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Delta Downs presents an eight-race card on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, featuring a mix of maiden claiming, claiming, and allowance races across the dirt surface. The card includes Louisiana-bred races with enhanced purses from the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association State Breeding Fund. Post time for the first race is 4:45 PM Central Time, with the finale scheduled for 8:00 PM.
The card features competitive claiming action at various levels, highlighted by Race 5, a Louisiana-bred allowance sprint at five furlongs with a purse of $44,000. Race 3 offers a Louisiana-bred maiden special weight at one mile with a $43,000 purse, providing enhanced opportunities for state-bred runners. The evening concludes with a pair of maiden claiming events at the $5,000 level.
Several horses appear on the scratch watch list, including Chahta Citizen in Race 1, multiple entries in Race 2, and Top Notch Protocol and Zong’s Favor in Race 3. Home Visit in Race 4 and several entries in Races 7 and 8 are also listed as potential scratches, which could significantly impact race dynamics and betting strategies.
Weather and Track Conditions
Delta Downs typically maintains a consistent dirt surface during the fall racing season. The track is located in Vinton, Louisiana, and November conditions generally feature mild temperatures with occasional rain systems moving through the region. Bettors should monitor track condition announcements leading up to post time, as the surface can vary from fast to muddy depending on recent precipitation.
The main track at Delta Downs is a one-mile oval with relatively tight turns, which can favor speed horses that break alertly and establish position early. The five-furlong chute provides a straight run into the clubhouse turn, while the six and one-half furlong distance requires horses to navigate one turn. The one-mile and one mile and one-sixteenth distances test stamina and tactical speed.
Race 1 – Maiden Claiming
Post Time: 4:45 PM
Race 1 is a maiden claiming event at six and one-half furlongs for three-year-olds and upward with a $5,000 claiming price. The field of nine includes several horses making multiple attempts to break their maidens, with Pyromania and Flame Rock Fire drawing the most attention from handicapping algorithms.
Pace Analysis
The race should feature moderate early pace with multiple horses capable of showing speed from the gate. Flame Rock Fire has demonstrated early speed in past efforts, and the presence of multiple first-time starters and lightly raced horses adds uncertainty to the pace scenario. The six and one-half furlong distance should allow a stalker with a closing kick to be effective if the early pace becomes contentious.
Key Contenders
Pyromania enters as the algorithmic favorite with an expected value of 1.0 and morning line odds of 2-1. Trained by J. Keith Desormeaux and ridden by Timothy Thornton, this three-year-old gelding represents a powerful barn with strong credentials at Delta Downs. The connections suggest this runner has been properly placed to break through in this spot.
Flame Rock Fire is the secondary choice with an expected value of 1.7 and morning line odds of 3.50-1. This four-year-old gelding trained by Jose M. Camejo and ridden by Alexander Castillo brings experience to the race and has shown competitive speed figures in recent outings. The extra year of maturity could prove beneficial against younger rivals.
Secondary Choices
Breaucode merits consideration as a potential upset candidate for trainer Juan A. Larrosa. The three-year-old gelding with Vicente Del-Cid aboard represents a competent barn and could improve with the addition of blinkers or equipment changes. Watch for any last-minute jockey or equipment adjustments that might signal trainer confidence.
Captain Dakota is listed as an also-eligible but could factor if drawing into the main body of the race. Jansen Melancon takes the mount for trainer Jesse Sauceda, and the gelding shows workouts that suggest readiness for a forward move.
Longshots
Bradford represents potential value at a square price for older maiden claiming runners. The five-year-old gelding trained by Isai V. Gonzalez and ridden by Joel Dominguez brings seasoning to the contest and could benefit if the pace collapses. Maiden races often produce surprising results when experience meets opportunity.
Fierce Cat and Midnight Streak are live longshots that could factor in the exotics. Both three-year-old geldings have shown flashes of ability in previous starts and represent barns capable of finding the winning combination at this level.
