True Tails has speed to burn 'em

True Tails established herself as the favorite for the $50,000 Suthern Accent more than a month ago, when she won an optional claimer with ease at Louisiana Downs. Saturday, the story has not changed. True Tails is the one to beat as the controlling speed in this year's Suthern Accent.

A six-furlong race for fillies and mares, the stakes drew a field of six. Among the leading contenders are Graziella and Space Cruise, who finished one-two last out in the $75,000 Tellike at Evangeline Downs, and Picata, who is on a win streak at Louisiana Downs.

But they all will have to catch , who used her excellent speed to win a 5 1/2-furlong optional claiming race at Louisiana Downs on May 19. She was up by four lengths through an opening quarter-mile in 21.60 seconds, and proceeded to win by 7 1/2 lengths. It was a dominating performance in her first start in seven weeks, and she earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 90.

Following the win, True Tails stepped back into stakes company for the $100,000 Valid Expectations at Lone Star Park on May 29. She was clear through fractions of 21.40 seconds for the opening quarter and 44.60 for the half-mile mark, racing over a wet track that was laboring. True Tails was caught in the final strides of the six-furlong race by the late-surging Red Lifesaver.

Since then, she has breezed a half-mile in 48.20 seconds at Louisiana Downs on June 17. Carlos Gonzalez, who last rode True Tails in the optional claimer, has been given the call by trainer Cole Norman.

True Tails, who has won 2 of 3 starts at Louisiana Downs, is a stakes winner of $179,630. She races for Marie Troncone.

looks like the chief late threat to True Tails. She rallied from six lengths back in the Tellike, finishing second by a head in a strong performance. Space Cruise is also undefeated at Louisiana Downs, where she has won the three times she has raced over the main track. She will break from post 6, and trainer Patrick Mouton has given the mount to E.J. Perrodin.

used stalking tactics to win the Tellike. Trainer Dwight Viator has given the mount to Kirk LeBlanc.

Picata has won her last two races, both at Louisiana Downs. She is trained by Gary Thomas.