Benwill scores in the $60,000 John Henry Stakes at Evangeline Downs

Opelousas -Benwill ($23.60) introduced himself to the leaders of the handicap divisions in the South and Southwest with a clear-cut victory in the $60,000 John Henry Stakes on the turf at Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel on Saturday evening.

Making only his second start since June 2013, Benwill was able to sit just off the early pacesetters while racing wide, he then accelerated to the lead at the top of the stretch and after opening up a commanding lead in mid-stretch, maintained his clear lead to the wire while under a vigorous hand ride by Diego Saenz.

The official margin of victory was 2 ½ lengths and the running time on a turf course labeled firm was 1:42.56 for the one mile & a sixteenth.

Winning Trainer Mike Burgess stated after the race “I was very confident going into the race. This guy had some issues but in our program has really come around.” Burgess added “I’m really excited, we have lots of options, and he is a versatile sort who can handle both the dirt and the grass. In fact, I’m thinking of trying him on the Polytrack.”

Cavalero was elevated to the runner-up position after Bauers got Hours was disqualified for interference at the top of the stretch. Lucky Rave was moved up to the third spot, with Fiaker & Unlatch also moved up to the fourth & fifth positions. Bauers got Hours; the lukewarm 3.70 to 1 betting favorite was placed sixth, with Runaway Stephen 7th. Rounding out the complete order of finish Masculino was 8th, Sound Effect 9th, with Its Mr Slew to You, Chongo, and Cajun Charlie in the last three positions.

Winless since September 2012, Benwill earned $36,000 for his first stakes victory and fourth overall from seventeen starts. The 5yo Leestown horse by the Dynaformer mare Dynaspice has now bankrolled more than $143,000 for owner Royce Roberts.

The 2014 Spring/Summer Thoroughbred racing season features a four-evening-a-week schedule, Wednesday’s thru Saturday’s with a first post of 5:40 P.M. Central Time.