Chendo Proves His Worth After Claiming Victory In The $339,046 Louisiana Downs Futurity

Chendo, ridden by Eleazar Hernandez, scores a 1/2-length victory in the $339,046 Louisiana Downs Open Futurity on Saturday.

© Ann Switalski Photography

BOSSIER CITY, LA–MARCH 25, 2023–Chendo proves to be off to a great start in his freshman campaign after qualifying with the fastest time in the trials and returning to win the $339,046 Louisiana Downs Open Futurity by a 1/2-length on Saturday afternoon.

Guided by Eleazar Hernandez, Chendo fired from the gates of the eight hole and made a beeline for the finish leading the pack wire-to-wire. The post-time favorite clocked a 98 speed index on the 300-yard straightaway in :15.460 seconds.

"Even though it took some time to get the field loaded, he broke well and finished strong," said Hernandez, via owner Carlos Gabriel Castro.

With 11-10 odds at the post, Chendos fast performance paid $6.20 to win on a $2.00 wager. Trained by Santiago Villaseca, the winner’s share of the purse upped the son of RC Me Leaving You’s earnings to $154,371 for an undefeated record from his first two career starts. 

After winning his schooling race with the fastest clocking of the day, winning his trial heat with the fastest qualifying time and coming back to win the finals of the Louisiana Downs Futurity, owner Carlos Gabriel Castro has to be feeling pretty good about his $5,500 purchase from breeder RC Running Horses in last year’s TQHA Yearling Sale.

"I’m speechless right now," said Castro. "We liked him in the sale and felt that Chendo would be a good horse. He gave us a little trouble at first, but thanks to Francisco Ramirez, who is the best at that, he turned out pretty good.  Whenever you buy a horse, this is what you dream of."

Chendo is out of the Stoli mare Ms Otoole, who’s dam is a half-sister to two-time champion and All American Futurity (G1) winner Eyesa Special. The Texas-bred gelding is backed by a female family packed full of blacktype, including leading sire Jody O Toole and two-time champion Dashin Is Easy.

Runner up Dollar Bill, ridden by Jose Herbert, was slow out of the gates for a sixth place start but fought hard towards the wire for a second place finish by neck in :15.564 seconds. 

Juan Diaz, Jr conditions the son of Kiss My Hocks, who had the tenth fastest qualifying time after winning his trial heat. The second place finish paid $57,638 and ups his bankroll to $59,438 for owner Navil Tovar.

Breeder Tyler Graham sold Dollar Bill for $39,000 in the 2022 TQHA Yearling Sale. The Texas-bred gelding is out of the Pyc Paint Your Wagon mare Jakes Painted Wagon, who’s dam is new world record setter and stakes winner Jakes Charming Jody.

Whirlaway Party (APHA), with Juan Garcia, Jr in the irons, placed third in the Louisiana Downs Futurity. The daughter of Whirlaway Red won her trial heat claiming the fourth fastest time and the third place finish ups her total earnings to $35,705.

Trainer Justin Powell saddled Whirlaway Wagon for owner Ann Albin. Bred by Buckskin EC, Inc, the two-year-old paint filly is a sister to three other stakes winners, including Hesa Party Wagon, Whirlaway Wagon and Relentless Doll and is out of the Pyc Paint Your Wagon mare Lil Miss Party Doll.

Completing the order of finish is San Lorenzita, Woopaa123, Was Delivers GI, Hardtotemp, Cartel Jess Pyw, Hock Tree Special and Stabby Joe.

Additional reporting by Martha Claussen.
 

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Louisiana Downs Quarter Horse Meet Wraps on Saturday, April 1
The 2023 Louisiana Downs live racing season will conclude next Saturday with a stakes-filled day, highlighted by the $104,708 Mardi Gras Oaks and $104,332 Mardi Gras Derby. In addition, the Bossier City racetrack will honor the leading owner, trainer and jockey of the meet.  

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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.