Setting the fastest qualifying time, San Lorenzo Chrome will be one of ten finalists in the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity (RG1) on Saturday at Evangeline Downs.

© Hodges Photography

BY MARTHA CLAUSSEN

OPELOUSAS, LA–DECEMBER 19, 2024–To win a seven-figure futurity is what each breeder, owner, trainer and jockey hope for. On Saturday, December 21 at Evangeline Downs, the dream will come true for a Louisiana-bred 2-year-old and his or her connections with a victory in the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity (RG1).

The finalists exited trials on November 29 with the ten-fastest 400-yard times advancing to the championship. San Lorenzo Chrome set the fastest time of :19.989 seconds in the 12 heats contested over a fast track. 

Charles Boudreaux bred the son of Freighttrain B out of the Jet Black Patriot mare Jet Black Presence. Owner Rogelio Marquez, Jr. purchased the sorrel colt for $30,000 at last year’s LQHBA Yearling Sale and will be rewarded with $450,000 if San Lorenzo Chrome emerges victorious.

San Lorenzo Chrome is undefeated in three starts, beginning with a victory in his trial for the Laddie Futurity at Delta Downs. Marquez, Jr. felt that the colt would handle 400 yards, so he opted not to run him further at Delta or the Fair Grounds.

He returned to action at Evangeline Downs, winning an allowance on November 1. Trainer Jeremy Derozin will saddle San Lorenzo Chrome with jockey Arturo Alvarez, who has ridden him to victory in his last two starts. San Lorenzo Chrome will break from post eight in the final, at odds of 2-1.

Laddie Futurity(RG2) winner Gold Gun Z will leave from the far outside post, who won his trial in 20.049 seconds for owner Party Tyme Racing. Trainer Jose Espinosa has given the call to AQHA Champion jockey James Flores.

The stakes-winning son of first-crop sire Gold Heart Eagle V was bred by Slash Z Quarter Horses bred the $122,000 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate from the Tres Seis mare Cf Smoke Gun. Gold Gun Z has won three of five starts this year and earned $161,466.

Trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr., has a true legacy in the prestigious championship and will saddle three qualifiers in the final: Apolliical Chick, at 6-1, breaking from post position three with Arnulfo Gutierrez; #7 Beleavin, David Alvarez aboard at 20-1 and #8 Right Down Broadway, Juan Garcia, Jr. in the saddle at 20-1. Two of the Roberts trainees are bred by Louisiana horsewoman JoBaya Foreman (see related story)

CLICK HERE for a list of the 2024 LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity(RG1) qualifiers with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys.

The LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity(G1) field by PP order, with jockey, trainer and (morning-line odds):

1. Jrs Outlook Is Sweet – D Blake, M Taylor, (15/1)
2. Perry Midnight Train – R Ramirez, S Villaseca (10/1)
3. Apolitical Chick – A. Gutierrez, K. Roberts, Sr. (6/1)
4. You Fly I Buy – E Hernandez, S. Villaseca (15/1)
5. Beast N Me – J. Aquino, J Derozin (12/1)
6. G Amtrack B – U Luna, J Norwood, Jr. (5/1)
7. Beleavin – D Alvarez, K Roberts, Sr. (20/1)
8. Right Down Broadway – J Garcia, Jr., K Roberts, Sr. (20/1)
9. San Lorenzo Chrome – A Alvarez, J. Derozin (2/1)
10. Gold Gun Z – J Flores, J Espinosa (5/2)

The LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity will run as the eleventh race on the program with an approximate post time of 9:10 pm (Central). The closing night card will also feature presentations to the top owner, trainer and jockey of the 2024 Evangeline Downs Quarter Horse meet.

All Evangeline Downs races can be seen at Q-Racing Video.com.

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