Evangeline Downs track report

CARENCRO, La. - Trials for the $100,000 D.S. "Shine" Young Futurity were run Saturday night - and as impressive as the three winners were, the final should prove to be quite a shootout. The top four finishers in each of the qualifying trials will line up on July 3.

Mr. Excellent ($2.60) started things off in the first trial with a front-running, 2 3/4-length win in a time of 1:00.25 for the five furlongs. The son of Excavate remained unbeaten, having won his debut in maiden special weight company on June 3.

In the second trial, first-time starter Smilin Fine ($5.60) rallied strongly from off the pace and drew clear by 3 3/4 lengths. The Finest Hour colt stopped the timer in 1:00.09.

The fastest time of the evening was run by Malanato ($3.20). Under strong handling by Marlon St. Julien, the son of Malagra kicked clear by 6 1/4 lengths in 59.72 seconds.