Mr. Al's Gal looks much faster than Azalea rivals

Mr. Al’s Gal might be tough to contain if she runs back to her most recent Beyer Speed Figure in Friday night’s $100,000 Azalea at Delta Downs. She popped an 86 Beyer for her win in the $100,000 fillies’ division of the Louisiana Futurity at Fair Grounds, and that number is 21 to 40 points higher than the best Beyers put up by her six rivals.

The Azalea, which has been postponed twice this month due to the equine herpesvirus positives at Fair Grounds, is set in stone for Friday. Delta had its stables on lockdown for two weeks, refusing all incoming horses in a self-imposed move, but opened its gates back up Monday.

The Azalea is for 3-year-old fillies bred in Louisiana. It will be run at seven furlongs, which is a two-turn configuration at Delta. The race shares a card with the $70,000 El Dorado, a one-mile race for statebred fillies and mares in which Believeinsomething seeks her third straight win at the meet for owner-trainer Brian Schweda.

Azalea, Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Mr. Al’s Gal, by Salute the Sarge

Last 3 Beyers: 86-50-57

◗ She was a powerful winner of the Louisiana Futurity in her 2-year-old finale Dec. 31. Mr. Al’s Gal broke on top and increased her advantage at every call for a 12 3/4-length win, covering six furlongs on a track rated “good” in 1:10.60.

◗ Mr. Al’s Gal gets some pedigree support for the two turns. Salute the Sarge, her sire, was Grade 1-placed at two turns, while her dam has thrown a dirt-route winner in Sandana Heat.

◗ Richard Eramia is in to ride Mr. Al’s Gal for trainer Justin Jeansonne.

Ivana’s Wish, by Custom for Carlos

Last 3 Beyers: 63-22-38

◗ She could be the primary pace threat to the rail-drawn Mr. Al’s Gal. Ivana’s Wish, who starts from post 6, set the pace and prevailed last out in the $100,000 Champions Day Lassie on Dec. 10 at Fair Grounds.

◗ Kerwin Clark has the mount for trainer Allen Landry.

Sashimi Blaster, by Quality Road

Last 3 Beyers: 54-45-27

◗ She became a stakes winner Nov. 19, closing from last to capture the $150,000 Louisiana Jewel on the undercard of the Delta Downs Jackpot. The win came at a mile, and she is one of only two runners in the Azalea field proven at two turns. The other is My Gal Layla.

◗ Sashimi Blaster is a half-sister to Four Leaf Chief, a multiple stakes winner and earner of $289,200.