Page 167 - August 2017

Louisiana-Bred Derby-RG3
JRS CORONAS SHADOW
by Michael Compton
Despite being a close second in all four of his starts this year, JRS Coronas Shadow headed to the post in the $257,160 Louisiana-
Bred Derby-G3 at Delta Downs still in search of his first victory of the season and his first stakes score.
With jockey David Alvarez in the saddle, JRS Coronas Shadow found himself in a familiar spot soon after the latches sprung on the starting gate. The gelding flashed his customary early zip to quickly establish a 1-length advantage on his nine rivals by the first call.
While he had been collared late in his three previous outings, including his June 16 trial heat for the Derby, JRS Coronas Shadow kept on rolling to prevail by a 1/2-length at the fin- ish and scored a wire-to-wire victory.
In his 12-1 upset win, JRS Coronas Shadow stopped the timer in a lively :19.330, just shy of Executive Precision’s 2011 track record of :19.231. The winner’s final clock- ing earned a career-high 105 speed index for owner Gary Hartstack and trainer Kenneth Roberts Sr.
“We were looking for this horse to run a big race,” said Roberts. “Last year as a two year old he won four races, but never qualified for a futurity. He just needed to mature.”
Roberts added that he may run his charge at Fair Grounds in a straight three year old stakes this summer, but is likely to save him for Evangeline Downs.
With the win, JRS
Coronas Shadow improved
his record to 5(1)-4(2)-0
from 11 starts and increased
his bankroll to $194,943. In
addition to this stakes score,
the gelding also finished
second in this year’s Mardi Gras Derby at Louisiana Downs and the Vinton Stakes at Delta Downs.
JRS Coronas Shadow was bred in Louisiana by Julien Stevens III out of mul- tiple graded stakes-placed Shadow Of Colors. A winner of four races, Shadow of Colors finished second in both the 2010 Mother’s Day Stakes-RG3 and that year’s Flashy Hemp Stakes-RG3, both at Delta Downs. The mare has produced 100% money earners from three starters. JRS Coronas Shadow is her top earner and first stakes winner.
Runner-up First Prize Bourbon (Coronas Leaving You-First Prize Pearl) offered game chase under Donald Watson, but had to
settle for the second place spot in the colors of owner Charles Boudreaux Jr. Roberts saddled the second place finisher, who was bred in Louisiana by Weetona Stanley. The gelding finished second in his trial heat and was the third fastest qualifier to the finals.
Race favorite and fastest qualifier No Politics Here (Jess Louisiana Blue-In His
Dreams) and jockey Noe Castaneda rallied strong late to nab the third place spot for owner TM Ranch, making it a sweep of the top placings for Roberts. No Politics Here was bred in Louisiana by J.E. Jumonville Jr. The gelding was coming off a victory in his Derby trial.
One Hot Flame (Fast Prize Dash-Rump Shakin) finished fourth and was followed by Shez The Bomb (Heza Fast Dash-Mornin Jess), Zooboo (Coronas Leaving You-Zoobiliee), TF Racee Runaway (Sir Runaway Dash-Racee Rainbows), Lightmeupwithcharm (Sizzlin Cartel-Grace Filled Charm), Shatto Stoli (Stoli- Scoopie Coochie) and San Lorenzo Corona (Coronas Leaving You-In The Open).
Delta Downs $257,160 • 400 yards :19.330 • si 105
Corona Cartel
Coronas Leaving You
Lil Bit Rusty
JRS CORONAS SHADOW, ’14-g.
Dashing Val
Shadow of Colors
Ms Larkin Ease
JRS Coronas Shadow & David Alvarez go wire-to-wire in the $257,160 Louisiana Bred Derby-RG3.
SPEEDHORSE, August 2017 165
RACING NEWS
Nicole Cormier/Coady Photography