Selections
Win: Pyromania
Place: Flame Rock Fire
Show: Breaucode
Race 2 – Claiming
Post Time: 5:15 PM
Race 2 features a claiming event at one mile and one-sixteenth for three-year-olds and upward that have never won four races. The claiming price is $5,000 with Louisiana-bred options available at $7,500. The field of ten includes several seasoned veterans capable of rating kindly over the distance.
Pace Analysis
The extended distance should produce a more measured early pace, allowing horses with tactical speed and stamina to work out ideal trips. Multiple horses in the field have demonstrated the ability to rate off the pace and finish strongly in the stretch. The longer distance rewards horses that can conserve energy early and produce a sustained rally.
Key Contenders
Confucius emerges as the top selection with an expected value of 1.0 and morning line odds of 3-1. The five-year-old gelding trained by Juan Munoz Cano and ridden by Joel Dominguez has experience at the distance and should appreciate the extra ground. The gelding carries 120 pounds with weight allowances factored into the conditions.
Special Stormy represents a strong secondary option with an expected value of 1.5 and morning line odds of 4-1. Trained by Benard Chatters and ridden by Julio Ramirez Jr., this four-year-old gelding has shown the ability to rate kindly and finish with determination in the final furlong.
Secondary Choices
Lo Lo’s Laughter for trainer Cardel Cormier brings seasoning and experience to the table. The six-year-old gelding with Elio J. Barrera aboard has competed against similar competition and could benefit from a ground-saving trip on the rail. Older geldings often find their best form when properly placed at realistic levels.
River Raft and Insignis round out the logical contenders in a competitive heat. Both five-year-old geldings have demonstrated consistency at this level and represent trainers with strong records in claiming races. Insignis appears on the also-eligible list and may not draw into the main body of the field.
Longshots
Tap to Connect represents value for trainer Cesar Govea at morning line odds that suggest a live price. The four-year-old gelding carries just 115 pounds with apprentice weight allowances and could benefit from the lighter impost over the demanding distance. Route races often produce unexpected results when pace and weight combine favorably.
Malibu Brad and Barbacoa are additional longshots that merit exotic consideration. Both horses have shown flashes of ability and represent competent connections capable of extracting career-best efforts.
Selections
Win: Confucius
Place: Special Stormy
Show: Lo Lo’s Laughter
Race 3 – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time: 5:43 PM
Race 3 offers a Louisiana-bred maiden special weight at one mile with an enhanced purse of $43,000. The race is restricted to accredited Louisiana-breds that have not started for less than $20,000 in their last three starts. The field of nine represents higher-quality state-bred maidens.
Pace Analysis
The one-mile distance should produce honest fractions with several horses capable of showing tactical speed from the gate. The longer distance rewards horses with pedigrees suggesting route potential and the ability to sustain effort through the final quarter-mile. Stalkers positioned within striking distance entering the stretch should have opportunities to rally.
Key Contenders
McZ tops the algorithmic rankings with an expected value of 1.0 and morning line odds of 2-1. The three-year-old colt trained by Allen Landry and ridden by Jansen Melancon represents a powerful combination at Delta Downs. The Melancon-Landry partnership consistently produces winners, and their confidence in this runner is notable given the competitive field.
Top Notch Protocol serves as the secondary choice with an expected value of 1.4 and morning line odds of 3-1. Trained by Patrick Devereux Jr. and ridden by Vicente Del-Cid, this three-year-old gelding appears on the scratch watch but should provide strong competition if entering the starting gate. The connections suggest this runner possesses the class to compete at this level.
Secondary Choices
Deelitesandimsum merits respect for trainer Henry Ray Dunn. The three-year-old gelding with Juan P. Vargas in the saddle has shown steady improvement and could benefit from a ground-saving trip on the inside post. Louisiana-bred maiden races often produce competitive finishes with multiple horses capable of winning.
Zong’s Favor appears on the veterinary scratch list but represents a seasoned five-year-old gelding that could factor if cleared to run. The additional year of maturity provides an advantage against younger rivals still learning their trade.
Longshots
Nathan Henry and Closing Agent represent value propositions at square prices. Both three-year-old geldings have shown competitive speed figures and represent trainers capable of producing winning efforts at realistic odds. Maiden special weight races often produce upsets when improving runners face established contenders.
