Due to Win wins Fleur de Lis Stakes

Bossier City, La. - Living up to her name, Due to Win wore down favorite Southern Surprise down the lane to capture the inaugural running of the Fleur de Lis Stakes Sunday afternoon at Louisiana Downs. Southern Surprise held on for the place spot with Blue Guru checking in third.

The victory was Due to Win's first since the 2002 season and the 11th of her career. Howard Scarberry, who owns the veteran campaigner in partnership with his wife Penny, trains the 9-year-old mare and was also her breeder.

Luis Quinonez settled the winner early and allowed Southern Surprise and longshot Expect Roses to duel through a moderate half mile in :47.62 and three quarters in 1:12.42 before moving a bit closer turning for home. The top two finishers hooked up soon after with Due to Win proving three quarters of a length the best in a time of 1:42.52 for the mile and seventy yards.