Ide Like a Double draws off in Costa Rising

NEW ORLEANS - Ide Like a Double used a stalking trip to get back to the winner's circle Saturday in the $60,000 Costa Rising Stakes at Fair Grounds.

With Hallway scratched and Star Guitar entered for next week's New Orleans Handicap, Ide Like a Double was able to reign as the best Louisiana-bred at the 1 1/16-mile distance.

While entrymate Autobeacat set the pace, jockey Patrick Valenzuela kept Ide Like a Double a length back before asking him to move forward on the turn.

Ide Like a Double dueled with Snug into midstretch, then drew off for a 1 1/2-length victory. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back to Kissimmee Kyle, who closed from well back to finish third.

"I felt very confident coming into the race, and everything just clicked today," Valenzuela said. "I knew there would be some speed ahead, and then I asked him at the five-sixteenths pole and he came home nicely."

Ide Like a Double went the 1 1/16 miles over the main track in 1:44.76 and paid $4 to win.

The victory was his eighth in 25 starts and took his bankroll past $500,000 for owner Valene Farms and trainer Bryon Gilbert.