Flawless Gold targets Tellike repeat

Flawless Gold, winner of her last two races, including the $100,000 Premier Matron Stakes at Delta Downs, returns to Evangeline Downs on Saturday night to defend her title in the $50,000 Tellike Stakes. The headliner drew a field of 12 fillies and mares slated to go five furlongs on the turf.

Trained by Maynard Chatters, Flawless Gold seemingly came from nowhere to capture the 2009 edition of the Tellike at a price of almost 25-1. The Gold Tribute mare had started only one time during the previous 12 months but made the most of her grass debut. She has been much higher in profile this year at 6, utilizing her quickness from start to finish in both of her recent victories. Nathaniel Puello will once again ride.

Seeking Ms Shelly, never worse than third in nine career starts, including a win sprinting over the Louisiana Downs turf last summer, puts her consistent record on the line for trainer Joe Duhon. Third in the 5 1/2-furlong Bienville over the Fair Grounds grass course in her most recent start, Seeking Ms Shelly will have the services of Gerard Melancon in the saddle.

Others in the field include the well-traveled Southern Yankee, who will be visiting her fifth different oval this year, including stops at Tampa Bay Downs and Oaklawn Park; Ocean Colors, a winner on the turf this winter for trainer Steve Asmussen; and Elle a Gent, who has won two of her last three on the grass.