Racing


Ldn Jessasaltydog 14-1 Surprise In Opelousas Stakes
Ldn Jessasaltydog, under jockey Antonio Alberto, winning the $40,000 Opelousas Stakes Saturday night at Evangeline Downs.

© Coady Photography
Ldn Jessasaltydog 14-1 Surprise In Opelousas Stakes

OPELOUSAS, LA—NOVEMBER 1, 2017—Ldn Jessasaltydog (14-1) scored his first win this season and first career stakes victory Saturday night when he won the $40,000 Opelousas Stakes by three-quarters at Evangeline Downs.

Ldn Jessasaltydog started sharply in the field of six and withstood the late charges of several foes, including the 6-5 favorite, Heza Louisiana Dash, who had won the Opelousas Stakes in 2016, but had to settle for second this year. Strong Guns started last and did rally to finish third, narrowly nosing out Super Sonic Patriot in the photo for show.

Ridden by jockey Antonio Alberto, Ldn Jessasaltydog completed the 400-yard course in :19.759 seconds, a 96-speed index over a fast racetrack. The son of Im Dalaw's last win came exactly one-year ago when won for a $10,000-claim around the turn at Evangeline Downs on November 11, 2016.

Trainer Carlos Saldivar saddled the 5-year-old for owner Rene Amaro. Lary D. Nixon bred the gray gelding from the Jess Louisiana Blue mare Jessa Blue Crystal. He has compiled a (25) 3-3-5 record and used the $24,000 Opelousas' purse to boost his bankroll to $62,390.

Multiple graded winner Heza Louisiana Dash held between two foes to earn $8,000 for second. Kenneth Roberts, Sr. conditions the son of Heza Fast Dash for owner T M Ranch. Bred by Jumonville Farms and Burnett Ranch, the 5-year-old has banked more than $490,000. He is out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Eyejesslovelouisiana.

Stakes winner Strong Guns finished a nose back in third to earn $4,400 for owner Carlos Acuna. Trainer Robert Meche saddled the Strong Hope gelding out of Gunslinger Girl by First Down Jewel. Damian Martinez had the riding call aboard the V W Racing Louisiana-bred gelding.

Ldn Jessasaltydog paid $31.60 to win, $8.60 to place and $3.80 to show. Heza Louisiana Dash returned $3.20 to place and $2.20 to show, while Strong Guns paid $2.20 to show.

Super Sonic Patriot, Jes A Fast Dasher and Scooter Prize completed the field.

Live racing resumes at Evangeline Downs on Wednesday night with an eight-race program. First post time will be 5:35 pm Central Time.

For more information on the American Quarter Horse season at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at evdracing.com. Evangeline Downs’ Twitter handle is @EVDRacing and the racetrack is also accessible on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacing.

About Evangeline Downs
Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel is owned by Boyd Gaming Corporation, a leading diversified owner and operator of 22 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, New Jersey, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Boyd Gaming press releases are available at www.prnewswire.com. Additional news and information can be found at www.boydgaming.com, or evangelinedowns.com.