Louisborg takes Prelude Stakes

BOSSIER CITY, La. - The next stop for the rapidly developing Louisborg will be Super Derby XXVII as he received an all-fees-paid berth into the meeting's marquee event with a win in Friday's $100,000 Prelude Stakes. Almost Certain proved stubborn in the drive after taking control turning for home but had to settle for second followed by His Eyes and Rain On Monday.

Patiently handled by Lonnie Meche, Louisborg ($15.60) allowed His Eyes and longshot Upstream battle it out early through fractions of :23.30 and :46.52. Almost Certain collared the two leaders after a three-quarter split in 1:11.67 but was unable to match strides with the winner in the late going.

"Things worked out perfectly," said Meche after the race. "We were able to allow the early speed to go and he gave me the kick he always does when I ask him."

Trained by Tony Richey, Louisborg has now won three of his four starts and avenged a fourth place finish to His Eyes in the Alysheba Stakes at Lone Star Park in early July. Friday's payday of $60,000 was the son of Victory Gallop's biggest to date and boosted his career earnings to just over $95,000.