The longshot Forest Lake scores in Starlet Stakes

OPELOUSAS, La. – The longshot Forest Lake battled for the early before drawing clear through the final furlong to win Saturday night’s $100,000 Starlet Stakes at Evangeline Downs. Golden Barbara finished two lengths back in second, and it was another two lengths farther back to Lady Emily Sage. The even-money favorite Joy of the Saints faded to seventh after contesting the issue early and suffered her first career defeat in four starts.

Owned by former NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme’s Set Hut Stable, Forest Lake ($66) is trained by Delhomme’s father, Jerry. The homebred daughter of Forestry was ridden by Hector Santiago and won for the second time in five career starts after breaking her maiden in her previous start. She has now earned just under $70,000. She covered the six furlongs in 1:12.54 over a sloppy strip.

In the closing night’s other featured event, the $100,000 Star Stakes, it was Waha Wild ($17.80) who rallied from well off the pace to be up in time by three quarters of a length over the 6-5 favorite and pacesetter Gotta Get Paid. Temple of Glass was a neck back in third followed closely by Four Leaf Chief.

Owned and bred in Oklahoma by country music star Toby Keith’s Dream Walkin Farms, Waha Wild won for the first time in two starts after narrowly missing in maiden special-weight company in his debut. The son of Offlee Wild is trained by Harlan Boutte and was ridden by Coby Bourque. The final time was 1:12.79.