Opelousas, Louisiana – Heza Fast Classic ($14.00) unleashed a furious late rally from between rivals in the final 100 yards en route to a narrow victory over even-money favorite Ab Hope for Cash and longshot Danas Blue in the $94,800 Louisiana Derby for three-year-old Louisiana bred Quarter Horses at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino on Sunday evening. Winning Jockey Martin Rubalcava was able to secure running room in mid-stretch when the gelded son of Heza Fast Dash was starting his late rally and that made the difference as Heza Fast Classic was able to produce his customary late burst to record the win in a wild finish in which the first seven finishers were separated by ≤’s of a length. He won by a head in 20.203 for the 400 yards and earned a speed index figure of 95 on a track labeled fast.

Ab Hope for Cash, the public’s choice off his sensational trial win three weeks earlier in which he missed the track record by .03 of a second, battled gamely throughout and although he grabbed the lead in deep stretch was unable to hold off the winner. Danas Blue was just a nose farther back in third after being prominent the entire way following a quick start. Mr Jesses Magic, Spectacular Streak, and Bottle of Shine were next, followed by early pacesetter Heza Jodys Toast, who weakened late to check in seventh, followed by Six Toasts and Lil Jess Blue. Fishin Tee Pie was a late scratch.

Owned by Rogelio Tristan and trained by Janie Hernandez, Heza Fast Classic earned $47,800 for the win, his 3rd in 7 starts this season and 5th lifetime. Bred locally by Ronald Castille, he has now won more than $190,000 in his career.

Racing continues on a Thursday through Sunday schedule with a post time of 6:20 p.m. each evening.

For more information contact Evangeline Downs at 337-594-3000.