Glamalert Shows Off in New Orleans
Cheyenne Stable and Gaillardia Racing’s Glamalert may have stamped herself as one to watch out for in Fair Grounds’ upcoming 2012 sophomore filly series after breaking her maiden by a convincing 5 1/4-length margin in Thursday’s feature at the Crescent City oval.
Trained by Neil Howard and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., Glamalert broke alertly, was allowed to settle just off the early pace, responded willingly when set down for the drive and drew off steadily in the final furlong of the $46,000 feature for maiden 2-year-old fillies, scheduled for the grass but taken off and run at one mile and 70 yards over the sloppy main track.
Glamalert, a daughter of Vindication, paid $24.20, $8.60 and $5.60, toured the distance in 1:45.91 and increased her career earnings to $30,117 with her first victory in three trips to the post.
Fair Grounds’ sophomore filly series begins with the $125,000 Silverbulletday Stakes on Road to the Derby Kickoff Day Jan. 21, continues with the Grade III Rachel Alexandra Stakes on Louisiana Derby Preview Day Feb. 25 and concludes with the Grade II Fair Grounds Oaks on Fair Grounds Oaks Day March 31.
Lee Mauberret and Harold Heidingsfelder’s Here Music finished second in Thursday’s feature, paying $4 and $3, while 2 1/4-lengths in front of Doug Branham’s Look Who’s Ritzy, who returned $5.80.
Mike Ryan’s Beautiful Affair made most of the early pace of 23.62 and 47.52 before weakening to fourth at the finish line.
Racing resumes Friday at Fair Grounds with a 10-race program beginning at 12:40 p.m.