Page 128 - April 2016

Harrah’s Futurity-G3
DUPONTE
by Danny Camp
Atrue racehorse will likely step up when it’s time for the big money. It was almost as if Duponte knew to run just fast enough
to qualify during the March 1 trials to the $267,700 Harrah’s Futurity-G3. The colt was the 10th fastest qualifier. But in the March 23 finals, he stepped up big time, thrashing the field by 1/2-length in the 300-yard contest at Louisiana Downs.
It was over a fast track that Duponte entered the 3-hole to await the start. He broke second from the gates and took a head lead
by the top of the stretch. The farther he went, the faster he ran. Francisco Ramirez Jr., who was in the irons, sensed the urgency of the situation and he passed on his feelings to his mount.
Duponte responded, and when the dust settled, it was the sorrel colt crossing the finish line on top.
Duponte stopped the clock at :15.651, earn- ing an 87 speed index. Along with a picture in the winner’s circle, Duponte earned the first place check of $120,465. He has now banked
a total of $120,555. That amount includes the ninety dollars he made for running a distant fifth in his trial heat to this contest.
According to owner Kristen Ashley Paredes, “Our team bought Duponte at a yearling sale for $6,700, and we knew we had more horse than what he showed in the trials.
“The colt didn’t break all
that well and our jockey lost
a stirrup and actually fell off
after the wire,” she contin-
ued. “Our trainer, Josue
Ponce, is only 20 years old,
but he knows his business. He decided to move the colt in five days prior (to the race).
“Duponte is a very laid back horse, he might lay down 16 hours a day,” Paredes stated. “He is very quiet around the barn, but when he steps up on the track, his heart grows three sizes.”
Next for Duponte is the Heritage Place Futurity at Remington Park. Paredes was quick to give credit to her whole team and said she was looking forward to talking to Speedhorse after the race.
Duponte was bred in Texas by Bobby Cox out of the mare Havanah Goodtime, who is a
race winner and ROM earner from her only start. She is the dam of two foals, but Duponte is her only starter thus far.
Fastest qualifier Valid Expectations (Jet Black Patriot-Legendary Seis) stepped away on the lead and was able to hold on for second. Her team includes owner Mercy Hinklins Horse farm LLC and trainer
Kenneth Roberts. Donald Watson had the riding assignment.
Ardor (Ivory James-First Fervor) ran a solid race to earn the third place check. He is owned by J F Racing & Farm LLC and trained by Jorge Barrera. Ricky Ramirez was handling the reins.
Followed by Shez Freaky (Dictorial-Dulce By N Bye), Jeffs Knightmare (Ab Knight-Ebonys Child), Carmel Diamond (Dictorial-Sixes Diamond), Marfilous (Ivory James-Verrsace), Do It Again (Ivory James-Diamonds For Toni), Jess Zoe (My First Moon-Feature Zoe) & Mega Hero (Jet Black Patriot-Separatist In View).
Louisiana Downs $267,700 • 300 yards :15.651 • si 87
Ocean Runaway
American Runaway
Allamericandreamgirl
DUPONTE, ‘14-c.
Ivory James
Havanah Goodtime
Jess Celebrating
126 SPEEDHORSE, April 2016
Duponte and Francisco R. Ramirez, Jr. capture the 10th running of the $267,700 Grade 3 Harrah’s Futurity
RACING NEWS
Lou Hodges Photography