Ultimo Alex ran an outstanding race in his career debut and on Saturday figures to start as a strong favorite in the $349,946 Mardi Gras Futurity at Louisiana Downs.

The 300-yard race for Quarter Horses will share a card with the $121,158 Mardi Gras Derby. Both races are for horses bred in Louisiana. First post is 1 p.m. Central.

Ultimo Alex was a two-length winner of his March 6 trial for the Mardi Gras, covering 300 yards in 15.51 seconds. His time was the fastest qualifying time for the finale, after 17 trials for the Mardi Gras.

“He came out of his trial really well,” trainer Jorge Haddad told publicity for Louisiana Downs. “Ultimo Alex impressed me from an early age galloping in the pasture. Luckily, he is very calm for a colt.”

Haddad also bred and co-owns Ultimo Alex, who is a son of Inseparable. The horse will break from post 10 under Luis Vivanco.

“I like our post,” said Haddad.

The second-fastest qualifier was Gamefaceprize, who won his trial by a half-length in 15.56 seconds. Rolando Pina was aboard and again has the mount for trainer Orlando Orozco.

“As a yearling, he was a handful,” Orozco told publicity for Louisiana Downs. “We gelded him early in his training and he always showed talent.”

Put Me N Coach was a length and a half winner of his trial for the Mardi Gras Futurity, which has a record purse Saturday. He will be ridden by Jesse Levario.

“He did really well in his trial,” trainer Juan Carillo, Jr., told publicity for Louisiana Downs. “Jesse came to our farm in Tyler, Texas, to gallop him. We only have one 2-year-old in training this year, so we are happy to be in the finale.”

Guidrys Credit Card will seek to give trainer Wendy Garcia her second Mardi Gras Futurity winner behind the 2018 running with Guidry Pride II. Guidrys Credit Card will be ridden by Gracia’s husband, Modesto Pina. The horse was a head winner of his trial March 6 for owners Cynthia and Johnny Guidry.

“He is a feisty little guy,” Garcia told publicity for Louisiana Downs. “In January, we wanted to geld him, but Johnny asked us not to. We are very happy and thankful to qualify for another Mardi Gras Futurity final. My brother Juan rode Guidry Pride II.  I’m hoping I can win this one with my husband.”

Goat will get attention following a two and a half length trial win in hs career debut March 6 at Louisiana Downs. 

The Mardi Gras Futurity was first run in 1988, according to a press release from Louisiana Downs. Past winners of the race include Vals Fortune and Jet Black Patriot.

Louisiana Downs announcer John McGary will be joined by racing publicist Martha Claussen, who provided the Mardi Gras Futurity quotes for this preview, for a handicapping seminar Saturday. It starts at 12 p.m. Central. The free seminar will be on the first floor of the grandstand. Also on Saturday, there will be five $1,000 college scholarships awarded by the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association.