Illusion of Speed Wins Fair Grounds Feature

Carl Moore Management’s Illusion of Speed broke in full stride to make all the pace and continued willingly in the stretch to win Sunday’s $43,000 allowance optional claiming sprint at Fair Grounds by 2 1/4-lengths.

The daughter of Trippi, trained by Bret Calhoun and ridden by Chris Rosier, recorded early splits of 21.80 and 45.81, accomplished the three-quarters in 1:13.06 in the race restricted to accredited Louisiana-bred older fillies and mare and increased her career earnings to $105,330 with her fourth win in 10 lifetime starts. She returned mutuels of $8.20, $4.80 and $3.40.

Charlene Touzet Thorson’s Calmed, unhurried early, rallied late to gain the place, finishing a nose to the good of Edward Johnston Racing Stable’s Firy Mistress. Calmed, an 8-year-old mare, paid $6.20 and $4.20 and Firy Mistress returned $6.60 in the show position.