Wild Train Fortune Surprises In Inaugural $104,708 Mardi Gras Oaks

Wild Train Fortune (#9) gets up over Todalu My Darlin (#2) and Party Tyme (#8) in the $104,708 Mardi Gras Oaks on Saturday at Louisiana Downs.

© Ann Switalski Photography

BOSSIER CITY, LA–APRIL 1, 2023–With a late run under jockey Benito Baca Wild Train Fortune (30-1) caught post time favorite Todalu My Darlin at the wire to win the inaugural running of the $104,708 Mardi Gras Oaks for 3-year-old fillies Saturday afternoon at Louisiana Downs.

The daughter of world champion sire Freighttrain B raced over the 400 yard course in :20.008 seconds, equaling a 94 speed index with a 10 mph tailwind.  The $47,119 winner's purse nearly doubled the bay filly's earnings total to $77,749.

AQHA Racing champion trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr. saddled the Louisiana-bred filly for owners Riley Blanchet and Rodney Verret. Blanchet bred Wild Train Fortune from the Carters Cartel mare Cartels Fortune.

"This mare can run," stated Roberts. "She lost all chances in her trial when a horse acted up in the gates and she turned to look at him and pretty much got left. I knew if she got away she had a chance."
 

Roberts will point her to the Delta Oaks and took a minute to voice his approval of adding the Mardi Gras Oaks to the stakes schedule this year.

The winning connections of Wild Train Fortune accept the Mardi Gras Oaks stakes trophy at Louisiana Downs.
© Ann Switalski Photography

"This was a really good move," added Roberts. "The trials filled nicely and the interest should grow for next year."

Fastest qualifier Todalu My Darlin earned $17,800 for her second-place effort. Trainer Robi Meche named jockey Eleazar Hernandez to ride the daughter of You Drive I Fly for owner Derrick Ferguson. Richard and Janelle Simon bred the filly from the Royal Quick Dash mare Royal Quick Jo Z.  She has banked $53,600 in 11 lifetime starts.

Party Tyme put in a late surge under jockey Everardo Rodriguez to finish another neck back earning $10,471 for third. Jose Espinosa trains the daughter of multiple stakes sire Five Bar Cartel for owner Jerry Deville, Jr. Cp Equine Partners LLC bred the black filly from the Dashin Bye mare Dashin Kate Perry. She has earned $46,457.

Jeg Fascination, African Queen, Kool Kue Baby Blue, Ttt Lil Blackstreak, Pretty Piloto and Jess Siete Cartel completed the field.

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.