Jockey Cotto has double stakes day as Strong Eagle wins Evangeline Mile

Jockey Pedro Cotto Jr. won stakes races at two tracks on Saturday, closing out his run by guiding Strong Eagle to victory in the $50,000 Evangeline Downs Mile. Earlier in the day, Cotto was aboard Free Like a Girl for her win in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Louisiana Downs.

The Evangeline Mile was for 3-year-olds and up. It was restricted to non-winners of an open stakes or horses who have started at the current meet at Evangeline.

Strong Eagle turned the tables on Rightandjust on Saturday, winning by a neck over Rightandjust after being edged by a head by Rightandjust in last month’s John Henry at Evangeline.

Strong Eagle ($18.20) on Saturday tracked the pace from the rail as 2-5 favorite Rightandjust set fractions of 24.47 seconds for the opening quarter, 48.13 for the half-mile and 1:12.59 for six furlongs. Strong Eagle came off the rail on the final turn, advanced three wide, and took after Rightandjust, who hit the rail in the late stages. Strong Eagle covered the distance on a muddy, sealed track in 1:38.16. Vodka Gimlet finished third, 3 1/4 lengths behind Rightandjust.

Cotto was aboard Strong Eagle for trainer Alison Escobar.

Strong Eagle is a son of Lord Nelson who races for Tres Potrillos Ranch. He was winning his first stakes in the Evangeline Mile. Strong Eagle has won 2 of 11 starts for earnings of $64,850.

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