Evangeline Downs: Broadway King tops Franks

Broadway King, winner of the $130,000 colt and gelding division of the D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity on July 2, goes for the second leg of the Evangeline triple crown for 2-year-olds on Saturday night. He heads up the field in the colt and gelding division of the $60,000 John Franks Memorial Sales Stakes, where he will take on six foes at 5 1/2 furlongs.

The third leg of the Evangeline triple is the Lafayette Stakes at a mile on the grass, which has been moved from its traditional Labor Day running to the evening of Aug. 13, when it will be co-featured along with the $125,000 Evangeline Mile for older horses.

Broadway King brought $14,500 when he passed through the sales ring at the Franks sale held here in mid March. The son of K One King out of the Missionary Ridge mare Broadway Miss has earned several times that amount in three starts, with the lion’s share coming with his victory in the Shine. Trained by Anthony Agilar, he has a high turn of early foot and rates as the one to catch and beat Saturday night. Trey Agilar will handle the reins.

The only other winner in the Franks is Dehere’s the Gray, who graduated against maiden special weight company here July 9 in his first start for trainer Eric Gary. A $12,500 purchase by Dehere, Dehere’s the Gray changed tactics in his maiden score as he contested the early pace before holding on in the drive. John Jacinto returns to the saddle.