No surprise, Southern Surprise takes Fleur de Lis Stakes

Bossier City, La. - Breaking alertly under leading rider John Jacinto, odds-on favorite Southern Surprise made every pole a winning one in capturing Sunday's Fleur de Lis Stakes at Harrah's Louisiana Downs.

Longshot Salzurita pressured the winner throughout but was unable to do much with that foe in the late going so she settled for second followed by Boomboomgirl.

Southern Surprise ($3.80) is trained by Morris Nicks for owner Carl Raabe and improved on her second place finish in this race a year ago. She stayed clear in the final stages to prevail by two lengths in a time of 1:42.57 over a fast track. The victory was her eleventh from 41 tries and she has now won over $296,000.