Lost in the crush of the Breeders’ Cup frenzy was my final notes on the Louisiana Downs meet, which concluded on Oct 4th. Below is a belated wrap of the LAD season in words and pictures. Click on the name of each horse to view stakes replays.
Here are the horses that I voted for in the LAD meet champion categories…
Two Year Old: William’s Kitten – On the Super Derby undercard, the Michael Maker runner competed in the off the turf Sunday Silence Stakes. He was sitting at the back of the pack and unleashed an eye catching …read more

Saturday (1-3-09) Fair Grounds recap
The day started off fast/firm, but the track was wet and the turf races transferred by the 7th race. Edge to stalkers and closers in the two races that remained on the sod. No wire jobs on the main.
James Graham, Corey Lanerie, and Miguel Mena each booted home a pair.
Star Guitar (Quiet American) stretched out and won the originally scheduled for turf Dixie Poker Ace at a flat mile. Al Stall Jr. has plenty of options for his talented, versatile Louisiana bred.
Sunday (1-4-09) Fair Grounds preview
Sunday’s 10-race card includes a pair …read more

Saturday (12-13-08) Fair Grounds recap
Main track played fair with an edge to horses within striking distance. Lone turf race carded was taken by an off the pace type.
Robby Albarado and John Jacinto both booted home a pair on Louisiana Champions Day.
Race 1 (Quarter Horse Juvenile): Martini Mountain ($7.40) was sharp in victory as the 2nd betting choice. Disappointing 6-5 fav Toast to Jess was never a factor.
Race 2 (Quarter Horse Derby): McM Dont Look Back was disappointing as the filly fav, but the distaff set was rescued by razor sharp winner Mon Ti Rose ($10.60). …read more

Friday (12-12-08) Fair Grounds recap
Off the turf following Thursday’s winter event. Good main track played fair. Middle to outer posts best with wide moves around the far turn the frequent path to victory.
James Graham and Brian Hernandez Jr. both booted home a pair.
Arctic Jet ($198.60) helped create yet another Pick 6 carryover.
Churchill invader Precious Kiss (Jacinto/Mouton) was a sharp going away winner of the optional claiming 9th.
Saturday (12-13-08) Fair Grounds preview
Louisiana Champions Day comprises Saturday’s 11-race card and includes a trio of Quarter Horse stakes events to kick off the festivities.
Weather: Partly sunny. …read more

Sunday (11-23-08) Fair Grounds recap
Stalkers and closers held the edge on both surfaces.
Campbell, Dugas and Graham each booted home a pair. Pat Mouton and Alvin Sider both saddled two winners on the card.
Strong tally for Star Guitar in the 9th. He was making his 2nd start off a layoff for Al Stall Jr., and we might see him next on Champions Day (Dec. 13th).
Thursday (11-27-08) Fair Grounds preview
Thursday’s 10-race card features the $60k Thanksgiving Day Handicap.
Race 2: One thing I noticed as Louisiana Downs handicapper was the streaky nature of trainer Pat Mouton…Strike while the …read more