Deshawn Parker pilots Norah G to victory in the $100,000 Louisiana Futurity – Filly Division. (Hodges Photography/Lou Hodges, Jr.)
Kevin Kilroy/Fair Grounds Press Office
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Tom Galvin’s homebred Norah G proved too much for the field of seven lassies in the $100,000 Louisiana Futurity. A touch slow from the gates, the up-and-coming star from Patricia West’s barn asserted herself through the turn and pulled away, but then just held safe late to win by a diminishing 3/4 length over the rail rally of the longshot maiden Everlyn’s Angel.
“I thought her break from the gate was much improved for the first two tries, so we’re moving in the right direction,” West said. “We do hope to try her at two turns in the near future.”
The debut winner earned her second victory completing the 6 furlongs over a good track in 1:14.93. Deshawn Parker was up for the score, one of two stakes wins for Parker, who also won the Woodchopper aboard Britain’s Kitten.
Longshot New Destiny, who attracted the services of Florent Geroux, vied for the early lead to set the fractions of :22.55 and :47.40. Norah G settled second to last after the slow break and had to maneuver through the forward five runners to make a sweeping move that propelled her to the lead. Everlyn’s Angel kept things interesting late rallying up the rail to secure second over New Destiny.
“Getting away from the gate went a little better,” Parker said. “She broke a step slow but not as bad as she normally does, so she’s getting better. Every time she’s raced so far she’s put herself in tight spots so I wasn’t surprised when she took me through those runners.”
Norah G is a daughter of Fast Anna out of the Malibu Moon mare Mr. G’s Moonshine and was bred in Louisiana by owner Tom Galvin. The 1-5 favorite returned $2.60, $2.10 and $2.10.
Shes a Lucky Rebel, Hopeitsmyluckyday, Star moment and Paramour completed the order of finish.
Norah G netted $60,000 and now boasts career earnings of $110,000 from a record of 2-1-0 in 3 starts.
Forward to 1:31 for Race 2.
Racing at Fair Grounds resumes New Year’s Day at the regular first post of 1:15 p.m. CT. The first stakes action of 2023 will commence on Saturday, Jan 7 with the inaugural running of the $75,000 Gary P. Palmisano Memorial Stakes and the $75,000 Bob F. Wright Memorial Stakes, a pair Louisiana-bred sprints for 4-year-olds and up.
