Preview Racing


Seven Trials Slated Sunday for Rich Mardi Gras Derby
Runner-up in last year's Mardi Gras Futurity(RG2), Tdz Louisiana Toast is among hopefuls racing in seven trials on Sunday at Louisiana Downs for the $50,000-added Mardi Gras Derby.

© Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski
Seven Trials Slated Sunday for Rich Mardi Gras Derby

BOSSIER CITY, LA—FEBRUARY 19, 2019—Seven trials for the $50,000-added Mardi Gras Derby, each at a distance of 400 yards, will be run on Sunday beginning at 1:00 pm.

Several notable contenders include Tdz Louisiana Toast, who runs in the third trial for owner Juan F. Martinez and trainer Josue Ponce. The son of Jess Louisiana Blue ran second in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile at Fair Grounds on December 8 and will be ridden by Manuel Gutierrez.

In the fourth trial, Emmanuel Villarreal’s Mr Coahuila will make his first start of 2019 under rider Eddie Sanchez. Sired by Game Patriot, the bay gelding ran second in the $700,000 Lee Berwick Futurity (RG1) last July at Delta Downs. He is now trained by Arturo Davila, III.

Dasha Blue, runner-up to Mpshinning in the LQHBA Louisiana Million last December at Evangeline Downs, has been installed as the favorite in the sixth trial, Owned by Noe Zuniga Castenada, the filly by Jess Louisiana Blue has already earned $240.925. Trainer Jorge Gonzalez will give a leg up to rider Noe Castenada.

The 2018 Mardi Gras Derby champion was The Cazador, who scored for jockey John Hamilton. Michael Zingelmann saddled the lightly raced son of Sir Runaway Dash to his third win in six career starts for owner Rayne Knight.

The ten fastest 3-year-olds will return for the final, which will also be contested on Saturday, March 16.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Road to Kentucky Handicapping Contest Begins on January 19
Harrah's Louisiana Downs is hosting an exciting on-track handicapping contest called the Road to Kentucky Handicapping Contest. It began on Saturday, January 19 with major stakes races and Kentucky Derby prep races featured each Saturday through May 4. Fans can register at the contest table adjacent to the program stand with weekly prizes awarded and points accumulated toward the $1,000 grand prize. For more information, For more information, CLICK HERE.

Louisiana Downs Dates and Post Times
The 2019 Quarter Horse racing season at Harrah's Louisiana Downs got underway on Saturday, January 5. The 46-day meet includes 12 stakes highlighted by the first official championship for 2-year-olds, the $100,000-added Mardi Gras Futurity on March 16. Live racing will take place Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with a 1:00 p.m. (Central) post time and will continue through March 20. To see a complete list of the stakes schedule, including trial dates CLICK HERE.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

About Harrah's Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December, 2002. 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.