Louisiana: Poire-shaped victory

Changing surfaces with ease, Chausson Poire rallied strongly from off the pace to capture Sunday's Lyrique Handicap. Autobesarah finished second, followed by Lady Virginia in the $50,000 headliner for 3-year-old fillies that was moved to a sloppy main track from the soggy Sawyer Turf Course.

Chausson Poire ($9.40), last seen in winning the Chapel Belle Stakes here on the turf Aug. 12, was unhurried while saving ground early under Shane Romero. Romero angled the winner out slightly turning for home to split foes and quickly drove clear, covering the 1 1/16 miles in 1:47.44. Autobesarah also rallied from well back, while favored Lady Virginia failed to follow through with a three-wide bid exiting the final turn.

Trained by Duane Knipe and owned by Pia Kirkham, Chausson Poire has now won 6 of 10 starts and is 2 for 2 on the dirt. She picked up $30,000 for her winning connections and has now earned just over $87,000.