Trout loads up on Oklahoma Classics program

Trainer C.R. Trout said he could have six to eight starters on Friday night’s Oklahoma Classics program at Remington Park. The most accomplished name will be former Oklahoma Derby winner Shotgun Kowboy, who is a candidate for the $175,000 Classic.

Trout has a farm in nearby Edmond, Okla., and breeds and owns many of the horses he will start on Classics Night. The program of stakes for Oklahoma-breds is worth more than $1 million.

There will be a $70,000-guaranteed pick four on the card Friday, according to a release from Remington.

High marks for Evangeline turf

Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, La., lost turf racing for the bulk of its Thoroughbred meet this summer due to maintenance issues, but the course has made a comeback. Charles Gardiner, executive director of the Louisiana Racing Commission, said a recent presentation on course condition was made to commissioners.

“It looks tremendous,” Gardiner said of the turf at Evangeline. “It’s green as all get-out – green and lush.”

As part of the presentation, the commission heard from experts from Louisiana State University.

The course situation forced Evangeline to move its turf stakes to Louisiana Downs.

Jockeys, trainers shift to Delta

Colby Hernandez, who had been riding at Remington Park, is now part of a strong colony of riders set to compete at Delta Downs. The Vinton, La., track opens its meet Wednesday night. Other riders expected at Delta include Eddie Martin, Gerard Melancon, Diego Saenz, and Timothy Thornton.

Trainer Keith Bourgeois is back racing at Delta after spending time in Florida, while other new faces expected for the meet include Joel Berndt, Isai Gonzalez, and Chris Richard. The defending leading trainer is Karl Broberg.

Delta races through March 10.

There will be no super high five this meet, according to a Delta official.

Plans pending for ‘Ivan’

The next-race plans for Ivan Fallunovalot, winner of the David M. Vance for the fourth year in a row last month at Remington Park, have not yet been determined, said Kathy Moore Howard, assistant to her husband, trainer Tom Howard.

A few horses Ivan Fallunovalot defeated in the Vance are making their first starts since the Sept. 30 race on Wednesday night’s Remington card. Tanner’s Popsicle could go favored in the third race, an optional $35,000 claiming sprint over five furlongs on turf. He finished fifth in the Vance after contesting the pace, while Medal of Courage was sixth in what was his first start since May. The field also includes stakes winner Will Munnings.