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Category: Scholarships
OUTSTANDING EDITION OF LOUISIANA CUP DAY SET FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 AT LOUISIANA DOWNS
Two $1,000 Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) Scholarships Will be Drawn After the Fifth Race
Bossier City, LA – The annual Louisiana Cup Day at Louisiana Downs will take place Saturday, August 5. First post is 1:05 pm (Central) for the nine-race card which will feature six stakes for accredited Louisiana-breds with purses of $75,000 each. The stakes action, which gets underway in the second race of the card, will showcase a range of talented Louisiana-breds competing on the main track and Franks Turf course. Here is a preview of each of the six features.
Free Like a Girl Headlines the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
The $75,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint will kick off the stakes portion of Louisiana Cup Day, with overflow field Louisiana-bred fillies and mares. Defending champion Free Like a Girl returns to Louisiana Downs on Cup Day as the 5-2 morning-line favorite in the six-furlong sprint. Bred by retired jockey Kim Renee Stover and her sister, Lisa Osborne, the daughter of El Deal, out of the Flashy Bull mare Flashy Prize, has won 13 of her 28 starts for owners Gerald Bruno, Jr; Carl J, Deville; Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom. She was honored as 2021 Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) Champion 2-year-old Filly and last year as Champion 3-year-old Filly.
She exits a runner-up finish to Mangum in the $100,00 Louisiana Stallion Stakes at Evangeline Downs on July 8. Free Like a Girl left the gate as the 122 pound high weight in the field; Mangum carried 111.
“We couldn’t be more proud of her” said trainer Chasey Pomier. “She fought hard, but giving eleven pounds was a lot to ask. Free Like a Girl means so much to our team. She’s getting close to earning $1 million, but even more importantly, she brings new people to the sport. After her win at Lone Star, a little girl asked if she could pet our “pony”! She can be difficult sometimes, but stood calmly to receive pets from her newest fan; that’s just one way she inspires us!”
Tim Thornton, who piloted the intrepid filly to two stakes wins in 2023, has the return call and will leave from the far outside post. She has banked $951,578 since making her debut in 2021.
The three fillies who ran second, third and fourth to Free Like a Girl on June 3 in the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle at Evangeline Downs, will take her on again Saturday. Beleout, owned by Pendleton Larsen, Jr. is the 7-2 second choice. The filly by Flat Out will be ridden by Angel Suarez, who has already won 32 races this meet at Louisiana Downs. First I’ve Seen,a daughter of Astrology has hit the board in 14 of her 15 races for trainer Shane Wilson. Noneya, who ran fourth, had won back-to-back allowance races for owner/trainer Ronnie Ward.
Thomas Galvin’s Norah G makes her first start since competing at Fair Grounds in January. The 3-year-old daughter of Fast Anna won the $112,000 Louisiana Futurity on December 31 for trainer Patricia West. She will break from the rail with Emanuel Nieves in the saddle.
Defending Champion Cheapskate Diva Returns in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff
The first turf stakes of the card, the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff, drew ten fillies and mares who will travel a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course.
Cheapskate Diva was in fine form as last year’s champion as she made her stakes debut for breeder/owner Keith Plaisance, taking the lead at the top of the stretch and drawing clear by 1 ½ lengths under jockey Carlos Marquez. The final time, over the firm turf course was 1.41.92. The victory marked the first stakes win for trainer Joseph “Bobby” Felks.
The 5-year-old mare by Animal Kingdom out of the Candy Ride (ARG) mare Beautiful Liar exits a victory in the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff at Evangeline Downs on June 3. She will take on nine rivals as the 3-1 morning line favorite. Cheapskate Diva has now won five of her 16 efforts with earnings of $188,040.
“She’s a much better horse on the grass,” stated Felks. “After the win last year, we gave her some time off and see that she seems to run well when she has a month off in between starts. This is a tough field this year, but we are ready.”
Plaisance was proud of his homebred and her conditioner.
“It was Bobby’s idea to enter her in this last year,” added Plaisance. “Bobby felt she deserved a shot and to win over tough mares like Net a Bear and Fort Polk was amazing. My hat’s off to Bobby!”
LTBA Champion Net a Bear has been retired by her connections, but Fort Polk, returns. The 7-year-old daughter of Behindatthebar, trained by Pat Mouton for owners Steve and Pat Roe, will make her third start in the Louisiana Cup Distaff. She ran third in the 2021 edition of the stakes and completed the exacta last year. Bred by Spanish Cross Stable, LLC, Fort Polk will break from the rail under rider Emanuel Nieves. She is the top earner with $410,710 banked in 44 starts.
