On surface, Mocito Rojo has edge in Evangeline Mile

Mocito Rojo has never made a wrong move on the main track at Evangeline Downs, having won all four of his races over the Opelousas, La., strip. He’ll put that perfect record on the line Saturday night against capable shippers Pioneer Spirit and Title Ready in the $100,000 Evangeline Mile.

The Evangeline Mile, which is the centerpiece of the meet, is for 3-year-olds and up. It drew a field of six older horses.

Pioneer Spirit’s recent form includes third-place finishes in both the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap and Oaklawn Mile, while Title Ready was close second to eventual Grade 1 winner Vino Rosso in March the Stymie at Aqueduct.

Mocito Rojo shipped from his Evangeline base to Lone Star Park for his last start April 28 and won the Grade 3, $300,000 Steve Sexton Mile. He’s since logged three works at Evangeline, where his first local win came in May 2017 and where he won last year’s Evangeline Mile.

“I started out with him thinking he really liked Delta Downs,” said Shane Wilson, who trains Mocito Rojo for Wayne T. Davis. “Once he got to run here, he won at six and half furlongs, seven, and a mile. He definitely likes the main track here.

“I’m hoping that makes a difference, with Pioneer Spirit and Title Ready not having been over the track.”

Evangeline Mile (race 8)

KEY CONTENDERS

Mocito Rojo, by Mutadda

Last 3 Beyers: 95-90-92

◗ Mocito Rojo made his graded stakes debut in the Sexton Mile and closed for a two-length win. The Beyer Speed Figure of 95 he earned is the best last-race number in the Evangeline Mile.

“We were pleased that he could compete at that level,” Wilson said. “The numbers he had run showed that he fit in there. But you’re not really sure they can do it against that competition. It was very rewarding to see him step up.”

◗ Mocito Rojo has since thrived, Wilson said.

“He’s super – bucking and squealing,” he said. “He has to be led back and forth to the track. He acts like he’s ready to roll.”

◗ Filemon Rodriguez has the mount on Mocito Rojo from post 5.

“The races he stalks and pounces are usually his best races,” Wilson said.

Title Ready, by More Than Ready

Last 3 Beyers: 91-97-93

◗ He also exits the Sexton Mile, finishing third in what was his first start in about two months. It was the fifth time he has run second or third in a stakes, including third-place finishes in last year’s Grade 3 Indiana Derby and Grade 3 Discovery.

“For as much as he’s done, he’s yet to win a stakes,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “I’d like to see him get over the hump.”