Five Bar Jess Cartel, under jockey Victor Urieta, Jr., won the $30,000 Mr Jess Perry Stakes on Saturday at Louisiana Downs.

© Ann Switalski Photography

BOSSIER CITY, LA–MARCH 15, 2025–Post-time favorite Five Bar Jess Cartel was a convincing half-length wire-to-wire winner Saturday afternoon in the $30,000 Mr Jess Perry Stakes at Louisiana Downs.

Jockey Victor Urieta, Jr., guided the son of Five Bar Cartel to a 17.292 clocking, equaling a 111-speed index over 350 yards with a 10 mph tailwind. It was the eighth career win, second consecutive this year, in 26 starts for the 5-year-old gelding.

John Norwood, Jr., trains the accredited Louisiana-bred for owner Fausto Mendoza. Today, the $18,000 winner’s purse boosted Five Bar Jess Cartel’s earnings to $180,634. 

Gerard Hebert bred the gelding from the Tempting Dash mare Jess Tempting To Fly.

Runner-up Lil Too Dirty, under jockey Yaidel Rodriguez, was no match for the winner but did record a 106-speed index for the effort. Trainer Eduardo Morales saddled the Open Me A Corona 5-year-old for owner Leobersi Perez.

Eduardo and Christine Morales bred the graded stakes-placed gelding from the American Champ (TB) mare Lil Prairie Maid.  The second-place payday increases Lil Too Dirty’s earnings to $73,505.

Masseto, a Grade 3 winning son of One Sweet Jess, fought gamely to finish a neck back in third.  Trainer Viviane Hill conditions Masseto for owner Jose Rocha. Jockey Juan Garcia, Jr. was aboard the Firecracker Derby(G3) winner and picked up $3,300 for the effort.

Bred by Spring Hill Farms, LLC, from the multiple stakes-producing Dash Ta Fame mare Full Moon Dasher, Masseto has earned $200,003.

Apollitical Delight, Gbh Fiscal Toni, Konnan Cartel (DH), Tlc Willie Cartel (DH), and Rio Rojos Negras completed the field.

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

About Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is 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.

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

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.