Stakes winner A G’s Charlotte is also entered for owner Tom Galvin and trainer Patricia West. Versatile on turf and dirt, the 4-year-old Mo Tom filly, will break from post eight under jockey C J McMahon at odds of 7-2 in search of her eighth career victory. Wholelottamo, who captured the 2021 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies for trainer Scott Gelner, looks like a strong contender as well. Now trained by his son, Jayde Gelner, the 4-year-old mare by Mo Tom is closing in on the $300,000 earnings mark for owner Stephen Thompson. She will break from the far outside post under rider Luis Fuentes.
“She has grown and matured,” said Gelner. “We feel she is better on grass and feel that the outside post is perfect for her.”
Undefeated Strong Promise Takes on Eleven Rivals in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile
The $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings attracted a field of 12 at the distance of five and one-half furlongs on the main track.
Norman Racing Stables, LLC’s Strong Promise makes his Louisiana Downs debut for trainer Jayde J. Gelner. The 2-year colt by Broken Vow out of the Macho Uno mare St. Jean, is undefeated in two starts. Bred by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall. Strong Promise won at first asking, romping by a margin of 10 lengths on June 3 at Evangeline Downs before winning the $150,000 TTA Futurity at Lone Star Park on July 1.
Gelner is the son of conditioner Scott Gelner and is a young horseman to watch. The 22-year-old has only been training for two years and has already topped his 2022 win and earning stats in the first month of this year. He has five entrants on the Louisiana Cup Day card.
“My dad picked Strong Promise in the (2021) Texas Thoroughbred 2-Year-Old Sale,” said Gelner. “He sold for $125,000, but we knew from his first breeze at Copper Crown that he had talent. So far, he has done everything easily.”
The third-generation horseman is off to a sensational start, handling a very demanding schedule.
“I am on the road sometimes 40 hours a week, running in Louisiana, Texas and Iowa,” added Gelner. “We have stalls at Remington Park, so it is pretty busy, but I have a really good team.”
Luis Fuentes has the call aboard the 7-2 morning-line choice and will break from post 11.
Breeders J. Adcock and Hume Wornall have another promising 2-year-old in this stakes in El Dinero who registered a major upset at 39-1 in the $70,000 D.S. ‘Shine’ Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs last month. The son of El Deal recovered from a bad break rallied and drew off to a victory in the five and one-half feature by a margin of 2 1/2 lengths. Trained by Patrick Devereux, Jr. for owner TAV Enterprises, El Dinero will break from the four hole under jockey Juan Vargas. Deal With It Daddy who ran second in the D.S. Shine Futurity and third-place finisher Good and Stout are also entered in the Louisiana Cup Juvenile.
Running Argument Strong Contender in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies
A field of 12 accredited 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies, along with two also eligibles, will compete in what appears to be one of the best groups ever for the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies Several first-time winners will face off in the five and one-half main track sprint.
Running Argument will put her two-race win streak on the line for breeder/ owner trainer Hance Robbins. Robbins,35, is also a third-generation horseman. His dad, Ray has trained Quarter Horses for over three decades, but Hance was drawn to Thoroughbreds. He purchased Running Argument’s dam Run Jamaican’s Run in an estate sale and bred her to Closing Argument.
“We broke her on the farm, and like my dad always told me, you can never tell how good your horses will be until you see them on the racetrack,” he explained.
The dark bay filly made her debut on May 13 at Evangeline Downs, coming from off the pace for a noteworthy debut victory. She demonstrated even more firepower winning the $70,000 D.S. ‘Shine’ Young Futurity- Fillies Division on July 7.
Top Louisiana jockey Tim Thornton, who has quality mounts in the majority of the Cup Day features, has the call.
“Timmy has won races for me,” added Robbins. “He is very similar to this filly in that they can be both patient and aggressive in a race.”
Chasey Pomier will saddle Emily’s Bullet, a filly by Gormley, who broke her maiden at Lone Star Park and finished third behind Running Argument in the Shine Futurity.
“She’s progressing well,” said Pomier. “We feel that she will handle longer distances in the future as she is a long, lanky filly.”
Other debut winners include Thompson Racing LLC,’s Diamond Deal, trained by Jayde Gelner; Saved by Grace, a daughter of Star Guitar, who broke her maiden at Canterbury Park on July 9 for Road Trip Racing, Inc. and Viv’s Wild Aces, who won here on June 5 for trainer Joe Duhon.
Two Previous Champions Battle in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic
The $75,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic attracted 12 runners going a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course. Several proven turf stakes winners, including 2021 champion Carlea’s Dream and Budro Talking, who captured the trophy in 2020, are entered.
However, there is a new rising turf star in the picture with 5-2 morning line favoritism going to Woods N Water owned by Richard Painter and John Dewberry. The 4-year-old son of Palace has been very accomplished on the turf, winning the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Turf at Evangeline Downs for trainer Lee Thomas.
