Duke of Carthania. (Kimmy Burrow / Hodges Photography)
Sweet Alyssa Cruises in Opelousas Off the Turf
By Maribeth Kalinich
Duke of Carthania with Julio Ramirez, Jr., came roaring from the back of the pack to surge past Chrome Baby and edged clear for the upset victory in the $60,000 John Henry Stakes at Evangeline Downs for owner/trainer Yovani Munoz.
Caclicoco set the pace for the first half at 23.53 and 47.60 with Machine Gun Man in hot pursuit in the 12-horse field in the 1-1/16th mile test.
Woods N Water made a late rally for third with Cosmic Train fourth by 3/4 length. Machine Gun Man fell back for fifth.
Bright Outlook, The Donegal Clan, Brian’s Iron Mike, Sonya Knows Better, Alex Joon, Biloxi and Calicoco complete the order of finish.
Duke of Carthania completed the course in 1:45.64 and rewarded the upset with $35.80 (9.40, 8.80) with Chrome Baby paying $4.20 (2.80) and Woods N Water giving $5.40 to punters.
The chestnut by Constitution our of Speightstown mare Shot Gun Pennie was bred in Kentucky by Machmer Hall.
The 7-year-old gelding made his 30th start and now has six career victories with three seconds and five thirds with earnings of $239,427.
Sweet Alyssa Cruises in Opelousas Off the Turf
Jarvis Racing Stable’s Sweet Alyssa battled to the wire with Tryinmyheartout for the win by a neck in the $60,000 Opelousas Stakes that as taken off the turf.
Under Joe Stokes Sweet Alyssa led most of the way setting fractions of 34.70 and 49.05 for trainer Gary Husak.
Wholelottamo gave challenge through most of the race, but it would fade to fourth as Dixie Farmer who held steady in third for most of the trip took show honors.
For Harper and Purring complete the order of finish. Autism Community and Highly Wicked were both scratched by the stewards.
Sweet Alyssa completed the one-mile contest in 1:39.73 and offered $7.80 (2.80, 2.40) for the win.
Bred in Kentucky by Lothenbach Stables, the 4-year-old Union Rag filly is out of Scat Daddy mare Scatter Gun.
Making her 17th start, Sweet Alyssa earned back-to-back wins giving her four career victories with one second and three thirds earning $164,405.
