Asmussen dominates Evangeline futurity trials

The finals for next month's rich D.S. "Shine" Young Futurity were set last week, with the filly trials on Wednesday and the colts and geldings qualifier on Thursday. The two divisions of the $100,000-added futurity will anchor Louisiana Legends Night on July 4, an 11-race all-stakes card is exclusively for Louisiana-breds that is the meet's biggest evening.

Trainer Steve Asmussen dominated Wednesday's filly trials, although not all the news was good. In the night's first trial, the Asmussen entry of Lunar Fest and Zealunar, favored at 4-5 in the five-furlong dash, failed to finish in the top three and neither qualified. Deltalicious, a first-time starter trained by Chad Hassenpflug, won and was followed by Ryals Smile and Twelve Stepper.

Asmussen got back on track in the second of the four trials, sending Happyfromthegitgo to victory in the night's fastest time of 59.61 seconds. Ide Double Up finished second, followed by the pacesetter and heavy 3-5 favorite Social Princess, who held on to take the final qualifying spot of the heat.

Isn't She Gorgeous won the third trial of the night and is also trained by Asmussen. The other two parts of the entry were not so fortunate and failed to make the finals. Rebel Queen finished second, and then it was Scarlet Tribute.

Asmussen was at it again in the fourth and final trail as he saddled winner Midif. Longshot What an Honor reported home second with Renata finishing third.

In the colts and gelding action on Thursday, just two trials were held, with the top six finishers from each advancing to the finals.

Longshot Doctor de Here won the first qualifier, followed by odds-on Asmussen trainee Heavenville. Bolger's Creek finished third followed by the Valene Farms entry of Feelthelightening and Placid Stream. Ellie's Mission picked up the final qualifying spot.

In the other trial, the Asmussen barn was again the dominant force, sending out the winner Bout as well as third-place finisher Even Steven and fourth-place finisher Gentle Moment. All three were coupled in the betting and went off at 1-5. Prince of Fire finished second, with Idebeararocket fifth and Storm Day sixth.