“We tried him on the grass and he showed us that he really enjoyed it,” said Thomas. “This will be his first turf start at Louisiana Downs and the course looks like it plays a little different that Evangeline Downs, but Tommy has so much experience and has gotten along well with this horse.”
Rider Tommy Pompell, one of the most experienced jockeys on the Louisiana circuit, has the return call aboard Woods N Water. They will break from post position five.
Carlea’s Dream, owned by Carl Moore Management is a 6-year-old son of Lea. Trained by Karen Jacks, this will be the third time Carlea’s Dream has run in the Louisiana Cup Turf Classic. He split runners in 2021 as he captured the title and ran fifth in the 2022 edition of the stakes.
“He’s matured and has been better in the gate,” Jacks said. “He loves the turf, like all horses sired by Lea. Iram Diego fits him well.”
Budro Talking was claimed following his victory in 2020, when he advanced from tenth to cross the wire by 1 ¼ lengths. The 8-year-old son of Tale of Ekati is owned and trained by Sturges Ducoing and will make his 49th career start. Tim Thornton has the call and will break from the far outside post.
Black Sword Goes for His Third Stakes in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint
The $75,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Sprint will run as the final stakes (race 8) on the program with eleven talented Louisiana-breds traveling six furlongs on the main track.
Black Sword ran second in last year’s Louisiana Cup Sprint and the 6-year-old gelding has been installed as the 7-2 favorite. Margie Averett bred the son of Awsome Sword to Black Mariah and Ronnie Averett will ship in the multiple-stakes winner in from his base at Evangeline Downs. Owned by Treanor MD LLC, Black Sword won the $60,000 King Creole Stakes on May 6 and the $100,000 Louisiana Legends Sprint, also at Evangeline, on June 3.
“He’s always been a little nervous, but has calmed down this year,” explained Ronnie Averett.
Regular rider, the talented Vicente Del Cid, elected to stay at Evangeline Downs on Saturday as he is in the hunt for the leading rider title. Tim Thornton will ride the accomplished sprinter.
“Vicente has been a big part of his success, but we will be fine with Tim,” he added.
His main rival appears to be Kendel Standlee’s homebred Big Chopper a 4-year-old son of Shackleford. Originally trained by Scott Gelner, his son Jayde will saddle the chestnut colt who has won four stakes and earned $375,883 in 21 starts. Mike J, a 4-year-old gelded son of Sky Mesa, ran fourth to Black Sword in the Louisiana Legends Sprint. He prepped for this with an allowance victory on July 15 at Evangeline. Jockey Aubrie Green has the return call.
“We are very grateful to LTBA for raising Cup Day purses to $75,000 this year and to the owners and trainers who are pointing their horses to the six stakes races,” said Matt Crawford, Louisiana Downs racing secretary. “Each of the races on Saturday have full fields and we look forward to a great crowd and plenty of wagering action from horseplayers across the country.”
Louisiana Cup Day Festivities
Racing fans of all ages are invited to enjoy the festivities offered on August 5 at Louisiana Downs. Beginning at 2:00 pm, the first 100 fans will receive a gift giveaway of a 50th Season Celebration Button. Family-friendly activities on the trackside apron include live music, inflatable bounce houses and water slides, face painting, and much more! Also, enjoy tasty bites from the city’s best food trucks. For fans preferring the air conditioned comfort of the grandstand, the Clubhouse Buffet will be open and is accepting reservations at reservations@ladowns.com. And don’t forget to claim your FREE $5 wager while you are watching and wagering at Louisiana Downs!
Scholarship Drawings Set for Louisiana Cup Day
The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two (2) scholarships, each valued at $1,000 on Saturday, August 5 at Louisiana Downs.
The drawings will take place after the fifth race. The races begin at 1:05 p.m. and the student must be there to register between 12:05 and 1:05 p.m. at the designated registration booth. The requirements for the scholarship are as follows:
Must be a college student enrolled full-time for Fall 2023.
Must be in good standing with the college or university.
Must be present at the drawing location to win.
Must have university ID number or Social Security number.
The scholarship will be deposited directly into the student’s account at the college or university. The student is asked to know the name and address of the college that they are attending.
About Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.
Louisiana Cup Day at Louisiana Downs Scholarships
(BOSSIER CITY, La.) – Louisiana Downs will host Louisiana Cup Day on Saturday, August 5, with a post time of 1:05 p.m. CT. The Louisiana Cup Day will feature some of the top Louisiana bred thoroughbreds with stakes races totaling $450,000 in purse money.
