James and Marilyn Helzer’s EUROEARS (Langfuhr) returned to his Fair Grounds
form of two seasons ago when dispatching six rivals with ease in Thursday’s
$58,800
Thanksgiving H. at the Crescent City oval. Winner of the F. W. Gaudin S.,
Colonel Bradley S. and Duncan Kenner S. in 2008, the five-year-old horse has
recuperated from injuries that compromised his form since that meeting. After
breaking alertly, the Bret Calhoun trainee was quickly in command under jockey
Jamie Theriot and made the pace throughout without serious urging, cruising to a
1 1/2-length decision.
“It was a little nerve-wracking watching him getting ready for the race
today,” Calhoun said. “He looked like the same horse in the mornings, but then
he answered all the questions (about him) today.”
“Euroears is back — unfortunately,” said rival trainer Tom Amoss, who
saddled Tempo Five (Five Star Day) to finish second.
The 4-5 favorite paid $3.60, $2.80 and $2.60. After accomplishing early
fractions of :21 4/5 and :44 3/5, Euroears completed the six-furlong test in
1:09 1/5 over the fast track. An eight-time hero in 11 lifetime starts, the chestnut
increased his career earnings to $324,756.
Tempo Five, off as the 4-1 second choice, paid $3.60 and $3, while Tend
(Dynaformer) came another 3 1/2 lengths back in third. Sok Sok (Trippi),
Southern Style (Forestry), Marvel Wood (Ormsby) and Premium Wine (Prime Timber)
rounded out the order of finish.