Louisiana: Better start needed

Dyna Penny should be closer to the pace in the $50,000 Chapel Belle Stakes at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, La., than she was in her last start, when she stumbled at the break in the $125,000 Walmac Lone Star Oaks. There's also a very good chance she will be closer at the finish.

Dyna Penny closed with a rush over yielding turf to finish second in the July 4 Oaks and was beaten three-quarters of a length by Southern California invader La Martina.

In the Chapel Belle, an about 1 1/16-mile turf race for 3-year-old fillies, Dyna Penny faces a competitive field, including Academic Angel, who was third in the Walmac; Distinctive Code, a two-time allowance winner; and Sheza Nasty Lady, who has won her last two outs for trainer Troy Young.

Dyna Penny's determination in the Walmac impressed Eddie Ruiz, who trains the filly for Howard Scarberry.

"I thought her race was awesome," said Ruiz. "She stumbled from the gate, and if she doesn't, she gets closer [to La Martina]."

Tim Doocy has a return call aboard Dyna Penny in the Chapel Belle.

Ron Ardoin will be aboard Academic Angel, who made a stretch bid in the Walmac after stalking the pace. She finished third, beaten 1 1/4 lengths by La Martina, and is trained by Steve Asmussen.

Another contender is the Larry Robideaux-trained Distinctive Code, a physcially imposing filly who tried turf for the first time last out and finished second against older rivals. Before that race, she won three straight. Glen Murphy has the mount for owner Billie Courtney.

Danny Butler campaigns Sheza Nasty Lady, who has won her last two races in wire-to-wire fashion. She hails from a hot barn, with her trainer, Young, having sent out six winners from 11 starters this meet at Louisiana Downs.