Carson City Babe gets blinkers boost

In a place that calls itself "Home of the Biggest Fields," it is only appropriate that Friday night's featured seventh race at Evangeline Downs drew a strong field of 12 Louisiana-bred fillies and mares, each in search of a third win. The 5 1/2-furlong allowance race carries a $31,000 purse.

Carson City Babe won her first two races, both sprints over the main track at the recently concluded Fair Grounds meet, before suffering her first defeat in the $100,000 Red Camelia Stakes on the turf, and she should rule a strong favorite to resume her winning ways. Trainer Eddie Johnston is adding blinkers to the 4-year-old daughter of Carson City, which will likely enhance her nice turn of early foot. She prepared for Friday night's engagement with a bullet half-mile work at Evangline last week in 48.20 from the gate while not being asked for her best. Lonnie Meche, a regular here until the Louisiana Downs meeting gets under way May 4, will handle the riding chores.

There are several others in the field with stakes experience, including Sara Bon Adeau. Trained by Alvin Sider, Sara Bon Adeau finished third in the $75,000 Happy Ticket in early March at Fair Grounds and most recently finished a fast-closing second in a $63,000 allowance test there. Kerwin Clark will be in the saddle.