Tortuga Straits wins John Franks Memorial

Fresh off an impressive maiden score, Tortuga Straits matched that four and a quarter length win in his debut in Saturday night's $100,000 colt and gelding division of the John Franks Memorial Sales Stake. Atta Boy Jake, who set most of the pace in the five and a half furlong affair for those who passed through the sales ring here this past spring, proved no match for winner but was almost eight lengths better than the rest in finishing second. Big Al's Choice reported third followed by Sugar Bowl Day.

Tortuga Straits ($3.00), a half brother to multiple stakes winner Tortuga Flats, is trained by Ralph Irwin for Karla Balensiefen. The Gold Tribute colt was ridden by Luis Quinonez who was also was aboard for his maiden score at Louisiana Downs. The final time was 1:04.96 over a track muddied by afternoon rains.