Evangeline: Much to like about Sotogenic in Camellia for Alabama-breds

OPELOUSAS, La. – Alabama-breds will have the spotlight on Saturday night at Evangeline Downs as 3-year-olds that hail from the land of the Crimson Tide will line up for the inaugural running of the Camellia Stakes. A field of six will go six furlongs in quest of the $50,000 purse.

Sotogenic should rule a prohibitive favorite in the Camellia off the strength of her victory in the Kudzu Stakes for Alabama-bred 2-year-olds at Fair Grounds last December. In her only other career start, Sotogenic finished fourth in an entry-level optional claimer at that same New Orleans oval a month later. That race has proved to be a key one with the winner, Wicked Deed, winning the $100,000 Tiffany Lass Stakes in her next start. The third-place finisher, Lovenotlost, has won her next three starts, including the Sarah Lane Oates Stakes and the Crescent City Oaks.

Trained by Mark Guidry, Sotogenic should find the company considerably softer on Saturday. She will once again be ridden by Kerwin Clark.

B. G.’s Admiral, second by 1 3/4 lengths to Sotogenic in the Kudzu as the 1-5 favorite, rates as the one most likely to pull off an upset in the Camellia. One of three in the race trained by Clyde McKean Jr. along with Royal Rullah and Black Sarah, B. G.’s Admiral will be ridden by Kevin Smith. The trio will run as separate betting interests due to different ownership.