Sunbean lived up to his billing as the star of the 10th annual Louisiana Legends Night May 24, romping to a five-length victory as the 1-20 favorite in the $100,000 Classic (VIDEO) at Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel.
With Richard Eramia aboard, Sunbean ($2.10) tracked pacesetter Coneyo Fontova for a half mile, then took over from the tiring leader midway on the final turn. Turned loose in the stretch, the 4-year-old son of Brahms drew off without being asked while completing the 1 1/16-mile distance in 1:44.21 on a fast track.
Third in the New Orleans Handicap (gr. II) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in his previous start March 29, Sunbean won for the fifth time in six races since taking the Gold Cup Stakes at Delta Downs Nov. 2.
"This horse is so good right now," said trainer Ron Faucheux. "We gave him a little break (after the New Orleans), and he has responded very well to us tightening the screws on him the past couple of weeks. If everything goes according to plan, we will back here at Evangeline for the Evangeline Mile (June 21)."
Heavy On Themister finished second, four lengths clear of Arkansas Martini, with Beauty's Pioneer and Coneyo Fontova following in the five-horse field.
Owned and bred by Evelyn Benoit's Brittlyn Stable, Sunbean earned $60,000 for the win, his ninth overall from 15 races. Out of the Malagra mare X Strawdnair, Sunbean has now earned $634,900.
In addition to the Classic, there were seven other stakes races for state-breds on the Louisiana Legends Night program, of which six offered a purse of $100,000.
Earlier on the card, 3-5 favorite Heitai ($3.20) scored a two-length win in the $100,000 Sprint with Diego Saenz aboard for owner/breeder Rowell Enterprises and trainer Karl Broberg.
James W. Green's homebred Skipberry Wine ($12.40), trained by Samuel Breaux and ridden by Gerard Melancon, won the $100,000 Turf by half a length over Hopeful Notion.
The $100,000 Cheval for 3-year-olds on turf was won by front-running Drewssasin ($21) with jockey Tracy Hebert aboard for owner Norman Stables and trainer Lonnie Briley.
Tensas Harbor ($8.40) and jockey Colby Hernandez took the $100,000 Distaff for trainer J. Keith Desormeaux and the Cantrell Family Partnership.
Saenz and Broberg also teamed to capture the $100,000 Mademoiselle with mild favorite Snappy Girl ($8.60), owned by Jerry Namy.
The $100,000 Soiree for 3-year-old fillies on turf was won by All Woman ($7.80) and jockey Billy Patin, trained by Velton Vidrine for Roy Investments.
Sunbean running in the Louisiana Legends Classic Stakes.
Coady Photography