Jessa Louisiana Zoom Stays Perfect with Lee Berwick Futurity Victory
© Coady Photography
Jockey Danny Lavergne came out of retirement to ride the daughter of champion Jess Louisiana Blue after breaking her last fall. The brown filly broke on top tonight and proved the best under Leavergne as she completed the 350 yards in :17.524 seconds, a 90-speed index.
It was the second futurity win for the Frank Cavazos trainee who won the Lassie Futurity(RG2) in May. The $317,265 Lee Berwick winner's purse swelled her bankroll to $473,153.
Richards and Leblanc purchased the filly for $22,000 from breeder Lyle Guillory at last summer's LQHBA Yearling Sale in Kinder. They paid homage to the filly's second dam champion Corona Cash who past away a couple of weeks ago in Brazil. Last year the pair raced a Grade 2 winning daughter of Jess Louisiana Blue out of Corona Cash, to six wins and $186,206 in earnings.
“She left the gate very good today,” Cavazos said in the winner’s circle after the race. “I think it was the best she’s ever broke.”
Cavazos also trained Jessa Louisiana Zoom’s maternal grandsire, who was a multiple grade I winning runner who earned over $738,000 during his illustrious racing career. Obvious comparisons are now being made between Azoom and his young progeny. “She runs a lot like him,” Cavazos said.
Sent to the gate as an odds-on favorite, Jessa Louisiana Zoom paid $3.80 to win, $3.80 to place and $2.60 to show. Shining Presence was worth $5.40 to place and $3.80 to show. The Renaissance Man returned $2.60 to show.
Winless in three starts, Shining Presence earned $107,870 for his runner-up effort. Kenneth Roberts, Sr. trains the First To Shine gelding for owner Rodney Verret. Donald Watson had the riding assignment aboard the gelding out of Provocative Presence, by Daunting Presence. Charles and Irma Lyles is the breeder.
It’s a Storm Warning, Louisiana Fast Dash, Streakin Bye U, Fast Ladys Man, No Mas Pantalones and One Fast Jet completed the field. Toast To Catch was scratched.
Blues Favorite Fish Prevails in Louisiana Juvenile Invitational
Blues Favorite Fish raced to her third consecutive win when she defeated Heisa Hot Ticket in the $50,000 Louisiana Juvenile Invitational. Orlando Baldillez rode the Jess Louisiana Blue filly for owner Lyle Guillory and trainer Joseph Manucy. Best late, the filly was timed in :17.535 seconds over the 350 yards course to earn a 90-speed index.
Kenny Roberts Sr. saddled Heisa Hot Ticket to his second place finish for owner Charles Boudreaux, Jr. Jim and Natalie Montgomery bred the Coronas Leaving You gelding from the Jody O Toole mare Hottesticketintown. Donald Watson was up to earn $10,000. Roberts purchased Heisa Hot Ticket as Agent at the LQHBA Summer Sale for $21,000.
Carry On Game, Ricky Rockstar, An American Outlaw and Tf Magical Fritz completed the Juvenile field. Dashingpastya was scratched.
Delta Downs will now be dark until its 2015-16 Thoroughbred season gets underway on Friday, October 16. Fans can still enjoy full card simulcasting from coast to coast in the track’s OTB seven days a week.
For more information about the current season visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com or on the Facebook page, ‘Delta Downs Racing’.
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.