© Coady Photography
OPELOUSAS, LA—NOVEMBER 13, 2021—Making her second start for new owner Paragon Farms LLC, multiple graded stakes winner Lifeinthefastlanes drove down the outside to defeat Lightemupwithcharm by a neck in the $40,000 Opelousas Stakes Saturday night at Evangeline Downs. Swamp Eagle was a nose back in a blanket-finish to get thrid.
The race for Louisiana bred 3-year-olds and up was contested over a fast track at 400 yards.
Conditioned by leading champion trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr., Lifeinthefastlanes completed the 400 yards in :19.656 seconds, equaling a 94 speed index. The daughter of multiple stakes sire Jess Louisiana Blue picked up $24,000 for her effort. David Alvarez was riding.
Bred by Wade and Kay Loup, Jr., from the Panther Mountain mare Pantherinthefastlane, the Louisiana-bred 4-year-old has compiled a (16) 10-2-2 record and banked $481,881. Last year Lifeinthefastlanes put together a six-race win streak that included the LQHBA Breeders' Derby(G3), Delta Downs LA Bred Derby(RG3) and the Vinton Stakes.
Also a multiple graded stakes winner Lightemupwithcharm earned $8,000 for second. Willie Simien, Jr. trains the 7-year-old Sizzlin Cartel gelding for owner Saul Dorado. Bred by Jumonville Farms, from the Feature Mr Jess mare Grace Filled Charm, Lightemupwithcharm has earned $402,720. Luciano Duenez had the riding assignment.
Swamp Eagle, a 4-year-old son of leading sire Heza Fast Dash, races for owner Fausto Mendoza and trainer Joel Huitron. Jockey Ubaldo Luna rode the sorrel gelding out of Gee Whit by One Famous Eagle. He picked up $4,400 for the effort to increase his bankroll to $105,956. David O. Dunn is the breeder.
Lifeinthefastlanes rewarded backers with a $7 win payout, $3.40 to place and $3.20 to show. Lightemupwithcharm returned $17 to place and $9.20 to show. Swamp Eagle was worth $4.80 to show.
Post time favorite Apollitical B Snow finished a troubled fourth. One Fast Perry, Royal Jumpn King and Hezjessmagic completed the field.
Live racing resumes on Wednesday with a 5:35pm first post. The Evangeline Downs Quarter Horse season runs through December 30.
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 and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana, off I-49 on Cresswell Lane at Exit 18.