KK Sandra Patriot Breaks Her Maiden In The $349,946 Mardi Gras Futurity (RG2) at Louisiana Downs

BOSSIER CITY, LA—MARCH 27, 2021— A very exciting edition of the $349,946 Mardi Gras Futurity (RG2) and $121,158 Mardi Gras Derby (see related story) took place today (Saturday) at Louisiana Downs. Two deserving champions were crowned on the premier day of the 2021 Quarter Horse meet.

On Saturday March 6, Louisiana Downs ran 17 trials for the biggest race of the 2021 Quarter Horse meet, the $349,946 Mardi Gras Futurity (RG2). The top ten qualifiers returned this afternoon for the final with a clean trip resulting in a maiden-breaking victory for Ruse Ranch LLC’s homebred KK Sandra Patriot.

The 2-year-old filly out of the Jess Louisiana Blue mare and 2013 Mardi Gras Futurity champion Sandra Sue Blue is trained by Adrian Huitron. She did not compete in schooling races here, and ran second in her trial, posting the fourth fastest clocking under jockey Luis Vivanco.

He opted to ride fastest qualifier Ultimo Alex and rider Nestor Duran had the call today. She dueled with longshot Jess Dash Fast, digging in to win the 300-yard final by neck in :15.474 seconds over a fast track, earning a speed index of 96.

"I was in Oklahoma riding trials at Remington Park," said Duran. "But I ride for the owners and Adrian, so I had worked her and knew she was a nice filly."

Huitron was pleased with the way the brown filly finished this afternoon.

"She was in good shape coming home after the trials, "said Huitron. "Wasn’t tired and stayed on her feed. I think she wanted to do it for her mom (Sandra Sue Blue) who won the race several years ago (also winning from the four hole!). The breeders knew what they were doing."

Jess Dash Fast, a filly by leading sire Heza Fast Dash, bred by Jumonville Farms and Burnett Ranch, held for second under jockey Jorge Garcia. Owned by Juan M. Montoya, she ran second in her trial for trainer Levi Mays, setting the seventh-fastest qualifying time.

Jorge Haddad’s Inseperable homebred Ultimo Alex who broke his maiden convincingly in his debut, finished third, but was disqualified and placed tenth due to interference. Goat, who broke from post position nine under Jose Rodriguez, was also disqualified from fourth to ninth.

Put Me N Coach, a son of multiple stakes sire Carters Cartel racing for owner Lorena Mores and trained by Juan Carrillo, Jr., was moved to third.

La Jetn Cartel, Bf Bosslady, Tf Jess Me, Gamefaceprize and Guidrys Credit Card completed the order of finish. Sent off at odds of 14-1, Kk Sandra Patriot returned $30.80 for the win, and picked up a check for $157,476 in her second career start. Huitron reported that she is paid into both the Lassie and Lee Berwick Futurities at Delta Downs, but will wait to see how she comes out of today’s championship before confirming her next start.

Since its first running in 1988, the Mardi Gras Futurity launched the career of many of Louisiana’s greatest Quarter Horse champions. Vals Fortune won the 2003 edition of the Mardi Gras Futurity for owner Teddy Abrams, Jr. and trainer Heath Taylor.

The striking chestnut went on to win 20 of his 23 starts, becoming the first Louisiana-bred millionaire. Five years later, Jet Black Patriot, bred and owned by Richard and Janelle Simon, stamped his name in the record books, winning the Mardi Gras, Lee Berwick and LQHBA Breeders Futurity, with a runner-up finish in the All American Futurity (G1) at Ruidoso Downs as well.

$292,610 Harrah’s Entertainment Futurity (G3) Set for Saturday, April 3

The 2021 Louisiana Downs Quarter Horse meet wraps on Wednesday, April 7. One more major racing event, the $292,610 Harrah's Entertainment Futurity (G3), will be contested on Saturday, April 3.

Running A Big Wave, owned by Francisco J. Garza, set the fastest qualifying time in trials run on March 13. Eddie Sanchez had the call for his brother, trainer Jose Sanchez, III aboard the gelding by Big Daddy Cartel out the Wave Carver mare Wave Running. CLICK HERE for a list of the top ten qualifiers to the Grade 3 final.

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About Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December 2002. 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.