Silent Ruler could provide exotic value with Jonuelle Pena taking a five-pound apprentice allowance. The reduced weight could prove beneficial over the demanding one-mile distance.
Selections
Win: McZ
Place: Top Notch Protocol
Show: Deelitesandimsum
Race 4 – Claiming
Post Time: 6:11 PM
Race 4 features a Louisiana-bred claiming sprint at six and one-half furlongs with a purse of $25,000. The claiming price is set at $7,500 for accredited state-breds three years old and upward. The field of eleven provides competitive depth with multiple horses capable of winning.
Pace Analysis
The sprint distance should produce honest early fractions with several horses possessing tactical speed. The six and one-half furlong trip requires horses to establish position early while retaining enough energy for a sustained drive through the stretch. Horses positioned within three lengths of the leader at the quarter pole should have realistic winning chances.
Key Contenders
Doctor Leo emerges as the top selection with an expected value of 1.0 and morning line odds of 2.50-1. The seven-year-old gelding trained by Jonathan Wong and ridden by Isaac Castillo brings extensive experience at this level. Older geldings competing at realistic claiming prices often produce consistent efforts when properly placed.
Home Visit represents the secondary choice with an expected value of 1.6 and morning line odds of 3.50-1. Trained by David Terre and ridden by Timothy Thornton, this six-year-old gelding appears on the veterinary scratch list but should provide strong competition if cleared to run. The Thornton-Terre combination has produced multiple winners at the meet.
Secondary Choices
Like This merits consideration for trainer Patti Turner. The five-year-old gelding carrying top weight of 124 pounds has demonstrated consistency at this level and should appreciate the sprint distance. The extra weight suggests racing office respect for past performances and current form.
San Juan Hill and Courtman round out the logical contenders in a competitive sprint. Both geldings have shown the ability to run competitive speed figures and represent trainers with strong records in Louisiana-bred claiming races.
Longshots
El Deal Me Aces provides value at morning line odds of 10-1. The five-year-old gelding trained by Jonathan Wong represents a barn capable of producing upsets at generous prices. Sprint races often produce surprising results when pace dynamics favor closers.
Wild Bert and Fast Verdict are additional longshots meriting exotic consideration. The veteran geldings bring seasoning to the contest and could benefit if the pace becomes contentious. Eleven-horse fields provide opportunities for closers to navigate traffic and produce late rallies.
Selections
Win: Doctor Leo
Place: Home Visit
Show: Like This
Race 5 – Allowance
Post Time: 6:39 PM
Race 5 offers a Louisiana-bred allowance sprint at five furlongs with a purse of $44,000. The race is restricted to state-breds that have never won a race other than maiden, claiming, waiver claiming, starter, or trial, or have never won two races. The field of seven represents quality Louisiana-bred sprinters.
Pace Analysis
The five-furlong distance produces rapid early fractions with little margin for error. Horses must break alertly and establish position within the first quarter-mile to have realistic winning chances. The abbreviated distance rewards natural speed and quick acceleration from the starting gate. Horses that stumble at the start or break slowly face nearly insurmountable disadvantages.
Key Contenders
Gabe’s Possum commands attention as the algorithmic favorite with an expected value of 1.0 and morning line odds of 1.80-1. The three-year-old gelding trained by Allen Landry and ridden by Jansen Melancon represents the dominant combination at the meet. The Melancon-Landry partnership excels in Louisiana-bred allowance sprints, and this runner appears ideally suited to the conditions.
Ocean Jackpot serves as the secondary choice with an expected value of 1.7 and morning line odds of 3-1. Trained by Ronnie Averett and ridden by Vicente Del-Cid, this four-year-old gelding brings experience and tactical speed to the contest. The extra year of seasoning provides an advantage in competitive allowance company.
Secondary Choices
Royal Hope merits respect as a three-year-old gelding for trainer Henry B. Johnson Jr. With Juan P. Vargas in the saddle and carrying 118 pounds, this runner has shown steady improvement and could benefit from the reduced weight. Young horses often make significant improvement with each start in allowance company.
