Graziella upsets Tellike Stakes

Graziella successfully changed tactics Saturday night as she rallied from off the pace to win a three-horse photo finish in the $75,000 Tellike Stakes at Evangeline Downs. Space Cruise lodged a rally of her own to miss by a head and in turn was followed closely by Baby R in third. Risen Star reported home in fourth followed by pacesetter Rachelsarompin, 9-10 favorite Indigo Girl and Catalina Queen.

Trained by Keith Bourgeois for Stonebriar Stable, Graziella ($47.60) has consistently shown a tendency to race with the pace but Saturday night rated kindly in the early going under Kirk LeBlanc. The 6-year-old Honour and Glory mare displayed good late mettle and outfinished the other two members of the first flight at the wire in a time of 1:11.60 for the six furlongs over a fast track. The win was her fourth in 20 starts and her biggest payday to date increased her career bankroll to over $125,000.