Fastest Qualifier Cartels Fortune Returns to Win Evangeline Downs Derby

OPELOUSAS, LA—DECEMBER 20, 2014—Cartels Fortune kept her 2014 record a perfect 4-for-4 following a nose win over Im Carvin Waves in the $126,225 Evangeline Downs Derby on Saturday's closing night card. T Boy G finished three-quarters back in the show spot.

Ridden by Patrick Watson and trained by Kenneth Roberts, Sr., Cartels Fortune broke well and held over the 400 yard course in :19.613 seconds, a 99 speed index. It was the sixth career win from 10 starts for the Rodney J. Verret owned daughter of Carters Cartel.

Second in the De Saix Stakes last season, the brown filly, bred in Louisana by Jerry West, is out of the First Down Jewel mare Jewels Fortune. The $63,113 derby winner's purse swelled her bankroll to $106,833.

Octavio Saenz, Jr. saddled Im Carvin Waves for owner Guerras Racing Stables. The multiple stakes-placed son of world champion Wave Carver was bred in Texas by Bobby D. Cox. Randy Edison had the riding call aboard the gray gelding out of Ima Task Also, by Special Task. He earned $21,458 for the effort to bring his career total to $70,577.

T Boy G picked up $12,622 for owner Ana Alvidrez. Martin Trejo conditions the Sir Runaway Dash gelding out of Got A Project, by Special Project. Also a multiple stakes-placed competitor, T Boy G ran his career mark to $97,711. David Alvarez was aboard the Gerald Patin Louisiana-bred.

Sir Prize, The Eagle Express, Firstdowndash, Jess Like Zoom, Here O Beduino, Mdt Backstreet Bully and Powerful Feature completed the field.