Illuminique tests streak

Illuminique will attempt to win her fifth straight race Saturday at Louisiana Downs, and the chief threat to her appears to be Velvet Angel, who had a win streak snapped in her most recent start. The horses meet at six furlongs in a $16,000 optional claiming race.

Illuminique has been claimed in 4 of her 5 starts this meet, and on Saturday is back with her original connections, Jan Haynes and trainer Jorge Lara. She was claimed from them for $10,000 in June. They took her back for $12,500 in July, lost her again, and claimed her back for $12,500 in her last start on Aug. 22.

"She just does everything she has to, every time she runs," Lara said. "She's a very honest filly."

Illuminique began her streak with a win over seven furlongs on June 14. She also won at that distance in her most recent start, and the Beyer Speed Figure of 84 that she earned is the best last-race number in the field Saturday.

Illuminique drew well in post 8 and she will be ridden by Lonnie Meche. She could get a tracking trip off of the quick Velvet Angel, who worked three furlongs in a bullet 34.20 seconds on Sept. 28.

Velvet Angel won four straight races between May and July before finishing fourth last out in a $35,000 optional claiming race at Remington Park. There have been two next-out winners from that Aug. 29 race, both taking $35,000 optional claimers.