Sharp, Stewart 2-year-olds target Fair Grounds' futurities

The first two Thoroughbred stakes races on last Saturday's Louisiana Champions Day were decisive victories from 2-year-olds Midnight Fantasy and Classy John, both of which will likely return to action in their respective divisions of the Dec. 30 Louisiana Futurity.

Owned by Carl R. Moore Management, Midnight Fantasy took the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie Stakes in runaway fashion by 3¼  lengths under a hand ride by jockey Adam Beschizza, her first start since an equally effortless career debut on Opening Day, November 15 which she won by 9¼ lengths. 

“Physically and mentally, she was more prepared than she was first time out,” said trainer Joe Sharp. “Even (Saturday), down the lane when she went out the front she was pricking her ears waiting on what was next. Adam said that there was plenty left and that she was well within herself.”  

Sharp indicated that her next start would be the fillies division of the $100,000 Louisiana Futurity.

Two races later Valene Farms’ Classy John waltzed home under Brian Hernandez Jr. to win the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile Stakes.

Named in honor of owner Murray Valene’s late father, the Dallas Stewart trainee won his career debut at 12-1 odds against open company at Saratoga on Aug. 25 and then finished second against winners over the Churchill Downs main track on Nov.10 behind Hog Creek Hustle. 

“He relaxed really nice (Saturday) and I like seeing that,” Stewart said. “He’s a nice horse; he’s competed at the top. He’s down here amongst his own family and he ran real well.”

Stewart indicated that Classy John would target the colts and geldings division of the Louisiana Futurity.

Stewart later teamed up with owner Murray Valene once more to win the Louisiana Champions Day Sprint with Grade 1-placed Givemeaminit.