Louisiana Downs: Louisborg holds on

Louisborg received an all-fees-paid berth to the Super Derby after winning Friday's $100,000 Prelude Stakes at Louisiana Downs by a half-length.

Almost Certain proved stubborn in the drive after taking control turning for home, but had to settle for second. His Eyes was third, and Rain on Monday was fourth.

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

"Things worked out perfectly," said Meche. "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 Louisborg's biggest and boosted his career earnings to just over $95,000.