leann Nalls, the Teller Cartel gelding drew post 8 and will be ridden by Francisco Calderon in the sixth heat.

Other prominent sophomores entered in the Evangeline Downs Derby trials include Brave Heart Won. An Apollitical Jess gelding campaigned by Dwayne Saucier and trainer Michael Taylor, Brave Heart Won has banked $302,410 from six races this year, and his season resume includes third-place finishes in the 440-yard, $2,415,000 All American Derby (G1) at Ruidoso Downs, and the 440-yard, $363,000 Texas Classic Derby (G1) at Lone Star Park.

All Evangeline Downs races can be seen at Q-RacingVideo.com.


Courtesy Ses