Surface the key factor in Owner's Day Cup, Distaff

The surface over which the $60,000 Owner’s Day Cup ends up being run Saturday night at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, La., will distinctly favor either Potomac River or Sir Genghis. The horses are among the leading contenders in the 1 1/16-mile turf race that has a chance of being moved to the main track.

Evangeline lost two programs last week due to severe flooding in the area and this week was off the turf Wednesday and Thursday night. The status of turf racing for Saturday night’s card, which also includes the $60,000 Owner’s Day Distaff for fillies and mares on turf, is to be determined.

“It’s going to be a race-day decision,” said Chris Warren, director of racing for Evangeline. “Right now, it’s day to day. We’re hoping, if possible, the stakes can stay on [the turf.]”

Potomac River will benefit if the Owner’s Day Cup – restricted to 3-year-olds and up who have started at Evangeline in 2016, excluding stakes – remains on the grass. He’s a multiple Grade 3 winner on the turf, where he has earned nearly $400,000. Potomac River turned in a rare subpar performance last out when sixth in a July 29 race moved to the main track at Evangeline.

Sir Genghis won that optional $30,000 claimer by a widening 6 1/2 lengths. The start came at 1 1/16 miles, and the Beyer Speed Figure of 94 that he earned is a career high and the best last-race Beyer in the 11-horse Owner’s Day Cup. Earlier in the meet, Sir Genghis accounted for another off-the-turf prize, taking the $60,000 Need For Speed at five-eighths of a mile June 4. Kerwin Clark has the mount from post 6 for trainer Chad Pitzer.

C.J. Hernandez has the mount on Potomac River, who will break from post 5. The horse, who earlier this year raced at both Churchill Downs and Keeneland, is a stakes winner over the turf course at Evangeline. In his lone start on the local lawn, Potomac River accounted for last year’s $75,000 Sunset. All seven of his career wins have come on turf. Potomac River is trained by Jose Camejo.

The field also includes Whiskey Biz, who is seeking to win his fourth straight race, and Well’s Gold, who shakes a pair of millionaires in Sunbean and String King.

Great Majestic and Treaty Oak get a rematch Saturday in the Owner’s Cup Distaff, also restricted and also at 1 1/16 miles. The pair finished first and second last out in an optional $30,000 claiming race at a mile on the grass July 15 at Evangeline. Great Majestic proved 3 1/4 lengths best, while Treaty Oak was the 4-5 favorite.