Louisiana Downs: Ranger Danger one to catch

The comebacking stakes winners Humble Destin and Pantara Phantom will both have to catch Ranger Danger to make successful returns Saturday in the featured eighth race at Louisiana Downs.

The three horses will meet in a $25,000 optional claimer for 3-year-olds and up that has second-level allowance conditions. The race will be run over six furlongs, and it drew a field of 10.

Ranger Danger is a winner of 11 of 25 starts, with his last four wins coming wire to wire. He will be leaving the Texas-bred ranks behind Saturday after winning back-to-back optional claiming sprints at Lone Star Park. He remains the one to beat for his sharp form, the tactical edge he has on his rivals, and that he owns the field’s best last-race Beyer Speed Figure, an 88.

Justin Shepherd has the mount for N 2 Win Racing Partnership and trainer Bret Calhoun.

Humble Destin has not raced since June 2010, when he finished a distant fourth to Majesticperfection in the $125,000 Iowa Sprint Handicap at Prairie Meadows. Before that race, Humble Destin won the $60,000 Prairie Express at six furlongs, covering the distance in a sharp 1:08.80.

Alex Beitia has the mount for trainer Stanley Roberts.

Pantara Phantom, a stakes winner as a 2-year-old who was stakes placed last year at Evangeline Downs, will be making his first start since September 2010. E.J. Perrodin has the mount for trainer Patrick Mouton.