James A. Flores crossed the finish line aboard Kempton at Evangeline Downs on Saturday night, winning the $321,635 EVD Futurity [G2].

© Hodges Photography

OPELOUSAS, LA–DECEMBER 21, 2024–Kempton has won six out of seven starts this season and now has two stakes victories after a spectacular finish in the $321,635 EVD Futurity at Evangeline Downs on Saturday.

Kempton achieved his first career victory in the Oklahoma Futurity trial, winning by a full length, although he did not qualify for the finals. He increased his performance significantly in his next race, winning by an impressive two lengths in the $1,081,820 Heritage Place Futurity [G1] trials, and then returned to secure victory in the finals.

Kempton traveled to Albuquerque in September, where he won his trial heat for the All American Futurity [G1] and qualified for the finals; however, he did not compete in the final race. He then went to Lone Star, where he finished third in the Texas Classic Futurity trials, marking his only non-win. Despite this, his performance qualified him for the Juvenile with the fastest time, but once again, he did not return for the finals.

The winning connections of Kempton accept the EVD Futurity stakes trophy. © Kimmy Burrow / Hodges Photography

Then, moving to Louisiana, he won his trial heat to the EVD Futurity [G2] with the fourth fastest time, followed by his victory in today's finals. The $160,817 winner's share of the purse increased his lifetime earnings to $639,903.

Kempton saved plenty in reserve off his trial victory and broke like a rocket from the gates. Champion jockey James Flores piloted the two-year-old colt to a wire-to-wire win in 19.661 seconds, clocking a 96-speed index. The 400-yard effort paid $8.40 to win on 3-1 odds.

Trainer James J. Gonzales, III, saddled Kempton for owner Ozaca Ranch, LLC. Tyler Graham and Namgis QH's LLC bred the son of Kiss My Hocks in Texas. He is out of Charming Cartel by Corona Cartel.

Late charges for both Eagles Up and Kiss My Maruska fell short for second and third. Eagles Up, piloted by Luis Vivanco, made a big run late but just missed by a neck for second on 35-1 odds. Kiss My Maruska, ridden by Victor Urieta, Jr., was slow from the gate, which cost the 3-5 favorite placing third.

Jose Sanchez saddled Eagles Up for owners Mario Vazquez and Jumonville Farms. The son of One Famous Eagle has won his previous three outs from a total of six starts and has $77,063 in the bank. Jumonville bred the 35-1 longshot in Louisiana out of U R Blue by Walk Thru Fire. The second-place finish paid $16.60 to place.

Post-time favorite Kiss My Maruska was bred in Texas by Tyler and Naia Graham. Trainer Juan Diaz Jr saddled the son of Kiss My Hocks for owner Heavy Hitters Racing Stables.

Kiss My Maruska has lit the board in every out from ten starts with five wins and $558,971 in earnings, including the Dash For Cash Futurity [G2].

Seis Chilitos, Flyin Chilitos, Peppa, Jj Jessa Dynasty, San Lorenzo Trump, Chill To The Bone and Cc Valiant complete the order of finish.

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About Evangeline Downs Racetrack& Casino
Encompassing over 750 acres, Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation, features over 39,000 square feet of casino space as well a racetrack that boasts state-of-the-art facilities with a 7/8-mile turf track and a one-mile main track. The casino includes over 1,000 slot and video poker machines, two dining options, and plenty of meeting space, including track-side private club suites. Evangeline Downs also includes a newly opened FanDuel Sportsbook. For more information, visit www.evangelinedowns.com and connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Founded in 1975, Boyd Gaming Corporation is a leading geographically diversified operator of 28 gaming entertainment properties in 10 states and manager of a tribal casino in northern California. The Company is also a strategic partner and 5% equity owner of FanDuel Group, the nation's leading sports-betting operator.

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