Forevamo battles back to win Jean Lafitte

Forevamo battled back when challenged in the stretch to win his maiden Saturday night in the $200,000 Jean Lafitte at Delta Downs. He proved three-quarters of a length best over Harlan Punch and in the process earned first preference for next month’s Grade 3, $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot.

The Jean Lafitte, for 2-year-olds at a mile, was run on a sloppy track. The upcoming Jackpot, which is the richest race of the year at Delta, will be run Nov. 21.

Forevamo ($3.40) settled into a stalking position in the Jean Lafitte following an eventful start after Icy Gentleman, who broke from the rail, threw jockey Hector Del-Cid. Icy Gentleman weaved his way toward the outside rail as Del-Cid got up right after the incident.

The ruffled field sorted out position into the first turn with Tuff Red Stick and Tiz Cherry Wine moving to the lead quickly and dueling through fractions of 23.11 seconds for the opening quarter and 48.10 for the half-mile. Forevamo began to pick up steam into the final turn, advanced three wide, and came back in the stretch when headed by Harlan Punch. The winner covered the distance in 1:42.36.

Colby Hernandez rode Forevamo for trainer Al Stall Jr.

Forevamo had made two career starts heading into the Jean Lafitte, running fourth in a maiden special weight at Saratoga and second in a maiden special weight at Churchill Downs. He was making his two-turn debut Saturday for the Brittlyn Stables operation of Evelyn and Maurice Benoit, and for his first career victory, he earned $120,000.

Forevamo is by Uncle Mo, and his name is New Orleans slang for Forever Mo. Stall said the horse was named for Maurice Benoit, who goes by the nickname Mo.

Earlier on the card, Chocopologie ($3.60) won an optional $20,000 claiming race in his first start since finishing second in the Grade 2, $400,000 Super Derby in September at Louisiana Downs.