BloodHorse.com

New races, including a prep for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, have been added to the stakes schedule at Louisiana Downs for the 2008 meet, which begins May 17.

The $500,000 Super Derby (gr. II) is scheduled to take place Sept. 20, five weeks before the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships. It is now joined by the $150,000 Tiznow Stakes for older horses on the dirt, a prep race for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.

In addition to the Super Derby and Tiznow, four other turf stakes are listed on the Super Derby card including the Unbridled for older horses, the River Cities for older fillies and mares, the Sunday Silence for 2-year-olds and the Happy Ticket for 2-year-old fillies. Last year, Go Between used the Unbridled to kick-start a fall and winter campaign ultimately leading to a second-place finish in the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I).

“We are excited to offer fans and horsemen a well-rounded assortment of races with everything pointing towards the Super Derby,” said Doug Bredar, Racing Secretary for Louisiana Downs. “With the Tiznow added to the line-up, the most exciting day of the meet is now even bigger.”

Fans can find their Super Derby horse early on Aug. 16 in the $100,000 Super Derby Prelude Breeders’ Cup, the traditional prep for the Super Derby. Three other stakes worth $75,000, all on the turf, accompany the Prelude.

On Aug. 2, Champions Day will showcase the top Louisiana-bred horses with a speed-packed card. Six races worth $100,000 and two races worth $75,000 are featured that day..

Opening day will kick-off the meet with six stakes races for Louisiana-breds, each worth $50,000. The next week, May 24, will feature four stakes worth $50,000. Other noteworthy races include the $75,000 Hallowed Dreams Breeders’ Cup on July 19 and the newly formed Gate Dancer for 2-year-olds on closing day, Oct. 18.