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The Wednesday, February 11, 2026 card at Delta Downs features nine races, highlighted by an allowance contest in the 8th race. The card is predominantly filled with sprints, emphasizing the importance of the break and early positioning on this tight oval. The mixture of Louisiana-bred maiden events and competitive claiming sprints suggests a night where tactical speed will be at a premium.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Vinton predicts unseasonably mild temperatures reaching the mid-70s, cooling into the 50s after dark. Skies should be partly to mostly cloudy. While there is a slight chance of showers, the track surface is expected to remain Fast.
Track Bias Analysis
Delta Downs is a six-furlong bullring that statistically favors speed and inside post positions (1-4), particularly in 5-furlong dashes where the turn arrives quickly. In 6 1/2-furlong races, the backstretch start provides slightly more time to maneuver, but ground loss on the turns remains a significant disadvantage. For the mile races starting in the chute, securing position before the first turn is critical. Deep closers generally face a difficult task unless the pace is exceptionally fast.
Race 1 Analysis
Class: Maiden Special Weight (LA Bred) Distance: 6 1/2 Furlongs Pace: Moderate to Fast. Reaux Day and Mae’s Majesty show early foot and will likely contest the lead from the chute start. Key Contenders: Mae’s Majesty (5) is a dangerous runner for trainer Antonio Alberto with top rider Vicente Del-Cid aboard; aggressive riding should put her in a winning spot. Running Faith (7) has shown ability and the outside draw may help her avoid early traffic. Secondary Choices: Alizae (1) benefits from the rail draw but must break sharply to avoid being shuffled back. Longshots: Artic Sailor (6) faces a class test but could factor if the pace collapses.
Race 2 Analysis
Class: Claiming (Fillies) Distance: 5 Furlongs Pace: Fast. Ridearoundsalley and Double L’s Army are expected to send hard from the gate. Key Contenders: Double L’s Army (5) possesses the tactical speed to clear inside runners and control the race. Ridearoundsalley (1) has the ideal rail draw for this distance and is a threat to wire the field if she breaks clean. Secondary Choices: Miamante (3) finds a suitable class level here and will be running late if the leaders tire. Longshots: Kitten Gloves (7) has a difficult outside post but is piloted by Timothy Thornton, who can overcome such disadvantages.
Race 3 Analysis
Class: Maiden Claiming (LA Bred) Distance: 5 Furlongs Pace: Chaotic. A full field of 10 virtually guarantees a scramble for position, with Boston Moon and Go Hot Girl likely forwardly placed. Key Contenders: Boston Moon (4) gets veteran rider Thomas Pompell and should secure a good mid-pack stalking position. Dat Hint (1) draws the rail, a significant advantage in a large field to save ground. Secondary Choices: Dogwood Blessing (8) is a must-use contender based on the presence of jockey Vicente Del-Cid. Longshots: Go Hot Girl (3) has speed and could hold on for a share.
Race 4 Analysis
Class: Claiming (Fillies & Mares) Distance: 6 1/2 Furlongs Pace: Moderate. Clever Race and Goldzone are likely to control the tempo. Key Contenders: Clever Race (5) has the back class to handle this field and should get the first run on the leaders. Goldzone (9) is dangerous if she can clear from the outside post. Secondary Choices: Saberfight (7) is a steady grinder who often finds the placings. Longshots: Taken It (8) is a price play for connections looking for improvement.
Race 5 Analysis
Class: Maiden Claiming Distance: 5 Furlongs Pace: Erratic. Pakula and Markadee Mark are the primary speed threats. Key Contenders: Pakula (7) is the clear standout for trainer Jonathan Wong; the drop in class and aggressive jockey assignment signals intent. Markadee Mark (4) is the logical alternative who should inherit the lead if the top choice falters. Secondary Choices: Knight’s Valor (3) is a consistent check-earner. Longshots: Get the Boss (2) has an inside draw that could help him sneak into the lower rungs of the exotics.
Race 6 Analysis
Class: Claiming (LA Bred) Distance: 1 Mile Pace: Moderate. Positioning before the first turn is key; Miss St. Claire should push forward from the inside. Key Contenders: Miss St. Claire (1) has the coveted rail draw for a two-turn race, allowing her to save ground while others travel wide. Plum Wine (7) is a consistent closer who fits this class level well. Secondary Choices: Smart Izzy (4) has speed and could inherit a lone lead if the inside horse does not commit. Longshots: She’s a Bandit (5) may show improvement stretching out to the route distance.
Race 7 Analysis
Class: Allowance (Fillies) Distance: 5 Furlongs Pace: Very Fast. Echo Juliet and Final Shipman are both quick and will ensure a hot tempo. Key Contenders: Final Shipman (4) has shown the ability to rate slightly, which is an asset here. Echo Juliet (1) must send from the rail; if she clears, she is a major threat to win. Secondary Choices: Bella Blu Moon (3) will benefit if the top two engage in a destructive speed duel. Longshots: Sunnyday Lightning (7) will be looking to close from the outside.
Race 8 Analysis
Class: Allowance Distance: 1 Mile Pace: Strategic. Indian Cat and Big Drinker are the class of the field and will likely dictate the race. Key Contenders: Indian Cat (1) is the strongest contender on the card, combining the rail draw, trainer Tom Amoss, and jockey Vicente Del-Cid. Big Drinker (4) is a battle-tested runner for the Wong barn who poses the main danger. Secondary Choices: Numero Siete (8) is a consistent runner likely to come from off the pace. Longshots: Hegs (7) is worth a look at a price given the capable connections of Brett Brinkman.
Race 9 Analysis
Class: Claiming Distance: 5 Furlongs Pace: Fast/Contested. A full field with Longneck and Star Apriority showing speed suggests a rough trip for many. Key Contenders: Star Apriority (3) is a classy veteran who knows how to win at this level. Valid Deelite (5) is a consistent type fitting well at the bottom claiming level. Secondary Choices: Leisurely (2) becomes a contender with the move to the inside post and the addition of Vicente Del-Cid. Longshots: Love a Fighter (11) faces a massive obstacle with the far outside post but has a capable rider.
Jockey and Trainer Insights
Vicente Del-Cid remains the dominant rider to watch, especially when paired with top barns like Amoss or Wong. His aggressive style is perfectly suited for the bullring. Trainers to watch include Tom Amoss, who rarely enters horses here without winning intent, and Jonathan Wong, who excels with claimers. Brett Brinkman is a local powerhouse for allowance races.
