Zeb Never Headed in FG Feature

John Eaton and Steve Laymon’s Zeb rushed quickly to the lead and never relinquished it again, capturing Monday’s $51,000 allowance sprint at about 5 1/2-furlongs over the Stall-Wilson turf course by a nose.

Zeb, trained by Greg Foley and ridden by Rosie Napravnik, toured the distance over firm going in 1:05.44 after establishing early fractions of 22.25 and 47.17, increased his career earnings to $46,200 with his second win in three lifetime starts and returned mutuels of $10.60, $5.80 and $3.20.

Eric Olson’s Council Oak prompted the early pace, appeared poised to take over the lead entering the lane but raced wide.  He recovered to remain clearly second best but was unable to catch the winner with his second surge. Council Oak paid $4 and $3.

N. O. MSG Racing’s Alaco Castle finished third, beaten 2 1/2-lengths by Council Oak.

Racing resumes Friday at Fair Grounds with a 12-race program featuring five stakes races restricted to accredited Louisiana-breds.   Post time for the first race will be 12:40 p.m.

However for Saturday’s Louisiana Derby Day program and Sunday’s closing day of the 2010-2011 Fair Grounds season, there will be special early post times of 12:10 p.m.