Louisiana Downs, located on 280 acres near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana opened on October 30, 1974 with approximately 15,000 fans in attendance for the first day of its inaugural meet. Built by the late shopping-center magnate, Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr., the track was a success from the start, setting numerous national records for handle and attendance throughout the 1970’s and ’80’s. In 1980, plans were announced for the first running of the Super Derby, a 1-1/4 mile race to be run in the fall with the hope of attracting the best three-year-olds in the country and to have an impact on the end-of-the year championships. With a $500,000 purse, the race was the richest ever for three-year-old Thoroughbreds.
Louisiana Cup Day Stakes Races:
- Louisiana Cup Juvenile $75,000 Guaranteed
- Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies $75,000 Guaranteed
- Louisiana Cup Sprint $75,000 Guaranteed
- Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint $75,000 Guaranteed
- Louisiana Cup Turf Classic $75,000 Guaranteed
- Louisiana Cup Distaff $75,000 Guaranteed
The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two scholarships, each valued at $1,000, to college students on Louisiana Cup Day.
Requirements for the scholarship are as follows:
- Must be a college student enrolled full-time in an Accredited College, University or Community College for Fall 2023.
- Scholarships will be awarded by random draw.
- Must be in good standing with the college or university.
- Must be present to win at the Winner’s Circle when the announcement is made.
- Must have college ID and government-issued ID.
- Must have University ID number or Social Security number.
For Louisiana Cup Day:
- Registration: 12:05 p.m. – 1:05 p.m. at the designated booth at Louisiana Downs.
- Races begin: 1:05 p.m.
- Drawing Time: The scholarships will be awarded after the fifth race.The scholarship will be deposited directly into the student’s account at the college or university. The student is asked to know the name and address of the college that they are attending.
Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association manages the best incentive program for breeding thoroughbreds in the United States. Since the organization formed, this has led to increased purses, better quality horses, and increased interest in racing and breeding horses. The thoroughbred racing and breeding industry generates over $1 billion and employs over 60,000 people in the state of Louisiana.
For more information about Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association visit louisianabred.com or call (504) 947-4676.
June Calendar of Events from the LTBA
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Clear Creek Stud Offers Scholarship for Students from Within the Louisiana Horse Industry
With an eye toward the future of our industry, Clear Creek Stud will once again be making a $5000 Scholarship Donation in the name of their clients to a college student with Louisiana based connections to the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Breeding and Racing Industry.
Clear Creek Stud recognizes that for many of the people who perform the hard work of this industry day in and day out, the rewards are often not financial. “We want to help the children who come from these families who put in the long hours and hard work that are essential to keep our industry in operation,” says Val Murrell, general manager of Clear Creek Stud.
The scholarship recipient will be chosen by the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (LaHBPA) and based on their opinion and evaluation of need and merit.
Interested students should send a letter and resume to Eddie Fenasci at the La.H.B.P.A. office by end of business day, Friday, May 12, 2023. Letters can be mailed to La.H.B.P.A. attention to Eddie Fenasci 1535 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans, La. 70119 or email to efenasci@lahbpa.org.
The recipient will be named on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the LTBA Awards Banquet at Evangeline Downs.
Two Scholarships to be Awarded at Louisiana Premier Night
- LA Bred Premier Ladies Starter – $60,000 Purse
- LA Bred Premier Gentlemen Starter – $60,000 Purse
- LA Bred Premier Ragin Cajun Starter – $50,000 Purse
- LA Premier Bon Temps Starter – $50,000 Purse
- LA Premier Prince – $100,000 Purse
- LA Premier Distaff – $125,000 Purse
- LA Premier Starlet – $100,000 Purse
- LA Premier Championship – $150,000 Purse
- LA Premier Sprint – $100,000 Purse
- LA Premier Matron – $100,000 Purse
In addition on Premier Night, the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two scholarships, each valued at $1,000, to college students.“We want you to enjoy these races with Louisiana’s best equine superstars,” said Roger Heitzmann, secretary/treasurer for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “These championship races often help decide our Horse of the Year standings by our members and our scholarship awards continue to fund the education of our youth in Louisiana.”Requirements for the scholarship are as follows:
- Must be a college student enrolled full-time in an Accredited College, University or Community College for Spring 2023 or Summer 2023
- Scholarships will be awarded by random draw.
- Must be in good standing with the college or university.
- Must be present to win at the Winner’s Circle when the announcement is made.
- Must have college ID and government-issued ID.
- Must have University ID number or Social Security number.
For Louisiana Premier Night:
- Registration: 3:50 p,m. – 4:50 p.m. at the designated booth
- Races begin: 4:50 p.m.
- Drawing Time: The scholarships will be awarded after the fifth race.The scholarship will be deposited directly into the student’s account at the college or university. The student is asked to know the name and address of the college that they are attending.
Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association manages the best incentive program for breeding thoroughbreds in the United States. Since the organization formed, this has led to increased purses, better quality horses, and increased interest in racing and breeding horses. The thoroughbred racing and breeding industry generates over $1 billion and employs over 60,000 people in the state of Louisiana.For more information about Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association visit louisianabred.com or call (504) 947-4676.###
Four Scholarships to be Awarded at Louisiana Champions Day Registration On Site at the Fair Grounds on December 10
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LOUISIANA DOWNS TO WELCOME LEGISLATORS FOR LOUISIANA CUP DAY ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 6
State Officials to Make Trophy Presentation After Race 3
Bossier City, LA – Kevin Preston, the president and owner of Louisiana Downs looks forward to welcoming Louisiana horsemen, fans and key lawmakers this Saturday, August 6 for Louisiana Cup Day, the marquee racing event of the annual Thoroughbred racing season.
Since the 2022 Louisiana live racing season kicked off in January, Preston has worked tirelessly to bring the Bossier City racetrack and casino back to prominence. Facility updates and the addition of a Sports Wagering Hub have been well-received by fans and horsemen. One of his other goals is to ensure that Louisiana lawmakers understand the economic impact of Louisiana Downs. Preston has extended an invitation to local and state legislators to come out on Saturday, August 6 for the stakes-filled program saluting Louisiana Thoroughbreds. The card includes:
$67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile 2 YO LA-Bred 5 ½ furlongs
$67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies 2 YO Fillies LA-Bred 5 ½ furlongs
$67,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint 3 YO & Up F&M, LA-Bred Six furlongs
$67,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint 3 YO & Up LA-Bred Six furlongs
$67,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic 3 YO & Up LA-Bred 1 1/16 miles (T)
$67,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff 3 YO & Up F & M LA-Bred 1 1/16 miles (T)
“Working with our legislators is vital to the growth of Louisiana racing and breeding,” stated Preston. “Louisiana Downs is one of four racetracks in Louisiana that support the livelihoods of many individuals in our state. We look forward to a very entertaining Cup Day on Saturday!”
Scholarship Drawings Set for Louisiana Cup Day
The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two (2) scholarships, each valued at $1,000, during the event.
The drawings will take place after the fifth race. The races begin at 1:45 p.m. and the student must be there to register between 12:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. at the designated registration booth. The requirements for the scholarship are as follows:
Must be a college student enrolled full-time for Fall 2022.
Must be in good standing with the college or university.
Must be present at the drawing location to win.
Must have university ID number or Social Security number.
The scholarship will be deposited directly into the student’s account at the college or university. The student is asked to know the name and address of the college that they are attending.
Louisiana Cup Day Festivities
Racing fans of all ages are invited to enjoy the festivities offered on August 6 at Louisiana Downs.
Family-friendly activities on the trackside apron include live music, inflatable bounce houses and water slides, face painting, and much more! Also, enjoy tasty bites from the city’s best food trucks. And don’t forget to claim your FREE $5 wager while you are there!
About Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.
FULL FIELDS ON THE MAIN TRACK AND FRANKS TURF COURSE FOR THE SIX LOUISIANA CUP DAY STAKES ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 6
Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) Will Draw for Two Scholarships
Bossier City, LA – The annual Louisiana Cup Day at Louisiana Downs will take place Saturday, August 6. First post is 1:45 pm (Central)for the seven-race card which will feature six stakes for accredited Louisiana-breds with purses of $67,000 each.
The stakes action, which gets underway in the second race of the card, features a mix of multiple-stakes winning Louisiana champions and as well as a showcase for the rising stars of the Pelican state. Here is a preview of the exciting six Louisiana Cup stakes.
King’s Lute Takes on Eight Rivals in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile
Stakes action gets underway in the second race with the running of the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile for Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings. A field of eight will compete at five and one-half furlongs on the main track.
Four entrants make their stakes debuts off maiden-breaking efforts with morning line favoritism going to the partnership of Claiming Cajuns LLC (Donald King, et al) King Lute. Retired jockey Carl Woodley trains the son of Midnight Lute out of the Songandaprayer mare Sarahcarolu.
“He’s a big, gangly horse; one of those who may never get into stride quickly, but once he found his rhythm (in his debut victory on June 26), he drew off by six lengths,” explained Woodley.
Joel Dominguez will reunite with the dark bay gelding and Woodley is hoping he will notch his first stakes win.
“I have been fortunate to train for owner Donald Clark, but have never won a stakes for him,” added Woodley. “He has ALS and the ownership group is committed to fundraising efforts for the debilitating disease.”
World War IV Racing’s Ranch Water may be another contender poised for a good effort in the Louisiana Cup Juvenile. Trainer Allen Landry feels the gelded son of Palace, bred by Love Partnership Interests, L. P., will give a good account of himself.
