Louisiana Downs: Desert Ransom targets Young trials after Minstrel win

Desert Ransom added another talking point to his budding résumé last Saturday at Louisiana Downs, when he became a stakes winner in the $50,000 Minstrel. Heading into the race, he had already put up the year’s second-highest Beyer Speed Figure for a 2-year-old, an 86.

For his Minstrel effort, Desert Ransom earned a Beyer of 76. He dueled early in the five-furlong turf sprint and then drew clear for a 3 1/2-length win. It was Desert Ransom’s first start on turf, and with the score, he improved his career record to 2 for 3.

“I thought he ran incredibly well,” said Karl Broberg, who trains Desert Ransom for breeder Jerry Namy. “He didn’t come out of the gates that well, quickly recovered, and was able to [take over] once he settled into his stride. I still don’t think the grass is his preferred surface, but he sure ran okay on it.”

Broberg said Desert Ransom is now being pointed to the July 7 trials for the $100,000-added D.S. “Shine” Young Memorial Futurity for Louisiana-breds at Evangeline Downs. The finale is July 28. Desert Ransom is based at Evangeline, where he won a maiden special weight against Louisiana-breds by more than six lengths May 16, earning the 86 Beyer.

“I hope he can keep it going,” Broberg said.

Desert Ransom is a son of the Mr. Prospector stallion Gold Tribute.