Franks Memorial Sales Stakes at Evangeline

Graduates of the John Franks Memorial 2-year-olds in training sale this past March will be showcased this weekend at Evangeline Downs, with the filly division slated for Friday night and the colt and gelding race scheduled for Saturday evening. Both stakes will be worth $100,000.

Send Rose Thecheck heads the filly division as she returns to her home track after an unplaced finish in the Grade 3 Debutante Stakes at Churchill Downs last month. The daughter of Buddha won her maiden here in late May after an unsuccessful debut at Keeneland. She is trained by Anthony Agliar and will be ridden by Trey Agilar.

Rebel Queen has never finished worse than second in her four races, including a runner-up effort in the rich D.S. "Shine" Young Futurity on July 4. The Wiley Shirey charge has a solid turn of early foot, which she will likely have to utilize from post 12. John Jacinto has the return call.

Although still a maiden, Pure Golden Honey should once again draw her share of support. The Quest filly brought $14,000 at the March sale and was bet down to 3-2 in her debut at Louisiana Downs earlier this month. She was slow to get into the race that day, however, and was forced to settle for third place. Trainer Mike Burress has once again given the call to Francisco Torres, who will make the journey south from his Louisiana Downs base.

Pawpaw'slilsydney will make the move back to the main track after winning her maiden on the turf. Trainer Terry Vance added blinkers last time after Pawpaw'slilsydney turned in an even fifth-place performance in her debut over the main track. Hector Santiago will once again be in the saddle.