The 2-Year-Olds Are Running, Sir Edward L Perry Top Qualifier in Mardi Gras Futurity Trials

BOSSIER CITY, LA—FEBRUARY 25, 2017—The 2-year-olds are finally here and the new crop of Louisiana state-breds didn't disappoint as Sir Edward L Perry posted the top qualifying time to the restricted Grade 2 $271,738 Mardi Gras Futurity at Louisiana Downs Saturday.

The 10 fastest, from the 125 state-breds who participated in 14 trial races, will return to Bossier City racetrack on Saturday, March 18th and vie for a $122,282 winner's purse to the 300-yard final.

Under jockey Luis Vivanco, Sir Edward L Perry broke on top and steadily opened to a two length win in the 10th trial (race 11). The first of three qualifiers for his sire Sir Runaway Dash, Sir Edward L Perry completed the 300-yard task in :15.595 seconds, a 90-speed index into a 7-mph crosswind—the top qualifying mark.

Juan Saucedo conditions the bay gelding for Filimon Saucedo, who purchased Sir Edward L Perry as a weanling in the 2015 LQHBA Fall Mixed Sale for $2,000.

LQHBA Hall-of-Famer and longtime LQHBA Executive Director Laverne Perry bred Sir Edward L Perry from the Rebel Dasher mare Rebels Royal Lady. This is the family of numerous stakes winners including LQHBA Futurity(RG1) winner Ol Time Preacher Man. Perry, who led the LQHBA for nearly 30 years, died in 2016.

Sheza Diamond Diva, a $9,000 LQHBA Yearling Sale repurchase, scored a two-length win in the 5th trial (race 6) to get the second fastest time of :15.607 seconds, also a 90-speed index. Jose Sanchez saddled the Struttin To Beduino filly for owner/breeder Paul C. Fontenot, Jr.

The gray filly is out of the RG2 producing Heza Fast Dash mare Sheza Fortune. This is the family of Grade 1 Refrigerator Handicap winner Joker On Jack. Eddie Sanchez had the ridding assignment.

Leading Louisiana sire Sir Runaway Dash also sired the third fastest qualifier, Jrs Natural Ruanway who kicked off the day in the first trial (race 2) under jockey Randy Edison. The gray colt completed the 300 yards in :15.624 seconds, an 89-speed index into the 7-mph crosswind.

Jesus Garrido conditions the $7,200 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate for owner Triple C Racing Stables, LLC. Julien Stevens III and Paul Rigdon bred the gray colt from the RG2-placed Dashs Slinky mare Bjs Cute N Natural. This is the family of RG3 winner Cute N Shiny.

Angiesprizedpatriot, a $50,000 LQHBA Yearling repurchase, got the fourth fastest time of :16.636 seconds after defeating Hgh Runaway Gal by a neck in the ninth trial (Race 10). Jockey David Alvarez had the riding call aboard the Game Patriot filly for owner Lester Colomb, Jr. and trainer Kenneth Weeks.

Philip Deville bred the brown filly from the Oak Tree Special mare Fast Prize Angie. Angiesprizedpatriot is a half-sister to Grade 3 Dash For Cash Derby winner and Grade 1-placed Dashin For A Prize.

First crop sire Jess Cuervo's first starter, Paretti, qualified with the 10th fastest time from the second trial (race 3). Other stallions with finalist included Tee Cos, Kas I Said So, Jess Louisiana Blue and Jls Party Wagon.

For the complete list of Mardi Gras Futurity(RG2) qualifiers, their times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.