Louisiana: Sweep for Von Hemel?

Trainer Donnie Von Hemel could sweep both divisions of the Arkansas-bred stakes for 2-year-olds on Saturday at Louisiana Downs. Von Hemel has the probable favorite in the $40,000 Razorback in Leon's Best, while top contender Doll and a Half will represent him in the race's filly counterpart, the $40,000 Lady Razorback.

Both races will be run at six furlongs, and they are among the handful of stakes Louisiana Downs has hosted for neighboring statebred programs. Through the years, the track has also offered stakes for horses bred in Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Leon's Best dominated open company in his last start, when he wired a field of maiden special weight foes by 4 1/2 lengths. He has been flattered since that Sept. 9 race, with runner-up Substantiate returning to win his next start. Tracy Hebert has the mount on Leon's Best.

Doll and a Half won her maiden over open company in July, and in her most recent start was third in a conditioned claimer at Louisiana Downs. She will be ridden by Luis Quinonez.