Tensas Harbor wins third straight stakes in Matron

OPELOUSAS, La. – Relishing the off-going, Tensas Harbor won her third stakes in a row Saturday night at Evangeline Downs, edging clear in the $60,000 Matron Stakes. Defending champ Hot Tempo lodged a rally inside the winner turning for home, only to settle grudgingly for second, a length behind the winner, followed by Synapse in third. Originally scheduled for a mile on the turf, the Matron was moved to a sloppy main track at the same distance following afternoon rains.

Confidently handled by Diego Saenz, Tensas Harbor ($5) raced well back in the early going before beginning a steady advance after a half-mile. Challenging in the four path turning for home, the Keith Desormeaux charge wore down a stubborn Hot Tempo to stop the timer in a solid 1:37.88.

Owned by the Cantrell Family Partnership, Tensas Harbor won for the ninth time in 25 starts, and the 7-year-old daughter of Private Vow picked up $36,000 for her winning connections. She now has banked more than $500,000 in her career.