Racing


Good Break Ensures the Victory for Apollitical High in the $121,158 Mardi Gras Derby at Louisiana Do


© Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski
Good Break Ensures the Victory for Apollitical High in the $121,158 Mardi Gras Derby at Louisiana Do

BOSSIER CITY, LA—MARCH 27, 2021—The father-son duo of owner Rosendo Valdez and his son Rosendo Valdez, Jr. who trains for the barn, qualified three sophomores in Mardi Gras Derby trials contested on March 7 for the $121,158 Mardi Gras Derby.

Success came today from Apollitical High who broke alertly under David Alvarez and powered home for his second victory of the meet. He covered 400-yards in :19.771 seconds, a speed index of 97, prevailing by 1 ¼ lengths over Get It Done Babe.

Bred by Leroy Fontenot Jr, the son of Apollitical Blood out of the Toast To Dash mare Toastem Honi was bumped and ran sixth in the LQHBA Louisiana Million Juvenile, but appears to be rounding into his best form this year.

“He didn’t break well in the trials, but was flying at the end,” said Alvarez.

LQHBA Executive Director Bruce Salard presents the winning connections of Apollitical High the Mardi Gras Derby stakes trophy on Saturday.
© Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski
Valdez cited issues breaking from the gate as the only reason Apollitical High did not win a futurity last year.

“I guess today he proved me wrong,” said Valdez. “Even in his trial, he didn’t get away well, but came from behind and still managed to win (in the sixth fastest clocking). “He’s a sound horse and we look forward to running at Delta Downs. We will stay in Louisiana!”

Get It Done Babe, owned and trained by Joel Huitron, held for second with Ubaldo Luna aboard. The filly by Heza Fast Dash, was the ninth-fastest qualifier, and left the gates at 24-1. Tee Zo from the barn of Lanny Keith closed for third, followed by the other two Valdez-trainees: La Savanne and Dashing Jess Cuervo.

Rf Debs Blues Man, Mr Game Kue, fastest qualifier One Sweet Fillyand Jrs Shiney completed the field.

Apollitical High improved his career record to three wins from nine starts. He earned $54,521 this afternoon.

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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.