SHELBYVILLE, IN—OCTOBER 3, 2020—Louisiana Lover has been nearly unstoppable all season long. The three-year-old The Louisiana Cartel gelding won his first four starts of the season and now sweeps the 12th running of the $118,900 Sterlie Bertram Memorial Stakes Saturday, Oct. 3 at Indiana Grand.

Louisiana Lover was the quickest from the trials, so he was the overwhelming choice to win the Bertram Final. Ridden by Sammy Mendez, Louisiana Lover began his journey from post seven in the 10-horse lineup and broke well and was a major contender from the start of the 400-yard sprint.

Beach Benny and L.D. Martinez had an early advantage along the inside and did his best to fend off Louisiana Lover, but in the end, the three-year-old rolled on by, scoring the victory by three-quarters of a length. Beach Benny was a neck ahead of Jess Z Bob and Juan Marquez for second. Time for the Bertram Final was :20.150.

Owned by Chris Duke's Duke Racing Stable of nearby Whiteland, Ind., Louisiana Lover is now five for six in 2020 and eight for 13 in his career. He increased his career bankroll to more than $235,000 with the win.

Amy Youngblood is the breeder on the impressive sophomore who is trained by Randy Smith. Louisiana Lover is out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Jess Special Love. Cassidy Morgan, 2020 Indiana Quarter Horse Queen, made the winner's circle trophy presentation to the connections of Louisiana Lover.

"He is a dream come true," said Duke, who is heavily involved in several disciplines of performance Quarter Horses in the state of Indiana. "It's hard to find a horse like this. I want to thank the whole team for what they have done this year. It's been phenomenal. He's matured a lot. He's a big 'ole horse and 400 (yards) doesn't hurt him. Sammy Mendez has given him perfect rides all year."

Although Louisiana Lover is paid into the next stakes at Indiana Grand, the team behind him will wait to see how he comes out of the race before deciding his next move. He is a horse that is an easy keeper for Smith and one that is a pleasure to have in the shedrow.

"The main thing with this horse is that he gets a good break," said Smith. "If he's not on top or near it at the break he'll have trouble getting time to stretch out and get there. But he got the job done today and I was impressed with how he raced. I'm really proud of him today."

Louisiana Lover capped off a superb day for Smith, who handles more than 60 head between stalls at Indiana Grand and his nearby training center. With the volume of horses, it keeps Indiana's all-time leading Quarter Horse trainer and his wife, Debbie, hopping most days.

Runner-up Beach Benny races for owner-breeder Pamela Brickley Hann and trainer Anthony Cunningham. Daniel Martinez rode the son of leading Indiana sire Escondido Beach from the Streakin Sixes mare Streaking Stitches. The $23,790 second-place check boosted the sorrel geldings earnings total to $1669,145.

Third-place finisher Jess Z Bob, a son of Jess Zoomin, races for owner Robert Ray. Paul Martin conditions the multiple stakes-placed gelding out of Billie Bob (TB) by Bring The Heat (TB). Ridden by Juan Marquez he earned $11,890 to push his earnings to bring of $100,000. Mark and Teresa Myers is the breeder.

Kissmelikethat, Blue Eyed Newman, Air Born Desi, J J Zoomin, Jess A Flyin Beach, Catchey Rhythm and Shakeitonthebeach.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Racing is held Monday through Thursday until Wednesday, Nov. 18. All-Quarter Horse racing is set for Saturday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct. 24. For more information, www.IndianaGrand.com.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, which is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR), holds multiple awards for customer service, entertainment, gaming, dining, and diversity. Located in Shelbyville, Ind., Indiana Grand features more than 2,100 of the latest slots and table games in addition to a one-mile dirt racecourse and a seven-eighths mile turf course providing live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing each year. Simulcast and sports wagering is also offered year-round at Winner's Circle Race Sports Pub located on the casino floor as well as a Winner's Circle Race Sports Pub located in Clarksville, Ind. For more information, please visit www.IndianaGrand.com.

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