News - Racing March  29, 2024

Duponte Surprises With Big Win In Grade 3 Harrah's Entertainment Futurity


Duponte with jockey Francisco R. Ramirez, Jr. aboard pulls away to capture the $267,700 Grade 3 Harrah’s Futurity at Louisiana Downs.

© Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

BOSSIER CITY, LA—MARCH 23, 2016—At 17-1 odds Duponte broke sharp and extended his winning margin to three-quarters over fastest qualifier and heavy-favorite Valid Expectations in the $267,700 Grade 3 Harrah's Entertainment Futurity Wednesday afternoon at Louisiana Downs. Ardor was a neck back for the show position on the 2016 Quarter Horse closing day race card.

Ridden by jockey Francisco Ramirez, Jr., Duponte entered the race as the 10th fastest qualifier after finishing fifth in his March 1st career debut trial for the graded futurity.

Duponte, by the AQHA Racing champion 2-year-old son of Ocean Runaway American Runaway, completed the 300 yards in :15.652 seconds with a 15 mph tailwind to pocket the $120,465 winner's purse.

Trainer Josue Ponce conditions the Texas-bred colt for owner Kristen Ashley Paredes. Bred by Bobby D. Cox, Duponte is the first foal from the Ivory James mare Havanah Goodtime. Former Broodmare of the Year Fitting Celebration is the third dam. A $6,700 TQHA Yearling Sale purchase, Duponte is from the family of champion Brimmerton and Grade 1 winner Gone Celebrating.

A Texas homebred for Mercy Hinklin's Horse Farm, Valid Expectations picked up $45,509 for her second place finish. The Kenny Roberts, Sr. trainee is 1-1-0 from two starts and has earned $47,309. Donald Watson was aboard the Jet Black Patriot filly out of Legendary Seis, by Tres Seis.

A $12,500 TQHA Yearling repurchase, Valid Expectations is a half-sister to 2013 Harrah's Entertainment Futurity(G3) runner-up A Noble Jess Elie and 2014 Sam Houston Futurity(G1) finalist A Cartel Legend.

Also bred by Bobby Cox, Ardor races for owner J F Racing Farm, LLC and trainer Jorge Barrera. AQHA Racing champion jockey rode the Ivory James filly out of First Fervor, a First Down Dash sister to champion and champion sire First To Flash. She earned $26,770 for the effort bringing her two-race total to $28,570.

A half-brother to Dash For Cash Futurity(G1) runner-up The Printing Press, Ardor entered the finals off an impressive 3¼-length trial win on March 1 when he posted the second fastest qualifying time.

Duponte paid a whopping $35.20 to win, $10.20 place and $5.00 show. Valid Expectations backers got $2.80 to place and $2.40 to show while Ardor paid $2.60 to show.

Shez Freaky, Jeffs Knightmare, Carmel Diamond, Marfilous, Do It Again, Jess Zoe and Mega Hero completed the field.


Courtesy Ses