Hallowed Dreams loses in Monique Rene

BOSSIER CITY, La. - Hallowed Dreams suffered the second defeat of her 25-race career Sunday at Louisiana Downs when she ran third, beaten 3 1/4 lengths by Midge Too, in the $50,000 Monique Rene Handicap. Her first defeat came a year ago this month when she ran third in the $35,000 Millennium Stakes at Evangeline Downs in Lafayette, La.

Hallowed Dreams, making her first start back from a two month layoff, stumbled at the start of the six-furlong Monique Rene, but quickly made the lead, running the opening four furlongs in 43.80 seconds. Midge Too rated in second under leading rider Kirk LeBlanc, then overtook Hallowed Dreams just past the eighth pole and went on to win the race by two lengths in a stakes-record time of 1:09.20. Prized Amberpro rallied for second, 1 1/4-lengths clear of Hallowed Dreams.

Sylvester Carmouche, who was aboard Hallowed Dreams, said warm temperatures might have effected the filly Sunday. "She wasn't sweating," said the rider.

Midge Too, trained by Jerry Cart, earned $30,000 for the win, which improved her record to 13 wins from 41 starts and earnings to $392,733. She returned $12.20.

Hallowed Dreams, the 1-5 favorite, created a $533.41 minus show pool Sunday.

Trainer Lloyd Romero, who owns Hallowed Dreams in partnership with Johnny Gaspard, said the filly will likely be given another two month break from racing to prepare for a fall campaign at Fair Grounds in New Orleans. "We wanted to run here today [because] we didn't want to keep her off too long [before Fair Grounds]," said Romero.

* Correspondent Jeff Taylor contributed to this report.