Crosscheck Carlos, Actif Storm score in Shine Young Memorial Futurity

Crosscheck Carlos made his first start against Louisiana-breds a memorable one Saturday night, when he fought off Street Honor for a head win in the $100,000 colts and geldings division of the D.S. “Shine” Young Memorial Futurity at Evangeline Downs.

The 5 1/2-furlong race run on sloppy, sealed track was one of two stakes on the card. Actif Storm won her maiden in the $100,000 fillies division of the D.S. “Shine” Young Memorial Futurity at 35-1.

Crosscheck Carlos ($4.20) entered the “Shine” Young off a maiden win at Santa Anita in Southern California. He proved to be the dominant speed in his home state of Louisiana, where he set the pace Saturday, fought late, and prevailed while covering the distance in 1:06.22

“He felt the other horse and he kept accelerating,” said Jamie Theriot, who was aboard Crosscheck Carlos.

Crosscheck Carlos, trained by Al Stall Jr., was a debut winner in a $50,000 maiden claiming race June 12 at Santa Anita. He was running on a wet track for the first time Saturday.

“I didn’t know how he would take to the off going, but he handled it just fine,” said Theriot.

Crosscheck Carlos is a son of Custom for Carlos and he races for the partnership of ERJ Racing, Slam Dunk Racing, and Neil Haymes. He was bred by Allen Guillotte Jr.

Actif Storm ($73.40) settled just off the pace set by Rach’slastscarf in the fillies division of the “Shine” Young, then forged past that stubborn foe in the late stages for a half-length win. Actif Storm covered the distance in 1:06.59.

“The filly’s got a big heart,” said winning rider Roberto Morales. “She showed me a lot of heart today.”

Morales was aboard for trainer Oscar Modica.

Actif Storm is a daughter of Interactif and she races for Virginia Lazenby. She was bred by 4M Ranch. Actif Storm came into the race off a third-place finish against open company maidens June 23 at Evangeline.