News - Headlines April  30, 2024

Special Wild Train B Scores Fifth Consecutive Victory In $101,418 Mardi Gras Oaks


Special Wild Train B, piloted by Arnulfo Gutierrez, wins the $101,418 Mardi Gras Oaks by 1/2-length at Louisiana Downs on Friday.

© Ann Switalski Photography

BOSSIER CITY, LA––MARCH 29, 2024–Favored to win, Special Wild Train B made a steady drive towards the wire for a 1/2-length victory in the $101,418 Mardi Gras Oaks at Louisiana Downs on Friday.

Special Wild Train B, with jockey Arnulfo Gutierrez aboard, broke third from the gates and steadily increased towards the wire clocking a 90 speed index in :20.174 seconds. The first-place finish paid $6.00 to win on 2/1 odds.

The daughter of world champion sire Freighttrain B has a record of 5-1-1 from 11 starts. After breaking her maiden in September of last year, Special Wild Train B didn't look back and remains undefeated in her last five outs. Her bankroll increased to $530,350 after cashing in the $45,638 winner's check for the 400-yard stakes victory.

Trainer Roy Roberts saddled Special Wild Train B for owner Bobby D. Cox. She now has two stakes wins in her arsenal, including the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity [G1] last December.  She was also a finalist in the LQHBA Sale Debutant Stakes and Louisiana Juvenile Stakes before breaking her maiden.

The winning connections of Specials Wild Train B accept the $101,418 Mardi Gras Oaks at Louisiana Downs on Friday. © Ann Switalski Photography

Special Wild Train B was a $20,000 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate in 2022. Riley Blanchet bred the bay filly in Louisiana out of A Special Beauty by Tres Seis.

"We couldn't be prouder of this filly," said Blanchet. "During her 2-year-old season, she ran some good races and then put it all together at the end of the year with her win in the LQHBA Million. She is a tall filly and will love the added distance this year. We are pointing her to the Ruidoso Oaks and feel she will love it out there."

Mp Adored, ridden by Arturo Alvarez, qualified with the fastest time in the trials. The daughter of Mr Piloto was leading the entire trip but got caught at the final jumps for second best by a nose over Moonin Princess. The three-time winner trained by Gilberto Gonzalez has $116,711 in earnings.

Breeder Grant Farms sold MP Adored to her current owner Guerras Racing Stables for $15,500 in the LQHBA Yearling Sale. The sorrel filly is out of Adored Bigtime by Bigtime Favorite.

Moonin Princess, guided by Ubaldo Luna, finished strong for third 3/4-lengths ahead of Venus Tlc. Conditioned by trainer Alex Clark, the multiple winning daughter of Moonin The Eagle has lit the board 10 of 12 starts with $56,182 in career earnings.

Moonin Princess was a $14,000 LQHBA Sale graduate out of the Corona Cartel mare Princess Of Torts. Darrell Williams bred the brown filly who is now owned by Efrain Ortiz.

Venus Tlc, Apollitical Kate, Sheza Bye Bye, Wendells Fast Dash, Alcala Perry, Prom Queen Nr and Jm Texas Blood complete the order of finish.

Additional reporting done 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.

 


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