“He won his first time out, despite breaking in the air and getting shuffled back” Landry explained. “When he circled the field and came running, we thought he had something special.”
Bisping, owned by Anna Guillot, broke his maiden on May 19 at Evangeline Downs and made his second start at Belmont Park in the $150,000 Tremont. Ricky Courville trains the gelding by El Deal with Devin Magnon breaking from post two.
Whispering Hill Farms homebred Kit Kat Kid also broke his maiden at first asking on June 4. The gelded son of Closing Argument prepped for this with a five furlong drill on July 13 for trainer Steve Flint. Rider Tim Thornton has the return call at odds of 5-1.
The field also includes Easy Chance, who improved in his second start, winning a $24,000 maiden special weight last month at Evangeline Downs. Sired by Klimt, he is owned by Norman Stables, LLC and trained by Lonnie Briley.
Defending Champion Net a Bear Returns in the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff
The first turf stakes of the card, the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff, drew nine fillies and mares who will travel a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course.
Bred by Lora Pitre and Elaine Carroll, Net a Bear is owned by Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro and trained by Allen Landry. Since she began her career in 2018, the bay mare, versatile on turf or dirt, has won 12 of her 33 lifetime starts and following the victory at Evangeline Downs, upped her earnings to $615,970. Her first stakes win came at Louisiana Downs when she captured the 2019 Elge Rasberry and she was a convincing winning last year in the Louisiana Cup Distaff.
She exits a score at Evangeline Downs last month as the favorite in the $75,000 Turf Distaff. With Tim Thornton aboard, the 6-year-old daughter of Awesome Bet made her usual late run and drew off tin the one-mile turf stakes, winning by 1 ¼ lengths.
Remarkably, Net a Bear has been a stakes winner at each of the four Louisiana racetracks and
will defend her title in the Louisiana Cup Distaff.
“She’s tough as hell,” said Landry. “Even when she gets in trouble, she gets clear and gives it her all. She just has an incredible turn of foot!”
Thornton will guide Net a Bear from post position two as the 8-5 choice. Landry gave her a final work at Evangeline on July 29 and plans on sending her to Bossier City on Saturday morning.
“We just gave her an easy work,” added Landry. “Didn’t want to ask for much in this heat.”
The high earner in the field will have to hold off eight rivals , including Fort Polk, a 6-year-old daughter of Behindatthebar, trained by Pat Mouton for owners Steve and Pat Roe. She won her last two turf races at Louisiana Downs, with a total of nine victories in 35 starts. Juan Vargas will ride from the eight hole. Cheapskate Diva makes her stakes debut for owner Keith Plaisance off a three-race win streak. The 4-year-old filly by Animal Kingdom last ran here on July 3, drawing off in a $25,000 turf allowance by 10 lengths under Carlos Marquez.
The Louisiana Cup Distaff will run as the third race on the card.
Free Like a Girl Headlines the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
The $67,000 Louisiana Filly and Mare Sprint boasts a field of eleven exceptional Louisiana-bred fillies and mares.
Free Like a Girl will return to Louisiana Downs on Cup Day as the 3-1 morning-line favorite in the six-furlong sprint. Bred by retired jockey Kim Renee Stover and her sister, Lisa Osborne, the daughter of Flashy Prize, sired by El Deal, has won seven of her 14 starts for owners Gerald Bruno, Jr; Carl J, Deville; Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom. She was honored as 2021 Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) Champion 2-year-old filly and continues to progress through her 3-year-old campaign.
Free Like a Girl won the $100,000 Starlet by four lengths at Delta Downs before running fourth in the Grade 3, $300,000 Honeybee at Oaklawn Park February 26 to the much heralded Secret Oath. After winning the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Soiree at Evangeline Downs, Free Like a Girl ran a credible third in the $225,000 Iowa Oaks (G3) on July 9 at Prairie Meadows.
The bay filly has already banked $423,873 and drew the far inside post under jockey Pedro Cotto.
“She has made us proud stepping up in two tough grade 3 stakes and ran her butt off at Prairie Meadows,” said trainer Chasey Pomier. “I’m alright with her breaking from the rail and we all have faith in Pedro. He rode for my dad when I was a kid and worked this filly as a baby. He has always done such a good job for our barn.”
Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen has entered Canada’s Custom for longtime owners Spendthrift Farm LLC and Corinne and William Heiligbrodt. The 3-year-old daughter of Custom for Carlos won two allowance races here in May prior to shipping to Lone Star Park. Joel Dominguez has the call on the chestnut filly at odds of 4-1.
