$500K Quarter Horse race

Heza Fast Classic is the speed and Bottle of Shine is the class in Saturday night's Grade 1, $517,964 Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association Futurity, the richest race ever run at Evangeline Downs. For statebreds, the LQHBA Futurity will be run at 400 yards.

Heza Fast Classic turned in the fastest qualifying time when he won his trial by finishing 400 yards in 20.08 seconds. The race was one of 16 trials featuring more than 150 horses at Evangeline on Nov. 4. Heza Fast Classic won off by three lengths and is looking for his third straight victory Saturday. Trainer Janie Hernandez has given the mount to Juan M. Molina Jr.

Bottle of Shine is the lone horse in the field who has placed in a stakes. He has finished second in two restricted Grade 1 futurities, one at Delta Downs in July and the other at Evangeline in October. Bottle of Shine won his trial race for the LQHBA Futurity on Nov. 4, when he led throughout and scored by a nose over Mr. Jesses Magic. A winner of 5 of 7 starts and a field-best $163,445, Bottle of Shine will break from post 4 under regular rider Juan Vazquez. He is trained by John Buchanan.

The LQHBA Futurity will close out the Quarter Horse meet at Evangeline.