Captain Eagle (#10) was awarded the win over Fast Loving Aj (#8) in the $134,750 Louisiana Maiden Classic Stakes (not black type) at Louisiana Downs on Saturday.

© Ann Switalski Photography

BOSSIER CITY, LA–MARCH 22, 2025–Captain Eagle picked up his third consecutive win on Saturday after Fast Loving Aj was disqualified and placed third for interference in the stretch of the $134,750 Louisiana Downs Maiden Classic (not black-type) at Louisiana Downs.

Fast Loving Aj got away clean from post 8, taking a quick lead before bearing out in a deep stretch to push Jess Check Moonin (#9) into Captain Eagle (#10).  Following a steward's inquiry, Fast Loving Aj was placed third behind Captain Eagle and Jess Check Moonin.

Jockey Ubaldo Luna had the riding call aboard Captain Eagle, who broke his maiden at LAD in February and then returned on March 1 to win his trial by one length in the fourth-fastest qualifying time.

The son of #3 third-crop sire Eagle Deluxe hit his best stride late while stopping the clock in 18.002 seconds, an 89-speed index into a 5 mph headwind. He was a neck off Fast Loving Aj.

Martin Gallegos trains Captain Eagle for owner Rene Montoya. Gabriel Lewis bred the 3-year-old gelding from the Game Patriot mare Kl Game Day. The $53,900 maiden classic winners' purse boosted Captain Eagles' earnings to $73,680. A non-winner at 2, he is undefeated in three starts this season.

The winning connections of Captain Eagle accept the Louisiana Maiden Classic stakes trophy on Saturday.
© Ann Switalski Photography

Ignacio Soto's homebred Jess Check Moonin was a neck back and picked up $22,908 after moving from third to second. Trainer Alex P. Clark tapped Yaidel Rodriguez to ride the gelding by champion Moonin The Eagle out of Im Delicious by Check Him Out. With one in 10 starts, Jess Check Moonin has banked $33,108.

Still a maiden from five starts, Fast Loving Aj was looking for this first official victory after a second-place qualifying effort in the March 1 trials. Roman Huerta rode the New Mexico-bred son of leading sire Apollitical Jess for owner Rancho La Cobra. Adalberto Miranda conditions the 3-year-old gelding who had to settle for $13,475 in prize money. Mark and Fay Annett McCloy bred Fast Loving Aj from the Walk Thru Fire mare Desperate Love.

The fastest qualifier, Monty Cristo, finished fourth, followed by Candy Scheme, Babymoone, Lil Kool Cat, Ace Fortunes N Eagle, Your Wagon Or Mine, and Heza Vicious Rogue.

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About Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.

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