DOUBLING UP IN THE LASSIE AND LADDIE FUTURITIES

We are halfway through 2021 with the richest major championships still to come in Louisiana! Delta Downs will host the $318,983 Lassie Futurity (RG2) and the $346,842 Laddie Futurity (RG2) on Saturday, June 12.

Trials for both futurities took place last month and as always, showcased some promising juveniles. To add to the excitement of the finals, several breeders, owners and trainers will double up their chances of winning the trophies.

Owner Rayne Knight and her husband, trainer Michael Zingelmann, enjoyed a very rewarding day of trials for the Lassie Futurity and will be represented with fastest qualifier Sheza Fast Blood and Runaway First Shine, who notched the seventh-fastest placing.

Sheza Fast Blood made her debut at Louisiana Downs on March 20. Bred by Nash Development LLC , the filly by Apollitical Blood by Mcm Sheza Fast Cutie, showed another gear in her Lassie trial, covering 330 yards in :16.608 seconds.

"Apollitical Bloods can be a little hot," said Zingelmann. "But this filly has been a pleasure to train. Day to day and week to week, she has matured."

Grant Farms bred Runaway First Shine, who also improved significantly in her second start.

"She's one of those quiet fillies," said Zingelmann about the daughter of Sir Runaway Dash out of the First to Shine mare First Shine Time. "She ran pretty much a perfect race in her trial."

Jrs Carters Shadow, owned by Oscar Rhone, is undefeated in two starts for trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr. The filly by Carters Cartel set the second fastest qualifying time.

"We started her at Louisiana Downs (on April 6)," said Roberts. "She made some mistakes but came back all business in her Lassie trial."

Julien "Butch" Stevens bred the filly and credits her dam, Shadow of Colors, for producing yet another capable runner.

"All of her babies had success," stated Stevens. "She had already produced Jrs Coronas Shadow ( 10 wins from 28 starts; $279,282)."

Trainer Wendy Garcia will saddle two in the Laddie Futurity with Guidrys Credit Card setting the third fastest qualifying time and Apollitical Tornado, who had the seventh fastest clocking.

Guidrys Credit Card is a son of Apollitical Blood out of the Panther Mountain mare Guidrys Boodie Doo. He's a half-brother to 2019 Mardi Gras Futurity champion Guidry Pride II, also bred by Cynthia and Johnny Guidry.

"Guidrys Credit Card has always been a feisty little guy," explained Garcia. "In January, we wanted to geld him, but Johnny asked us not to!"

Half-brother Apollitical Tornado, bred by Narciso Flores is out of the Streakin La Jolla mare A Real Tornado, has won two of his three career starts.

"He pulled up well after his trial," added Garcia. "It's exciting for owner Rubios Landscaping as this is the first time they have qualified for a futurity!"

Kudos to each of the breeders, owners and trainers who have qualified these outstanding Louisiana-breds for both championships.

It could be a very special day for LQHBA champion trainer Kenny Roberts, who will saddle one Laddie finalist and two fillies in the Lassie. He is is the co-breeder of sixth-fastest Lassie qualifier Kp Prospect with longtime assistant Penny Meyers. Kp Prospect is by Prospect to the Top out of the Heza Fast Dash mare Bittersweetsymphony. Roberts and Meyers bred and owned the mare who made 11 starts and looked forward to watching her run.

"She's a little homebred with some trot to her," said Roberts. "It's exciting to have one that you raised make a final."

Meyers, who has played an integral role in the Roberts barn for close to 30 years, is not quite as laid back as her boss when she talks about watching Kp Prospect break from the starting gate on Saturday, June 12.

"Kenny might be excited, but I will show it way more," stated Meyers. "We've been sitting outside in the parking lot, just listening to the music. Finally, we have made it to the dance hall!"

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The LQHBA Insider is a monthly feature written by Martha Claussen for www.lqhba.com. She served as publicity director at Sam Houston Race Park for ten years. She continues to be active in writing, fan education and Quarter Horse racing publicity in Texas, Louisiana and other regions in North America.