News - Headlines March  28, 2024

Todalu My Darlin Fastest Qualifier In Inaugural Mardi Gras Oaks Trials


My Darlin drifted in under jockey Eleazar Hernandez, setting the fastest time in Saturday's $104,708 Mardi Gras Oaks, featuring 3-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies at Louisiana Downs.

© Ann Switalski Photography

BOSSIER CITY, LA–MARCH 11, 2023–Todalu My Darlin drifted in under jockey Eleazar Hernandez while posting the fastest qualifying time Saturday afternoon for the inaugural running of the $104,708 Mardi Gras Oaks, featuring 3-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies at Louisiana Downs.

The 10 fastest qualifiers, from four trials contested over 400 yards today, will return to Louisiana Downs on Saturday, April 1 to vie for a winners' purse valued at $47,118.

Todalu My Darlin defeated fellow qualifier Jess Siete Cartel by one-length while completing the 400 yards in :20.198 seconds, a 90 speed index into a 10 mph headwind, to establish to fastest time.  It was the third win in 10 starts for the daughter of second-crop sire You Drive I Fly. She has banked $35,800.

Robi Meche trains the sorrel filly out of Royal Quick Jo Z by Royal Quick Dash, for owner Derrick Ferguson. Richard and Janelle Simon are the breeders.

Meche, had a huge Saturday, setting the fastest qualifier in the Mardi Gras Oaks as well as qualifying two for the final of the $533,220 Oklahoma Futurity(G2) at Remington Park. She gave credit to her father, Robert and trainer Dusty Rhodes for holding down the fort at Louisiana Downs.

"She always runs her eyeballs out," said Meche of Todalu My Darlin. "After her 2-year-old season, we backed off a little and she filled out some. We weren’t looking to be the fastest qualifier; just wanted to get to the final, so her time was a nice surprise."

Owner Derrick Ferguson was even more pleased with her victory as he attended the 2021 LQHBA Yearling Sale with fellow South Carolina friend and successful Quarter Horse owner, Patrick Richardson.

"Patrick and I were at the sale and liked the filly," said Ferguson, who purchased Todalu My Darlin for $8,000. "She was a nice looking yearling and everything looked correct. I really felt she would improve at 400 yards; she showed us that in her trial."

Btrain, under jockey Juan Garcia, Jr., getting her fourth career win in the third trial Saturday.
© Ann Switalski Photography

Making her 3-year-old debut today, restricted Grade 2 winner Btrain raced to a half-length win over Party Time in the third trial to secure the second fastest time of :20.275 seconds, an 88 speed index into a 10 mph headwind.

Trainer Fernando Valdez named Juan Garcia, Jr. to ride the daughter of world champion sire Freightrain B for owner Homero Hemilo Campa-Mireles.

Bred by Tye Smith, from the Lock To Load mare Bang Bang Bang, Btrain has won four of five career starts including the $310,695 Lassie Futurity(RG2) at Delta Downs last May. She has earned $170,547.

For the complete list of Mardi Gras Oaks qualifiers, times, sires, dams, owners, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.

Additional reporting by Martha Claussen.

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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.

 


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