Jla Indy Rogue Digs In Late To Win Grade 3 $315,080 Evangeline Downs Futurity

OPELOUSAS, LA—DECEMBER 30, 2021—Under jockey Russel Leblanc, Jla Indy Rogue dug in late to get her nose in front of Patriot Fireworks in the $315,080 Evangeline Downs Futurity(G3) on the closing night card for the 2021 Evangeline Downs Quarter Horse Meet. Fastest qualifier Mr Spud was a head back in the blanket-finish to get third.

Racing for owners Karen Lynn McKinnon and Annette Faul, Jla Indy Rogue completed the 400 yards in :19.818 seconds, equaling a 90 speed index into a 5 mph headwind.

The daughter of multiple stakes sire Heza Fast Rogue entered the race as the third fastest qualifier after posting a one-length trial win on December 3rd.

Trainer Robert Meche saddled the brown filly to her fourth win in eight starts this season and the $ $157,540 EVD Futurity winner's purse boosted her earnings total to more than $200,000.

Bred by Joanie Gore, from the Promissory (TB) mare French Indy (TB), JLa Indy Rogue broke her maiden at Delta Downs in July, then returned to win an Allowance in her next start there on July 22nd.

Runner-up Patriot Fireworks picked up $53,564 for owner-breeder Lester J. Colomb, Jr. Kenneth Weeks named jockey Arturo Alvarez to ride the Jet Black Patriot gelding out of Jess Caroline by Mr Jess Perry. The bay gelding broke his maiden for a $50,000 claiming tag on July 24th at Delta Downs. He has earned $65,374 in eight starts this season.

Fastest qualifier and Firecracker Futurity(G2) winner Mr Spud pressed throughout under jockey Everardo Rodriguez. Rosendo Valdez Jr. trains the son of champion sire The Louisiana Cartel for owner Christopher A. Villatoro. Also second in the Old South Futurity last summer, Mr Spud was bred in Texas by Randy King from the Special Red Warrior mare Ace Winema. He picked up $31,508 for the effort to bring his earnings total to $209,329 off a (7) 5-1-1 record.

Jla Indy Rogue paid $26.40 to win, $16.60 to place and $7.60 to show. Patriot Fireworks returned a healthy $52.20 to place and $12 to show. Wagering favorite Mr Spud paid $3 to show.

Kas Shes Ec, Smokey Ice, No Secret Knockout, Sir Streakin Runaway, Swags, Jesstice For All and Bojanglez completed the field.

The 2022 Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred season begins on April 6. Racing will be conducted on a Wednesday through Saturday schedule that will run until August 27.

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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.