Louisiana-bred Synthetic Steamrolls Open Rivals With Fastest Local Six Furlongs Since 2023
NEW ORLEANS (Feb. 1, 2026) — Keith Plaisance’s 4-year-old filly Synthetic continued her perfect record Saturday with a dazzling performance in the featured dirt sprint at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, drawing off to defeat seven Kentucky-bred rivals by 9 ½ lengths in 1:08.65 for six furlongs on a fast main track.
The Louisiana-bred Midshipman filly, trained by Joseph “Bobby” Felks, did not break the track record, but her time was the fastest recorded locally at the distance since millionaire Miles Ahead stopped the clock in 1:08.49 in the 2023 Thanksgiving Classic.
Synthetic is now a perfect four-for-four. Jockey Emanuel Nieves has been aboard for each victory.
“I’ve been extremely high on her ever since before she ran, and I really wasn’t expecting what she did yesterday,” Felks said. “I knew she had ability, but I wasn’t expecting that.”
While no official plans have been finalized, a possible next start could come in the $100,000 Ova Charged Stakes, a 5½-furlong turf sprint for Louisiana-breds on closing day. Despite the breakout performance, Felks said he has yet to speak with owner Plaisance since the race.
Felks said the filly’s speed was apparent from the beginning.
“Before I ever started her, she showed me she was quick,” he said. “I knew I had a runner — I just didn’t know how good. After yesterday, I’m starting to think she might be special.”
In her previous start, Synthetic faced state-bred males after a scheduled filly race failed to fill.
“The filly race didn’t go, so I put her against the boys,” Felks said. “I didn’t think it was a very stellar bunch. She went pretty easy that day, drew away, never really got urged. Yesterday was a better race, and I never dreamed she’d run like that.”
Though she has been on or near the lead at every call, Felks emphasized that the filly is not dependent on the front.
“Yeah, she can relax,” he said. “She’s push-button.”
Distance, however, will be handled with patience.
“Eventually we’ll try her around two turns,” Felks said. “But I wasn’t ready for a mile yet.”
Synthetic’s temperament has also impressed her connections.
“She’s very laid back. Very smart,” Felks said. “That’s the first thing Emanuel (nieves) says about her — how smart she is. She usually walks like a lady in the paddock, but yesterday she was sharp, kicking and on her toes. She’s still sharp today and doing great.”
Physically, Felks believes the filly has matured at the right time.
“After she broke her maiden, I gave her a break and she really filled out,” he said. “Bigger hind end, looks great. She’s four now, so she’s probably where she’s going to be.”
For Felks, who operates a small stable, opportunities like this are rare.
“For a guy with a small operation, you don’t get horses like this very often,” he said. “I had a little run last year, and now it feels like it’s starting again this year.”
Previously an assistant to the late, highly respected Eddie Johnston, Felks has trained on his own since 2021. The Chicago native owns a career record of 158-43-20-18, winning at a 27 percent clip.
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About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, one of the nation’s oldest racetracks, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, La, Fair Grounds, which is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN), also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 13 off-track betting parlors throughout Southeast Louisiana. The 154th Thoroughbred Racing Season–highlighted by the 113th running of the Louisiana Derby–will run from Nov. 20, 2025 through March 22, 2026. More information is available online at www.fgno.com.
