Above Fashion ends long layoff in allowance

The stakes winner Above Fashion will be returning to the overnight ranks for the first time since September in Friday night’s fourth race at Evangeline Downs. She is part of a field of six fillies and mares set for an allowance over 5 1/2 furlongs.

Above Fashion was second in the $50,000 Cajun Miss Stakes in her last start April 8 at Evangeline. Blip ‘n Th Bye won the race, one start before finishing second in the Grade 2 Eight Belles at Churchill Downs.

“She ran a really good race but ran into a really tough filly shipping in for that race,” trainer Ron Faucheux said. “Really, no complaints off that performance.”

Above Fashion has since been shopping for a suitable spot, said Faucheux.

“That’s the only reason she hasn’t run back,” he said. “I expect her to run a really good race. My concern would be 5 1/2 [furlongs] might be a touch short for her.”

C.J. Hernandez has the mount for Brittlyn Stable. Earlier this year, Hernandez teamed with Above Fashion to win the Letellier Memorial at Fair Grounds.

Faucheux also will be active in the eighth race, an optional $30,000 claimer at 1 1/16 miles on turf, with Beauty’s Pioneer and Tough Customer. Beauty’s Pioneer was fourth last out in the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Turf on July 2 at Evangeline. He will break from the rail under Kerwin Clark.

“He’s a horse, distance-wise, that there’s really not a far enough race in Louisiana for him,” Faucheux said. “He’s a horse who likes the added distance – is always one of those horses galloping out really strong. He’s kind of a closer/stalker. He’s really not too close to the pace.”

Tough Customer wired the field last out at the same level at Evangeline.

“There wasn’t much speed in the race last time,” Faucheux said. “Usually, he’s more of a stalker, but I think he’s very versatile. I think however the race sets up should be fine by him. He’s really coming into himself.”