Evangeline: Patty's Pride relishes surface switch to win Matron Stakes

OPELOUSAS, La. - Charging hard from off the pace under Gerard Melancon, Patty’s Pride wore down favored Bella Medaglia in the final furlong to capture Saturday night’s $50,000 Matron Stakes at Evangeline Downs.

Originally slated for the turf, the Matron was moved to the main track due to rain. Mi Vida reported home third in the one-mile test for fillies and mares while pacesetter Love Dare faded to finish fourth. Vera Belle, How Pleasant and Guanabara were all scratched.

Melancon was content to keep Patty's Pride well back off fractions of 23.23 and 47.28 before they began to move on the second turn. By the time Love Dare had covered six furlongs in 1:11.71 and was beginning to show signs of fatigue, Melancon had Patty’s Pride in full stride out of the final turn and they kicked strongly clear late, stopping the timer in 1:37.31 over a strip rated as good. Patty's Pride paid $18.80.

Trained by Karl Broberg, Patty’s Pride won for the fifth time in 28 starts and for the first time in 11 tries over the main track. The 4-year-old daughter of Special Rate has now earned over $185,000.