Breaux tries stretch-out tactic

Timing is everything for Highhopesemilyluck on Sunday when she makes her first start around two turns in the $60,000 Louisiana Breeders' Oaks at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, La.

She will have to wait longer than usual to unleash her powerful closing kick in the 1 1/16-mile race, which is one of four stakes on the card restricted to fillies and mares bred in Louisiana. Purses for the races, part of a two-day Louisiana Breeders' Festival, total $190,000.

Highhopesemilyluck has made her mark as a come-from-behind sprinter, winning four of six starts this year, including the $30,000 Tellike Handicap against older rivals at her Evangeline Downs base June 1, and the $40,000 Fantasia over fellow statebreds July 7 at Louisiana Downs.

By moving Highhopesemilyluck to the slower-paced race of two turns, trainer Sam Breaux hopes the filly will be willing to wait to make her move.

"I'm hoping she relaxes," said Breaux.

"She usually falls away from there and takes herself back, and I'm hoping she'll slow down and run her same normal race."

Breaux has worked Highhopesemilyluck around two turns in preparation for the Oaks, and said she should get some pedigree support for the distance change because her dam was a regular around two turns. Ricky Faul has the mount Sunday.

Wild Squaw shakes Bien Nicole

Wild Squaw, who was third to Bien Nicole last out in the $150,000 River Cities Breeders' Cup over the Louisiana Downs turf, gets away from that one with the move back to the statebred ranks for the $60,000 Walmac Farm Match-maker.

The 1 1/16-mile turf race for fillies and mares drew eight others, including Mrs. Mac, who won the race last year for trainer Corale Richards.

Wild Squaw has not raced since the River Cities, but Bien Nicole has gone on to beat male rivals in the $150,000 DeBartolo Breeders' Cup Turf, a fact that bodes well for Wild Squaw, who was beaten only a neck in the River Cities.

Gerard Melancon has the call on Wild Squaw for trainer Cole Norman.

Itsmybag back with own kind

Itsmybag, who in her last start finished fourth against open rivals in the $40,000 Rebel at Louisiana Downs, takes on Kool K.J., and the Norman-trained Toolight Bracelet in the $35,000 Laurel Lane.

The six-furlong race is for 2-year-old fillies.

Itsmybag dominated open-company allowance rivals two starts back, and before that won her maiden against statebreds with speed to spare. Kirk LeBlanc has the mount for owner Thoroughbred Acadiana and trainer Keith Desormeaux.

C.J. Woodley will ride Kool K.J., who in her last start beat some of these when she won a six-furlong allowance Sept. 28. Bret Thomas trains the filly for Jim and Marty Evans.

* The $35,000 Victoria for fillies and mares at six furlongs brings together a competitive group that includes regional stakes winners Prized Amberpro, Taylor's Queen, and Mike's Sister.