That Tat scraps vacation

BOSSIER CITY, La. - Trainer Cole Norman planned to put That Tat away until August after the gelding won his second straight stakes last month, but he has bounced back well and will instead run Friday in the $50,000 Kings Court.

The six-furlong race is the opening- day feature on a 12-race card at Louisiana Downs.

That Tat, unbeaten in four starts this year, figures to go favored in a competitive field that is completed by Doctor Mike, Dirty Mike, Dash for Daylight, and Front Nine.

This spring, That Tat established himself as one of the fastest horses at Lone Star Park when he won a 5 1/2-furlong allowance in a track-record time of 1:01.80.

Following that race, That Tat won the $75,000 Ford Express over six furlongs May 3, and the $100,000 Beck Auto Group Turf Sprint at five furlongs May 26.

"He's a perfect 4 for 4 this year," Norman said. "I think he'll run good."

Eddie Martin Jr. will ride That Tat races for Ken Murphy, who has won the last two owner titles at Louisiana Downs.

Doctor Mike was voted the meet's champion sprinter last year for his powerful win over That Tat in the $30,000 Island Whirl at seven furlongs Sept. 28.

"This is his favorite track," said Troy Young, who trains That Tat for Valene Farms. "He likes all tracks, but this is his preference."

Doctor Mike, who has finished first or second in eight of his 11 starts at Louisiana Downs, has been racing at Lone Star of late, and in his last out won a money allowance, covering six furlongs in a sharp 1:08.80.

Before that race, Doctor Mike finished three-quarters of a length behind That Tat in the Ford Express.

"Another hop and he gets there," Young said. "He's doing exceptionally well going into this race."

Gerard Melancon, who won the title last year at Louisiana Downs, has the mount Friday.

Oak Hall turns back in allowance

The meet will open with a six-furlong allowance for statebreds that drew stakes winners Oak Hall, who has earned more than $600,000, and White Star. The purse, which includes $4,300 from slots revenues, is $37,500.

The last time Oak Hall ran around one turn he won the $30,000 Evangeline Downs Sprint Championship at six furlongs in June 2002. He turns back from a mile Friday after finishing eighth in the Grade 3 Texas Mile at Lone Star.