Cajun Conquest all set second start off layoff

BOSSIER CITY, La. - Cajun Conquest, fourth in the Barksdale Handicap last month, returns to action in Sunday's $25,000 allowance-optional feature on the turf at Louisiana Downs.

Trained by Pat Mouton, Cajun Conquest has bounced back and forth between surfaces but appears ready to run his race Sunday in his second start after a freshening.

Roll On Roll On, who just missed in a similar spot here on June 1, should again play a big role from a pace standpoint. He is trained by defending champ trainer Jorge Lara.

Recent allowance winners T. C. Champ and Unbridled Sky also merit consideration.

T. C. Champ won for the fourth time in 15 starts with a gate-to-wire score here in his turf debut June 8. His connections are trainer Jerry Cart and jockey Don Simington, leaders in their respective standings.

Unbridled Sky, who relaxed under John Jacinto then rallied in the stretch in an entry-level allowance on the turf here on May 31, will again try to capitalize on race loaded with early speed. Unbridled Sky will be making his fourth start and going after his third win on turf.

Clint Thrasher memorialized

A memorial service was held Friday at Hillcrest Funeral Home for trainer Clint Thrasher, who collapsed and died of a heart attack on the Louisiana Downs backside Tuesday morning.

Thrasher, 53, was training for owners Chad and Pat White.

"I talked to him on the phone Monday night," said Louisiana Downs steward Dale Coleman, for whom Thrasher worked as an assistant for 10 years in the 1980s. They stayed friends ever since.

"He told me he was happier than he had been in 15 or 20 years," Coleman said. "He had one of those special personalities that just seemed to get along with everyone."