Wind Chill Factor holds off longshot in Louisiana Futurity

Heavily favored Wind Chill Factor held on to win the $90,750 fillies division of the Louisiana Futurity, but heavily favored Just Kissing Buck could not hold off Cook Some Rice in the $89,050 colts and gelding division on Wednesday at Fair Grounds.

Wind Chill Factor ($3) had pounced on her rivals in midstretch and dashed clear to a sharp score earlier this month in the Louisiana Champions Lassie, but she did not run as well Wednesday. Taking the lead in upper stretch, Wind Chill Factor appeared to be on the way to a comfortable victory, but her stride shortened the final half-furlong, and 28-1 shot Forest Lake closed in quickly, missing by three-quarters of a length and galloping out far in front of the winner.

Still, Wind Chill Factor got the job done, running six furlongs in 1:12.03 for jockey Willie Martinez, and trainer Gary Scherer, who owns the Successful Appeal filly in partnership with Al and Bill Ulwelling.

While Wind Chill Factor figured to be a strong favorite, it was surprising that Just Kissing Buck went off at 4-5 in the colts and geldings division. Second in his career debut, Just Kissing Buck had won a maiden race in his second start by four lengths, but he was making his first start against other winners Friday. And while Just Kissing Buck turned in a creditable performance, and responded when challenged, he couldn’t contain the sustained bid of Cook Some Rice, who rallied from well behind a solid pace, took the lead in the final furlong, and scored by three-quarters of a length.

Trained by Sam Breaux for Scott and Company and ridden by Gerard Melancon, Cook Some Rice won for the second time in his sixth start. By Half Ours, Cook Some Rice was exiting a second-place finish in a one-mile stakes at Delta Downs and appeared to appreciate the shorter trip, running six furlongs in 1:11.56 and paying $6.80 to win.