Louisiana Downs track report

Louisiana Downs is getting an earlier start to its season this year, and the stable area will be open to receive horses beginning on April 1, said Pat Pope, racing secretary for the Bossier City, La., track. The first day of training will be April 5.

Stall applications are due March 17.

Louisiana Downs will have its earliest start since 1996 this year, when its 93-date meet opens on April 29 and runs through Oct. 9.

Purses for the meet have been increased to $210,000 a day, and unlike past years, when purses were tiered from the summer to the fall, the structure will be constant for the entire season. Last year, daily purses for the entire meet averaged $187,000.

The centerpiece of this year's meet is the Grade 2, $750,000 Super Derby at 1 1/4 miles on Oct. 1.