Fair Grounds: Souris from way back

Souris turned in her customary rally from far back at Fair Grounds to win the $60,000 Pan Zareta Handicap going away. It was her third consecutive stakes win.

When the gates opened, jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. allowed Souris, the odds-on favorite, to break far behind the field, as James Graham sent Silver Crown to the lead through a quarter-mile in 22.22 seconds with Crow Jane in hot pursuit and Stirrin Up a Storm right there. Forest Music, the speedy filly making her return from a layoff, showed none of her customary zip, breaking awkwardly and bearing out on the backstretch.

Graham kept Silver Crown well off the rail and kept looking over his shoulder for Forest Music as he slowed down to 45.90 for the half-mile. Forest Music finally got going and came up the rail to engage the leader on the far turn, but did not go by. As Forest Music bore out turning for home, Hernandez, who had brought Souris in touch with the leaders on the turn, slipped through along the inside of Silver Crown.

Silver Crown fought back once collared, but Souris stiffened and won by 1 3/4 lengths. Trained by Steve Asmussen, she paid $3.40 and was timed in 1:10.26 for the six furlongs.

Forest Music ended up last and was pulled up just past the wire.