Hidden Connection had lost seven straight races since capturing a second-level allowance race a little more than a year ago at Fair Grounds, but a return to New Orleans helped Hidden Connection find better form as she rolled to a four-length victory in the $100,000 Joseph E. “Spanky” Broussard Memorial Stakes on Friday. Perched three wide in the clear stalking the modest pace of no-hope longshot Bow Draw, Hidden Connection and jockey Reylu Gutierrez took the lead before the quarter pole and sailed home unchallenged. Corningstone, who raced along the rail just behind the pacesetter, was a clear second, 2 1/2 lengths in front of Unbridled Mary. The Alys Look, the 3-2 favorite, never looked comfortable and had no run through the homestretch, checking in last of seven. Lexa was an early scratch. The second choice, Hidden Connection paid $6.40 to win and ran a mile 70 yards over a fast track in 1:43.01. Bret Calhoun trains Hidden Connection for Hidden Brook Farm and Black Type Thoroughbreds. The 4-year-old filly is by Connect out of C J’s Gal by Awesome Again. Hidden Connection not only ended a losing streak but rebounded from a poor showing last month in the Chilukki Stakes at Churchiull Downs, where she was beaten more than 15 lengths. The Chilukki was a one-turn mile, and Hidden Connection appears at this stage of her career to require two-turn racing. A second turn, and a return to Fair Grounds, brought the filly back to life. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.