Ebben to get his chance in Lecomte

Expect Ebben to make his next start Jan. 13 in the Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds following his eye-catching win Nov. 25 at Churchill in a first-level allowance race.

Following less-than-ideal journeys in the Iroquois and the Street Sense at Churchill, Ebben broke through with a 4 1/2-length score in a one-turn mile, getting a career-best 75 Beyer Figure.

“I was glad he got the chance to run the other day after a couple tougher trips,” said trainer Steve Margolis.

Ebben, a son of Trappe Shot, cost owner Sam Aguiar just $25,000 at auction. Unruly early in his training, he was gelded before leaving the farm where he did his early training to join Margolis’s stable in Kentucky.

“He’s an improving horse,” Margolis said. “He finished the Churchill meet on a positive note, and we’ve to give him a chance. Time will tell if he’s a two-turn horse.”

Margolis has two other 2-year-olds pointed for Fair Grounds sprint stakes on Jan. 16: Bourne In Nixa will start in the Sugar Bowl that day, and My Girl Janelle in the Letellier.

◗ The nominal feature on Friday’s nine-race card is race 8, a one-mile turf race for Louisiana-breds open to first-level allowance horses or $12,500 claimers. First post is 1 p.m. Central.