Danevang horse sets race track record

Opelousas, La. - Devins Secret, owned by Michael Gonzales and the Flying G Ranch of Danevang, rallied past fastest qualifier Mdt Streetfighter to win the $286,700 LQHBA Sales Futurity for Louisiana bred two-year-old Quarter Horses in a track record performance at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino on Sunday evening.

After a clean start jockey Ray Mayo placed the daughter of Dashin Bye in a tracking position just behind early leaders Mdt Streetfighter and Jessa Blonde Coors before engaging Mdt Streetfighter in midstretch and outfighting him in the final 150 yards to win by a neck.

The running time for the 350 yards of 17.541 established a new track record, lowering the previous mark of 17.581 set in November 2005 by Dancing Iam.

Mdt Streetfighter showed grit and determination while finishing a clear-cut second, more than half a length in front of third place finisher Toast.

Jeff Gonzales, Michael's son, was at the race with his wife, father and several family members and friends. "It was extremely exhilarating," he said of the big win.

For winning jockey Ray Mayo, it was the biggest win in his young riding career. After the winner's circle presentation, the 22-year-old native of Houston, said, "This filly loves a fight, even though she won her trial in front-running fashion, I knew that she is better when she has a target to chase.

"When she won the Grade II La. Lassie at Delta in May, she didn't break all that sharp, but just kept charging at the leader until she caught her. Tonight, she had dead aim and when I asked her in mid-stretch she went right up and collared Mdt Streetfighter and was actually pulling away late," Mayo said.

"She is a dream filly for me, not only is she fast, but she just loves to compete and is far and away the best horse I've had the opportunity to ride."

Owned by the Flying G Racing LLC. and trained by Roy Roberts, the undefeated filly earned more than $118,000 for the win, her fourth in as many starts. Bred in Louisiana by Natalie Montgomery, DVM, Devins Secret is out

of the Raise a Secret mare Go On Secret.

Flying G owner Mike Gonzales lives in Houston. He is president of FAB Industries, Inc.