Evangeline Downs – July 11, 2025 – Fly Strong, a Louisiana-bred 2-year-old filly by Yaupon out of the Lookin At Lucky mare Fashion Fortune, delivered a dominant wire-to-wire performance in her debut, taking a $34,000 Maiden Special Weight by nearly ten lengths under a hand ride.

Trained by Jayde Gelner for owner Highlander Training Center, Fly Strong showed natural gate speed and composure, carving out fractions of 22.30 and 45.87 before drawing off with authority to earn a 73 Equibase speed figure. Jockey Julio Ramirez Jr. never asked for her best.

This result wasn’t a surprise to us. I purchased Fly Strong as a short-yearling on behalf of Larry Hirsch for $110,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale. She was Hip 17 in the Four Star Sales consignment: an athletic, well-balanced filly with a two-turn frame and precocious walk.

Pedigree-wise, she blends early speed and maturity from Yaupon with the rugged class of Lookin At Lucky on the bottom side. That balance is exactly what we aim for: commercial upside early with the structure and genetics to carry further.

It’s just one race, but she did it the right way and looked like she had more in the tank. We’ll let her tell us what’s next, but all signs point toward deeper waters later this summer.

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Clark Shepherd Bloodstock Agent, Sales Consultant & Pedigree Analyst

Clark Shepherd stands as a beacon in the thoroughbred world, renowned for his unyielding integrity and deep-seated expertise. Growing up on the racetrack, he transformed his lifelong passion into a thriving career as a trusted bloodstock agent. Clark's profound knowledge in equine management and keen eye for racehorses have led numerous clients to victory, including the pinnacle of designing the mating of a Kentucky Derby winner. Dedicated to both industry stalwarts and newcomers, he offers personalized, insightful guidance in every equine venture. Clark's ethos is encapsulated in his mantra: "Empowering Equine Success with Integrity and Insight!"

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