First Prize Denim Stays Perfect at 3-for-3 Following LQHBA Laddie Futurity Victory
© Coady Photography
First Prize Denim broke in at the start, but jockey Raul Ramirez got the Oak Tree Special colt to rally down the stretch, getting up at the wire for his third consecutive victory in as many starts. The sorrel gelding completed the 330 yards course in :16.712 seconds to earn 90 speed index. The $141,691 winner's purse boosted the youngster's career total to $156,391.
Martin Trejo conditions the $40,000 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate out of First Prize Diamond, by Fly Jess Fly. Bred by Weetona Stanley, First Prize Denim is a half-brother to 2013 LQHBA Breeders' Futurity(RG1) runner-up First Prize Jet, a graded stakes-placed earner of more than $251,000. The colt's second dam is the former Broodmare of the Year and multiple G1 producer First Prize Dash, a sister to all-time leading sire of everything First Down Dash.
© Coady Photography
Another LQHBA Yearling grad, Heisa Hot Ticket, earned $28,338 for his third place effort. Also trained by Kenneth Roberts, this Coronas Leaving You colt is out of the stakes-producing Jody O Toole mare Hottesticketintown. Donald Watson had the riding assignment aboard the Charles J. Boudreaux, Jr. owned gelding. Jim and Natalie Montgomery bred the runner who sold for $21,000 at last summer's Louisiana-bred yearling sale.
Overlooked by the wagering public and sent off at odds of better than 12-1, First Prize Denim returned $27 to win, $11.20 to place and $8 to show. The Renaissance Man was worth $4.80 to place and $3.60 to show. Heisa Hot Ticket paid $5.60 to show.
Completing the Laddie Futurity field were Fast Ladys Man, Streakin Bye U, Shades Of Buck, Jess Blueby Lena, Ld Jumpn And Dashing, Dragon Kid and Ttt Kas Baby Said So.
Delta Downs will embark on its fifth week of racing Wednesday night with another 10-race program that is scheduled to get underway at 6:15 pm CT.
For more information about the current season visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com or on the Facebook page, ‘Delta Downs Racing’.
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.