Evangeline track report

While it is not surprising that the jockey standings are tight nearing the halfway point of the meeting, the rider who is giving defending champ C. J. Woodley a run for this year's title is. B. J. Hernandez, whose son B. J. Jr. has garnered more attention in the last couple of seasons in both Louisiana and Kentucky, is quietly having a solid meeting. He has 33 wins and trails Woodley by only 3 heading into this week's action. Steve Bourque is third with 23 wins, followed by Jason Eads, who is also enjoying a good meeting.

In the trainer standings, Keith Bourgeois continues his dominance, which began before racing operations were suspended earlier in the summer to overhaul the racing surface. He leads Dale Angelle, 27-19, with fellow south Louisiana outfits Sam Breaux, Doris Hebert, and Charles Begnaud completing the top five.

* A name from previous battles for leading rider resurfaced in Monday evening's program, when Ricky Faul came in to ride a few head. A Louisiana native, Faul recently completed a steady Lone Star Park season, which concluded last weekend. He elected to ride at Lone Star Park following the conclusion of the Fair Grounds spring meeting instead of staying close to home.

Faul made the return worthwhile, capturing the night's featured ninth race with Blue Lace ($13.80).

* This year's Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders' summer mixed sale will be conducted at nearby Blackham Coliseum on Sunday, Aug. 7, beginning at 10 a.m. A total of 185 horses of all ages have been consigned, including broodmare prospects.