Not Too Proud shortens up at Evangeline

OPELOUSAS, La. - Friday night's featured eighth race at Evangeline Downs drew a competitive field of 10 starter allowance runners slated to go five furlongs on the turf.

Not Too Proud, fourth-place finisher in the $50,000 Louisiana Showcase Starter Stakes in his turf debut earlier this month, rates as the one to beat. He has come to hand for trainer Kenward Bernis and finished a second while almost 60-1 in a second-level optional claimer in mid-June. The cut back from 7 1/2 furlongs and two turns in the Showcase Starter to Friday's sprint distance should suit him well. David Bourque will ride.

The ever-powerful Keith Bourgeois stable will be represented by Bonus Plus. A 6-year-old Gold Tribute gelding, Bonus Plus will be making his first start on the grass. He comes off a near miss in a statebred first-level allowance test July 9. Prior to that effort, Bonus Plus reported home second in a starter allowance that was originally scheduled for the turf but was moved to the main track due to rain. Regular rider John Jacinto will again ride.

* The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders 2010 summer mixed sale is slated for Aug. 8 at Blackham Coliseum in Lafayette, La. The sale begins at 10 a.m. and will consist of weanlings, yearlings, 2-year-olds, and horses of racing age, as well as broodmares and broodmare prospects. For more information, contact call (337) 896-6152 or visit www.latbsc.webs.com.