Louisiana Downs: Sky Mart rallies to victory

BOSSIER CITY, La. - Sky Mart rallied up the rail to overtake Prince Slew and secure a length win in the $67,000 Louisiana Breeders' Derby, the richest of four statebred stakes at Louisiana Downs during the first half of the track's two-day Breeders' Festival. It was another seven lengths back in third to Herecomesdafuzz.

Sky Mart raced about five lengths behind the leaders early, moved up on the turn, then rallied along the rail through the stretch to win the 1 1/16-mile race for trainer Cole Norman.

Sky Mart earned $40,200 for the win, which improved his career record to five wins from 14 starts and earnings of $145,749. He was ridden by Anthony Lovato.

One race later, Lovato and Norman teamed to win the $38,450 Cajun with Kettle Man, who romped by 10 lengths over Early Goer. It was a another neck back in third to Oak Hall. Kettle Man covered six furlongs over a muddy track in 1:10.58.

In other races, White Star ($5) led wire-to-wire to win the $65,000 Shiskabob Stakes, which was moved to the main track after rains hit the area, and Rapide ($8) won his maiden in the $37,400 Stardust when he turned back a stretch bid by 4-5 favorite Walk In the Snow. Jockey Alex Jimenez was aboard both winners for trainer Corale Richards.