Rew's Blues can beat the band

About three hours after the horses cross the wire in the featured ninth race Saturday at Louisiana Downs, the track will brace itself for what is expected to be the most significant concert it has ever hosted. The Steve Miller Band is to begin playing on the apron at 7 p.m. Central, before an anticipated crowd of 6,000 to 7,000 concertgoers, said Trent McIntosh, the director of racing operations for Louisiana Downs.

"This should be the biggest concert we've ever had," McIntosh said, adding that it has the potential to establish Louisiana Downs as "the place for outdoor concerts in northwest Louisiana."

But before the band plays, Rew's Blues will attempt to win the ninth, a $20,000 optional claimer for Louisiana-breds, in his first start since March. The race will be run at about a mile on turf. Rew's Blues was fourth at a similar level at Fair Grounds in his last start March 7. He is a horse who tends to run well fresh, as his last win came following a layoff of nearly three months. Richard Eramia has the mount for trainer Jim Hodges.

Other top contenders include Yogi and Boo Boo, who won a first-level allowance for Louisiana-breds at Fair Grounds in his last start March 19. Jesse Campbell has the mount for trainer Eric Guillot.

Louisiana Downs will have a special early post of noon Central on Saturday. Tickets for the concert are being sold through the Louisiana Downs website, and start at $30.