Evangeline Downs: Suitefriendsofmine wins stretch duel in fillies division of John Franks Memorial Sales Stakes

OPELOUSAS, La. – Suitefriendsofmine stalked pacesetter I Dare U Em before wearing that rival down after a long stretch drive to win the $60,000 filly division of the John Franks Memorial Sales Stakes on Saturday’s night’s season-ending program.

I Dare U Em gave ground grudgingly in the late going to finish only a half-length back and 7 1/2 lengths in front of third-place finisher Linnie Laurine. The final time for the 5 1/2 furlongs was 1:05.58 over a fast track.

Trained by Jerry Delhomme for Set Hut Stable, Suitefriendsofmine ($6), who was ridden by Diego Saenz, won for the second time in four starts and banked $36,000. The 2-year-old daughter of Richter Scale has now earned more than $77,000.

In the colt and gelding division of the Franks, which also was worth $60,000, Proust ($25.20) lodged a bid on the turn and slowly increased his advantage in the stretch to prevail by a length over Fishin Frank in a time of 1:05.34. Go Lil Tiger finished another 1 3/4 lengths back in third.

Proust was ridden by Trey Agilar and is trained by Anthony Agilar. The E Dubai gelding has now won three of four starts and earned just less than $50,000.

Dashin Gage ($26.40) captured the $264,480 Louisiana Quarter Horse Association Sales Futurity a week after the race was postponed and moved from Fair Grounds due to Hurricane Isaac. Steve Gillum booted the winner home for trainer Kenny Roberts. Dashin Gage won for the third time in four starts and has earned more than $130,000.