Casino news source: Harrah's Louisiana Downs - http://www.ladowns.com/
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2006
Track Handle Records Shattered
(Bossier City, LA) – Super Derby XXVII has a storied history with some of the most famous names in the game highlighting its list of winners. Strong Contender could follow in the footsteps of Alysheba, Sunday Silence and Tiznow after winning the marquee race at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs on Saturday. As the field of seven entered the gate, the fans were rooting for local hero Lawyer Ron. It has been said all year though that Lawyer Ron’s eagerness early in races might cause him trouble, and it sure did in the Super Derby. While advancing down the backstretch, Lawyer Ron pulled John McKee to the lead as they stopped the timer in 1:10 4/5 at the three-quarter mark. Strong Contender, who had an ideal placement fourth behind the leaders, moved on the outside as they rounded the far turn. The stage was set when the two 3-year-olds hooked-up into the lane, with Strong Contender overhauling the favorite in the final furlong.
Strong Contender is owned by John Oxley and trained by John Ward – both of the Monarchos fame, winner of the Kentucky Derby. Strong Contender’s sire, Maria’s Mon, also sired Monarchos. It was the first Super Derby win for jockey Robby Albarado.
“When he was about 2 1/2 lengths from from Lawyer Ron, Robbie hit him with the stick right-handed a couple times,” said trainer John Ward. “He really put his head down and accelerated and that’s when he really takes off. That’s the true horse right there.”
“I’ve won a lot of stakes in Louisiana, most of them here in fact, and this is a race that has always been one of my goals,” said Albarado.
Lawyer Ron was valiant in defeat for second while Louisborg edged out third over Costa Rising. The time of the race, 1:48 3/5, was just three-ticks off the track record.
Total all-sources handle for Super Derby totaled $7,306,487, smashing the record of $6,773,009 set in 2003. On-track handle on live races totaled $893,645, the highest on-track handle since 2000 when Tiznow won Super Derby XXI. The $100,000 guaranteed Pick 4 wager handled $155,411 and returned $757.40.
Super Derby XXVII was powered by Youbet.com, whose customers wagered $233,779 on Louisiana Downs, a 64% increase over the previous year.
Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. is the world’s largest provider of branded casino entertainment. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada 68 years ago, Harrah’s has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions. Harrah’s Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership. More information about Harrah’s is available at its Web site— www.harrahs.com. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700 |
|
