BOSSIER CITY, LA—MARCH 18, 2017—Blue Eyed Fance, a 2-year-old daughter of multiple stakes sire Jess Louisiana Blue became the first official 2-year-old Quarter Horse stakes winner of 2017 on Saturday when she defeated Cos I Get It by three-quarters in the $271,463 restricted Grade 2 Mardi Gras Futurity at Louisiana Downs.

Ridden by jockey Francisco Calderon, Blue Eyed Fance completed the 300-yard course in :15.365 seconds to earn a 98-speed index into a 10 mph crosswind. The bay filly is now 2-for-2 and picked up $122,282 to boost her career mark to $125,882.

Calderon, who took over the riding duties from Eddie Sanchez following the February 25th trials, was asked how long it took him to decide to ride the filly?

"The phone was still ringing when I said yes," Calderon said following the ride. "I came to Jose's farm to stand her in the gate. She was kind of moving backn'forth, so Jose decided to stand her one more time. Today she was as quiet as she could be and did it on her own. I was just along for the ride."

Trainer Jose Sanchez saddled the Louisiana homebred for owner/breeder Alejandro Moya. Blue Eyed Fance is out of the Reckless Dash mare Fance Loretta.

"I'm so excited, I don't know what to say," Sanchez said following the race. When asked how he prepared her for the final he replied "This kind of horse just does it on their own."

With a late surge under jockey Damian Martinez, Cos I Get It got up to finish second and earn $46,195 for owner Abraham Huitron. Trainer Eusevio Huitron saddled the son of second crop sire Tee Cos from the First Comment mare Come And Get Me. Karen Darling Falgoust bred the $4,700 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate.

Ttt Kas finished a neck back in the third place for owner Jorge Meraz. Trainer Jose Sanchez saddled the Kas I Said So filly from the Ichie Dancer mare Ima Georgiababy. Raul Ramirez, Jr. was aboard to earn $27,173.

Completing the field were Shesa Diamond Diva, Sir Edward L Perry, Paretti, Angiesprizedpatriot, Party From Hail, Jrs Natural Runaway and Hqh Runaway Gal.