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Sir Runway Cash Heads Six Mardi Gras Derby Trials Set Sunday at Harrah's Louisiana Downs


Restricted Grade 1 winner Sir Runway Cash will head six trials on Sunday for the $50,000-added Mardi Gras Derby.

© Hodges Photography / Amanda Hodges Weir

BOSSIER CITY, LA—FEBRUARY 18, 2020—Six trials for the $50,000-added Mardi Gras Derby, each at a distance of 400 yards, will be run on Sunday, February 23, beginning at 1:00 pm (CST).

Sir Runaway Cash, winner of the $428,475 LQHBA Sale Futurity on September 7 at Fair Grounds, drew post position two in the first trial. Owned by Meal Ticket Racing, the gelded son of Sir Runaway Dash will be ridden by John Hamilton for trainer David Bustamante. He has won four of his seven career starts with earnings of $286,280.

Hamilton has several strong contenders on the Sunday afternoon card including Tdz Jet Black Down in the fifth trial. Tony Doughtie, who bred 2019 Mardi Gras Derby champion, Tdz Louisiana Toast hopes to repeat this year with the son of Jet Black Patriot who competed in trials for four futurities last year. He won the $369,405 Laddie Futurity (RG2) on May 18 at Delta Downs; LQHBA champion trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr. will saddle the bay gelding.

Tf Shez Jess Dashin drew post position six in the final trial on the card. The filly by Sir Runaway Dash is owned by Down South Racing and won the $339,931 Lassie Futurity (RG2) last May at Delta Downs. Trainer Ned Goutierrez, III will give a leg up to rider Antonio Alberto. She has banked $240,660 in six lifetime starts.

2019 AQHA Champion Jockey James Flores will ride Leavin You Blue for owners Tyler Graham and Diana Brandon in the third trial. The son of Coronas Leaving You won his trial for the LQHBA Louisiana Million last November, and ran sixth in the final. He is trained by Katie Carlos.

The ten fastest 3-year-olds will return for the final, which will also be contested on Saturday, March 14.


Courtesy Ses