Horse Racing News on April 1, 2012

Casino Host, getting a textbook ride under John Velazquez, surged past a stubborn Papaw Bodie in the final 70 yards to post a 10-1 upset Sunday in the 20th running of the Grade 2, $400,000 Mervin Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap at Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

Hero of Order pulled a huge upset Sunday when sent away at 109-1 before narrowly holding off Mark Valeski to win the 99th running of the Grade 2, $1 million Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

Windy Hill Farm's Nates Mineshaft opened his stakes account with a 2 3/4-length win in the Grade 3 Mineshaft Handicap on February 25 at Fair Ground.