Lee's Spirit returns for optional claimer

Lee’s Spirit, an eight-time stakes winner, will make his first start in about two months in the fourth race Sunday at Louisiana Downs. The allowance at one mile and 70-yards has an optional-claiming price of $25,000. A field of seven will start, including fellow stakes winner Mallard’s Bro.

Key contenders

Lee’s Spirit (Last 3 Beyers: 84-76-69)

* He won the 14th race of his career in his last start, when he cruised by 3 1/2 lengths in a turf allowance route May 23 at Louisiana Downs.

* Louisiana Downs leading rider Richard Eramia has the mount for trainer Edward Johnston.

Mallard’s Bro (Last 3 Beyers: 58-74-74)

* He is moving back to the main track, where he won a stakes in April.

* He can be closer to the pace than he was last out, when he did not get the break while shipping to race at Evangeline Downs.

Lion Hall (Last 3 Beyers: 77-75-77)

* He is making a rare start at two turns and gets pedigree support for the distance from his dam’s sire, Arch.

* He is a candidate to take the field a long way on the lead.