Trainer Ron Faucheux will saddle three entrants in the Filly and Mare Sprint. Fame Feather a 7-year-old mare, sired by Lion Tamer, sprang the upset in the $75,000 Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle on June 4 at Evangeline Downs for Picard Thoroughbreds Racing Stable LLC. Strong Beauty a 5-year-old daughter of Overanalyze, owned by Golden Rock Thoroughbreds, ran fourth in that feature and Daniel Dartin’s G’s Squeezesteps up to stakes company after back-to-back allowance scores at Evangeline Downs.
2021 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint champion, Snowball returns for her third time. Owned by Tin Roof Farms LLC and trained by Sam Breaux, the striking gray daughter of Apriority has made 40 career starts. The multiple-stakes winner has $373,850 and will break from post four under rider Vicente Del-Cid.
Defending Champion Carlea’s Dream Prepped and Ready for the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic
The $67,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Classic attracted eleven runners going a mile and one-sixteenth over the Franks Turf Course. Several proven turf stakes winners are entered with defending champion Carlea’s Dream, installed as the 5-2 morning line choice. Owned by Carl Moore Management, the 5-year-old son of Lea is out of the Corinthian mare Beat The Street. Lea banked over $2.3 million in his racing career for Hall of Fame conditioner Bill Mott.
Last year, Carlea’s Dream ran a formful race, splitting rivals and surging to the wire in 1.44.57.
“He’s matured a bunch since last year and is much better in the gate,” she said. “He loves the turf, like all horses sired by Lea. Lindey Wade had two days off from Canterbury Park last year and was great, but Iram has been working him and we feel very good about Saturday.”
Diego was in the irons for his impressive turf win here on June 21.
“We know he loves this turf course, so just felt better having him here,”
added Jacks.
Other notables include Allen Cassedy’s Mangelsen, who ran third in last year’s Turf Classic for trainer Ron Faucheux and jockey Carlos Lozada. The 6-year-old gelding by Big Band Sound won the $60,000 Edward J. Johnston Memorial at Fair Grounds in March and prepped for this with a gate-to-wire turf victory at Louisiana Downs on July 9. Behemeh Star makes his Louisiana Downs debut for his breeder and owner, Evelyn Benoit. Trained by Jose Camejo, the 4-year-old son of Star Guitar captured the $75,000 Star Guitar last March at Fair Grounds and will be ridden by Cristian Torres as the 3-1 second choice.
Also, Kendall Standlee’s Big Chopper, who recently won the one-mile Louisiana Legends Cheval at Evangeline Downs, will make his second turf start for trainer Scott Gelner. The 3-year-old colt by Shackleford will be ridden by C. J. McMahon. Gelner and owner Kendel Standlee won the 2018 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic with In the Navy.
“His mama (Miss Well Molded) was a turf runner, so we thought this would be a good test for him,” said Gelner. “He came home to the farm for a freshening and worked well for this.”
The Louisiana Cup Turf Classic will run as the fifth race on the program, with an approximate post time of 3:37 pm.
Highly Competitive Edition of the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies
Nine accredited 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies will compete in what appears to be one of the best fields ever for the $67,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies Several first-time winners will face off in the five and one-half main track sprint.
Flurry Racing Stable LLC’s homebred Lady Flurry turned heads at Louisiana Downs with a riveting nine-length maiden score on June 20. Owner Staton Flurry, who won the 201- Super Derby (on turf) with Mr Misunderstood, bred the daughter of Lord Nelson out of the Storm and a Half mare Patchofbadweather. Trained by Karl Broberg, Lady Flurry has been installed as the 7-5 morning-line choice.
“She has been training here and exploded in her debut, which might give us an advantage,” offered Flurry.” I bought her dam for $1,000 as a yearling. She won a few races, but this filly has a ton of speed. She was 3/1000ths off the track record here on June 20 and hopefully will move forward. Emanuel is injured, so I’m happy to give Cristian Torres the call. He’s a good, young rider who has done well for us at Oaklawn.”
Flurry has fond memories of winning the 2017 Super Derby with Mr Misunderstood. It was the only turf running on the esteemed championship and following the victory, the gelded son of Archarcharch won seven additional stakes. Trained by Brad Cox, Mr Misunderstood retired with earnings of $967,926 in 2020.
Flurry will not be at Louisiana Downs this Saturday as his proven graded stakes winning mare Shedaresthedevil will defend her title in Saturday’s Grade 1, Clement Hirsch at Del Mar,
I’ve had some great horses in partnerships, but Mr Misunderstood will always be my favorite,” added Flurry. “He’s the one that set the foundation and put me there.”
Making her Louisiana debut will be Hoffman Family Racing LLC’s What Can I Say. The filly by Mo Tom won at first asking on July 4 at Horseshoe Indianapolis for trainer Tom Amoss.
