Racing


Runaway Second Down Wins $25,000 Division 2 Billy Montgomery Stakes at Louisiana Downs
Runaway Second Down(#5) gets up over Blueacrossyour-
mind(#6) and Fast Dash Hondo Cat(#8) to win Divisions 2 of the Billy Montgomery Stakes Saturday at Louisiana Downs.


© Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski
Runaway Second Down Wins $25,000 Division 2 Billy Montgomery Stakes at Louisiana Downs

BOSSIER CITY, LA—JANUARY 18, 2020— In the second division of the $25,000 Billy Montgomery Stakes Saturday afternoon at Louisiana Downs, Runaway Second Down lived up to his morning line favoritism, earning his third stakes score for owners Eulalio Argote and Victory Alvarado.

Rider Raul Ramirez, Jr. had the return call and rallied strongly to catch Blueacrossyourmind, who had the lead under John Hamilton. Runaway Second Down crossed the finish line in :17.410 seconds, just a nose ahead of the frontrunner. He earned a speed index of 101.

The winning connections of Runaway Second Down accept the Billy Montgomery Stakes trophy Saturday afternoon at Louisiana Downs. © Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski
Bred by 2018 LQHBA Champion breeder Grant Farms, the speedy gray son of Sir Runaway Dash out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Second Down Perry, had a very impressive 2-year-old season. His notable victories included the $700,0000 Lee Berwick Futurity and $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile.

"That was a nail biter," said trainer Robi Meche of today's win. "He was acting up in the gates and hopped at the start, but still got the job done. 'Chico' never hit him and just knows his style. For some reason, this horse just hates to go to the lead. Just prefers to come and catch the leaders."

With today's winner's share of $15,000, Runaway Second Down ($4.00) has increased his career earnings to $428,426 and will make his next start in the Sam Houston Derby.

Blueacrossyourmind, owned by Triple Cross Racing LLC, ran second for trainer Trey Ellis. Thomas Glenn Fotenot bred the Jess Louisiana Blue gelding from the Mr Eye Opener mare Doievercrossyourmind.

Fast Dash Hondo Cat, who was ridden by Bobby Ransom, ran third for owner Jeff Pope and trainer Alfredo Gomez. William Meaux bred the chestnut daughter of Ajs Fast Dash from the Langfuhr (TB) mare who Dat Honodo Cat (TB).

Running fourth was Brileys Prize, followed by Five Bar Fast, Tlc Jumpin Gidget, One Fast Perry, Fast Black Hunter, Famous Connie and Rf Apollitical Cookie.

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About Harrah's 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.