Underpressure needs to rebound in Evangeline Downs Classic

Underpressure finds himself in an unfamiliar position heading into Saturday night’s $75,000 Evangeline Downs Classic: The nine-time winner is seeking to rebound from a rare off-the-board finish.

The Evangeline Classic is a one-mile race restricted to 4-year-olds and up bred in Louisiana. The field of 10 also includes stakes winners Grande Basin, Mageez, Just Stormin, and Grand Luwegee.

Underpressure is a four-time stakes winner coming off a sixth-place finish in the $60,000 Star Guitar on March 24 at Fair Grounds. He was the favorite in the 1 1/16-mile race, and was beaten 6 1/2 lengths.

“He’s normally just so consistent with his effort and performance,” said trainer Chris Richard. “He doesn’t always win, but he always throws a solid race. The last race is an aberration.”

Earlier in the meet, Underpressure won the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic.

KEY CONTENDERS
Underpressure, by Birdstone
Last 3 Beyers: 69-81-77

◗ Underpressure had a less-than-ideal trip in the Star Guitar, said Richard.

“He got stuck wide all the way around the racetrack,” Richard said. “He was five, six wide all the way.

“I don’t think it was his best day, but the trip definitely didn’t help him.”

◗ Underpressure will break from post 10 under Gerard Melancon.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to tuck in and save ground around the first turn, stay within striking distance,” Richard said. “He’s run one time at Evangeline and won a stakes. Hopefully, he’ll take to the track.”

◗ Richard, who trains Underpressure for Mallory Greiner, sharpened the horse with a three-eighths drill in 36.40 seconds April 20 at Oaklawn.

“He had a nice blowout,” Richard said. “He worked with good energy, well within himself, and galloped out well.”

◗ Underpressure leads the field in earnings with $505,632.

Bitsy’s Afleet, by Northern Afleet
Last 3 Beyers: 84-83-78

◗ He enters off a win over open company in an optional $30,000 claiming sprint April 5 at Evangeline.

◗ Bitsy’s Afleet is seeking his first win beyond seven-eighths. He finished third going a mile in the $120,000 Premier Night Prince in February 2018 at Delta.

“He ran a good mile at Delta, just flattened out a little bit late on us,” trainer Sam David said of a “This race could answer a lot of questions for us, whether he’s a late-running sprinter or can go two turns. It’s a step up – the toughest group he’s met. He hasn’t disappointed us yet, so we’re cautiously optimistic.”

◗ Bitsy’s Afleet is 4 for 6 and races for Earl and Rose Hernandez.