Foxwood Plantation's Zarb's Dahar showed his affinity for Louisiana Downs when he posted his 10th consecutive victory at the track in Thursday's Thanksgiving Breeders' Cup Handicap as part of the Fair Grounds at Louisiana Downs meet.Zarb's Dahar set up in his usual stalking position, three lengths behind the early pace set by Inalako. Rodeo's Castle moved past Inalako to take the lead in the turn, but Zarb's Dahar made his move and went to the front just outside the eighth pole, then drawing off to win by 5 1/4 lengths. Zarb's Dahar completed the six furlongs in 1:10.07. The odds-on favorite, Zarb's Dahar paid $4, $2.40 and $2.10. Rodeo's Castle held on for second and paid $2.80 and $2.10. Premier Performer returned $2.10 to show. Trained by James E. Hodges, Zarb's Dahar has won 11 of 23 career starts and has earned $326,075 for Bill Boorhem's Foxwood Plantation."I'm just really thankful to have been able to train him," Hodges said. "That (the winning streak) is really fantastic." "I had a really good trip," said jockey Gerard Melancon, who won this race for the fifth time. "He was a little silly and ran into the gate, but other than that, he took care of business. He's such a pro now." Said Hodges: "The gate crew knows this horse. He gives them a little trouble in the gate and always has. I have to give them a lot of credit." Zarb's Dahar, who will race next Dec. 10 in the Louisiana Champions Day Sprint, raced Thursday with a quarter crack. "This is the first time we've ever run him with a bar shoe," Hodges said. "It's turned out good so far."
The win was the 11th in 23 career starts for Zarb's Dahar, who increased his career earnings to Foxwood Plantation. The 5-year-old gelding by Zarbyev was bred in Louisiana.The Niner Account and morning-line favorite Orphan Brigade were scratched Thursday morning, leaving a field of five. (Chart, Equibase)