Who Took the Money’s Big Kick Too Much in Scott’s Scoundrel
New Orleans, LA (November 19, 2022)—Proving yet again to have the most deft late-kick in Louisiana, Allied Racing Stable’s Who Took the Money won the $75,000 Scott’s Scoundrel for older state-bred routers on day two of Louisiana Champions Preview Weekend at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
In a field full of dangerous front runners, it was Big Chopper who made the lead over a track labeled sloppy. Pressed by Allied Racing’s Highland Creek through opening fractions of 23.66 and 46.77, Big Chopper capitulated the lead to Highland Creek as Brittlyn Stable’s Behemah Star came forward from third. As the .90-1 favorite, Who Took the Money rounded the second turn and began to unleash. Behemah Star grinded past Highland Creek for a temporary lead but he could not match strides with jockey Deshawn Parker and Who Took the Money late, as he bounded home to score by 2 1/4 lengths in 1:42.09 for 1 mile 70 yards. Behemah Star and Highland Creek dug in to hold second and third, respectively.
“That big kick, I tell you,” Deshawn Parker said. “You never think he is going to fire and then he takes off. I just do what he wants me to do. You can tap him down the backside, and he doesn’t give you nothing. As soon as you turn for home, you tap him, he just takes off.”
With this win, Who Took the Money has a 13-9-0-2 record and $392,677 to prove it. If this 4-year-old holds his form, Who Took the Money will be tough to handle on Louisiana Champions Day (Dec 10).
Brian’s Iron Mike Wins his First Stake in the Monte Man
Hat Racing has a serious 3-year-old who you might not have known before today. Brian’s Iron Mike, a son of Iron Fist, powered home down the rail to upset Bertie’s Galaxy in the 1st running of the 6-furlong Monte Man Stakes for older Louisiana-breds. It was his first stakes win, and his trainer Allen Landry reports he will look for his second in the Louisiana Champions Day Sprint on Dec 10.
Drawn on the rail to the inside of the .90-1 favorite Bertie’s Galaxy, Brian’s Iron Mike took a hard right out of the gate, bumping that rival and forcing him to revert to off the pace tactics. Scarlettsblackjack seized the opportunity and led the field around the sloppy track in 21.53 and 44.94 seconds through the first two calls. The front half of the field bunched up at the turn, and Brian’s Iron Mike waited for an opening to make his move. First passing Takes Two to Tango who raced in third from go to whoa, Brian’s Iron Mike slid down the rail past Scarlettsblackjack, who held on for second. Winning by 1 3/4 lengths and stopping the clock at 1:10.32, the roan gelding rewarded his $2 backers with $11.60.
“He broke good,” jockey Joe Stokes said. “There was a lot of speed in the race. Coming down the lane it got a little tight but when it opened up, I asked him and he went.”
“Coming off of that long race against Who Took the Money (at Delta Downs), we knew he would be fit,” Allen Landry said. “He shows up every time.”
With a 4-3-2 record 10 races into his career, Brian’s Iron Mike has the form to keep piling on to his $177,500 lifetime earnings.
Not On Herb is Piloted with Confidence to Win the Joseph R. Peluso
The local 2-year-old colts clashed at 5 1/2 furlongs in the 1st running of the $75,000 Joseph R. Peluso Memorial, and everyone who was not on Not On Herb tore up their tickets at the end as Ivery Sisters Racing and trainer Ron Faucheux’s newest star extended his perfect record.
Blackteca rocketed out far in front and kept the early lead, clocking early splits in at 22.06 and 45.76 seconds, but Not On Herb applied the pressure throughout before making his bid at the quarter pole before drawing clear to win by 1 ½ lengths. Calicoco darted to the rail and then back out before finally getting outside 1.90-1 favorite Late September and surging past that foe for second. Late September hung on for third. Not On Herb stopped the timer in 1:05.47 for 5 ½ sloppy panels.
“I love this horse,” trainer Ron Faucheux said. “I ran him short the first time and he showed he had the fitness to win. I told Jareth (Loveberry) to be confident in here and don’t let the 8 (Late September) get the jump on you. If you have to use him to do it, then use him. As long as we stay in front of the 8, you’ve got the race won.”
Faucheux reports he will enter the son of First Samurai in the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile Sprint on Dec 10 where he will aim to add to his 2-2-0-0 record and his $69,000 in earnings.
Racing resumes on Thanksgiving Thursday at Fair Grounds. With an early noon C.T. first post, the 98th running of the Thanksgiving Classic will be featured as the eighth race on the nine race card.
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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 15 off-track betting parlors throughout Southeast Louisiana. The 151st Thoroughbred Racing Season – highlighted by the 110th running of the Louisiana Derby – will run from Nov 18, 2022 through March 26, 2023. More information is available online at www.fairgroundsracecourse.com.