“She was an impressive winner, even though she didn’t have the best break,” said Amoss. “She’s facing a nice field, but I like the fact that she has tactical speed, but can also rate.”
Amoss, who is currently six wins away from his 4,000th career milestone, will ship the bay filly to Louisiana Downs on Thursday.
“You always have concerns when horse travels for a race,” he added of his entrant, who will break from post eight under top Louisiana jockey Tim Thornton.
Janet is Ready will attempt to win her third in a row for conditioner Chasey Deville Pomier. The daughter of Custom for Carlos made her debut on May 13 in a $98,000 maiden special weight at Churchill Downs. After running second in Kentucky, she broke her maiden at Evangeline Downs and won the $100,000 Prairie Gold Lassie on July 8 in Iowa, at odds of 21-1.
“She came out of that race very well,” said Pomier. “It’s a tough field, but she’s a game filly.”
Dorgenois, who just broke her maiden on July 15 at Evangeline Downs, for trainer Ron Faucheux, is also entered. Jim and Natalie Montgomery,prominent in Louisiana Quarter Horse racing, bred the daughter of Gormley to the Fusaichi Pegasus mare Money Peg. She showed improvement in her second start and could very well outrun her 30-1 morning line.
Full Field in the Competitive $67,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint
The $67,000 Louisiana Turf Cup Sprint will close out the program with eleven talented Louisiana-breds traveling six furlongs on the main track.
Creole Charlie owned and trained by Howard Alonzo, has won seven of his 20 career starts and will break from post position two as the 3-1 choice. Claimed for $20,000 in February, the 4-year-old gelding by My Pal Charlie, was the runner-up in the Louisiana Legends Sprint at Evangeline Downs on June 4. He prepped for this with a victory one month later and will be ridden by Tim Thornton.
Set-Hut LLC’s X Clown makes his 23rd career start for trainer Jerry Delhomme off an allowance victory here on July 12. Joel Dominguez guided the 5-year-old son of Jimmy Creed, who drew post six at odds of 7-2.
Trainer Allen Landry, who won last year’s edition of this feature with Chu Chu’s Legacy, will saddle Brian’s Iron Mike and Double Barrel Man. Brian’s Iron Mike, a son of Iron Fist is owned by Buck Boys, LLC and makes his Louisiana Downs debut under jockey Joe Stokes.
“He’s a really good 3-year-old,” stated Landry. “Stakes-placed and ran a game second last out.”
Landry claimed the 9-year-old Double Barrel Man, who has an impressive career record of 14 wins and $533,912 earned in 68 starts. Calvin Borel has the call.
The Louisiana Cup Sprint runs as the seventh and final race on the card, with an expected post of 4:32 pm.
Trainer Michael C. Fetters Passes
Longtime Louisiana Thoroughbred trainer Michael C. Fetters passed away on July 24, 2022. Beginning in 1983, Fetters galloped, broke and trained horses at Louisiana Downs, Evangeline Downs and Delta Downs, with many multiple winners including Michal’s Answer, a mare by Hoist the Flag, named after his daughter Michal. He passed his love of horses to his family, including 11-year-old grandson, Asher. Survived by his wife, Betty, daughter Michal and grandson Asher, no funeral services have been announced.
“Mike was a natural horseman and was a tremendous supporter of Louisiana racing,” said trainer Joey Foster. “We send our condolences to Betty and his family. He was a good friend and will be missed.”
Louisiana Cup Day Festivities
Racing fans of all ages are invited to enjoy the festivities offered on August 6 at Louisiana Downs.
Family-friendly activities on the trackside apron include live music, inflatable bounce houses and water slides, face painting, and much more! Also, enjoy tasty bites from the city’s best food trucks. And don’t forget to claim your FREE $5 wager while you are there!
Handicapping Preview Show Begins at Noon on Cup Day
Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and regional racing publicist Martha Claussen will team up for a pre-race handicapping preview at 12:00 pm in the Inside Rail, located on the first floor of the grandstand. They will offer analysis and their selections for each of the races on the Louisiana Cup Day card. The seminar is free and open to all racing fans.
Scholarship Drawings Set for Louisiana Cup Day
The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two (2) scholarships, each valued at $1,000, during the event.
The drawings will take place after the fifth race. The races begin at 1:45 p.m. and the student must be there to register between 12:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. at the designated registration booth. The requirements for the scholarship are as follows:
Must be a college student enrolled full-time for Fall 2022.
Must be in good standing with the college or university.
Must be present at the drawing location to win.
Must have university ID number or Social Security number.
The scholarship will be deposited directly into the student’s account at the college or university. The student is asked to know the name and address of the college that they are attending.
About Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is now owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.
August Calendar of Events from the LTBA
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