Joy of the Saints, Union Builder win in D. S. Shine Young Memorial Futurity

Opelousas, Louisiana -Joy of the Saints ($5.80) and Union Builder ($59.00) captured their respective divisions of the D. S. “Shine” Young Memorial Futurity for two-year-olds at Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel on Saturday evening. The “Shine” divisions, one for fillies and one for colts & geldings each at the distance of 5 ½ furlongs on the main track and with a purse of $100,000 were restricted to horses bred in the state of Louisiana.

Ridden by Filemon Rodriguez, Joy of the Saints battled for the lead most of the way with eventual runner-up Miss Molly B before outfinishing that determined runner to win by a half-length while covering the distance in 1:06.42 on a track labeled fast. A $5,700 yearling purchase by Poindexter Thoroughbreds and trainer Ronnie Ward, the daughter of Saint Afleet earned $60,000 for the win, more than ten times her modest purchase price, and has now won both her career starts.

Winning Trainer Ward stated “We won a stake last year with her full-sister Pagini, and decided to see if lightning could strike twice, and it did!”

Golden Barbara was next across the finish line in 3rd, followed by Miss Frances and Snarky Belle. Our Bloomin Rose faded to 6th after showing early speed, with Gold Chrome, Lady Emily Sage, Sawyer’s Wonder, Sweet N Delightful, and Forest Lake completing the official order of finish. Watch the Gate, was injured in the starting gate and was a late scratch.

In the colts & geldings division, the Coteau Grove Farms homebred Union Builder parlayed a perfect stalking trip under jockey Joe Patin Jr. into a 28.50 to 1 upset. A half-brother to the Grade 3 Stakes placed and $667,000 lifetime earner Little Ms Protocol, the Yankee Gentleman gelding moved up to grab the lead in mid-stretch and outdueled Smudge for the win and $60,000 top prize while covering the distance in 1:05.33. Runaway Ide was 3rd, with .80 to 1 favorite Salute the C 4th after a troubled trip. Harry Long Legs was 5th, followed by Nathan’s Kiss and Strong Currency. Royal Rising was 8th, with Adios West, Hammeron Cameron, Pie Punch, and Streak Afleet rounding out the official order of finish.

Winning Jockey Joe Patin Jr. said afterwards “The only instructions I was given in the paddock was to make sure to break him fast out of the gate. I knew he had talent and when we broke so well and were able to work out such a dream trip I said to myself they are going to have a tough time with us tonight.”