Flashy Boy represents a proven commodity for trainer Albin Bonin Jr. The five-year-old gelding with Casey Fusilier aboard brings consistency to the race and should appreciate the sprint distance.
Longshots
Tripple D Ruller could provide value for trainer Brent Toups. The five-year-old gelding with Thomas L. Pompell riding represents a barn capable of producing competitive efforts at realistic odds. Five-furlong sprints often produce upsets when horses break cleanly and establish favorable position.
Running Bayou and Anacreon are additional longshots that could factor in the exotics. Both three-year-old geldings carry reduced weight and represent trainers with strong records in Louisiana-bred races.
Selections
Win: Gabe’s Possum
Place: Ocean Jackpot
Show: Royal Hope
Race 6 – Claiming
Post Time: 7:04 PM
Race 6 features a claiming sprint at six and one-half furlongs for three-year-olds and upward that have never won three races. The claiming price is $5,000 with Louisiana-bred options at $7,500. The field of eleven provides competitive depth with multiple horses seeking their third career victory.
Pace Analysis
The sprint distance should produce competitive early fractions with several horses capable of establishing the lead. Horses positioned within striking distance at the quarter pole should have realistic winning chances if they can sustain their rally through the final furlong. The large field creates potential traffic issues that could benefit horses with clean trips along the rail or in the clear outside.
Key Contenders
Strong Prospect emerges as the top selection with an expected value of 1.0 and morning line odds of 3-1. The four-year-old gelding trained by Samuel Breaux and ridden by Vicente Del-Cid has demonstrated consistency at this level. The Del-Cid-Breaux combination has produced multiple winners at the meet and represents a confident connection.
Ice Again serves as the secondary choice with an expected value of 1.6 and morning line odds of 4-1. Trained by Bonnie Birzer and ridden by Elvin Gonzalez, this four-year-old gelding carries top weight of 124 pounds, suggesting racing office respect for recent form. The extra weight could prove challenging but indicates competitive ability.
Secondary Choices
My Dad’s Guitar merits consideration for trainer Edith A. Mojica. The four-year-old gelding with Alexander Castillo aboard has shown steady improvement and should appreciate the sprint distance. Four-year-old claiming horses often find their best form when properly placed against appropriate competition.
Tiz Marks Spirit and Temple City Run round out the logical contenders. Both horses have demonstrated the ability to produce competitive speed figures and represent trainers with strong records in claiming sprints.
Longshots
Summertime Peppers represents value for trainer Edith A. Mojica at competitive morning line odds. The four-year-old gelding with Elio J. Barrera aboard carries reduced weight and could benefit from the lighter impost in a competitive sprint.
Aller Vite and Mr Ramirez are additional longshots that merit exotic consideration. Both four-year-old colts bring developing ability and represent trainers capable of producing upsets at generous prices. Eleven-horse fields create opportunities for closers with clean trips.
Selections
Win: Strong Prospect
Place: Ice Again
Show: My Dad’s Guitar
Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Post Time: 7:32 PM
Race 7 offers an allowance optional claiming sprint at five furlongs for fillies and mares three years old and upward. The purse is $37,000 with a claiming option at $15,000. The field of eight represents competitive female sprinters.
Pace Analysis
The abbreviated five-furlong distance produces rapid early fractions with Beautiful Mischief expected to show as the fastest early leader. Our Keepsake also possesses tactical speed and should press the pace from the break. The race should produce honest fractions that could set up closers with late kicks. Multiple horses demonstrate the ability to lead or press the pace, creating potential for a contentious early battle.
Key Contenders
Our Keepsake commands attention as the algorithmic favorite with an expected value of 1.0 and morning line odds of 2.50-1. The four-year-old filly trained by Allen Landry and ridden by Jansen Melancon represents the dominant trainer-jockey combination at the meet. The Melancon-Landry partnership excels in allowance sprints, and this runner demonstrates the tactical speed necessary to win at this level.
Beautiful Mischief serves as the secondary choice with an expected value of 1.7 and morning line odds of 3.50-1. Trained by Brett A. Brinkman and ridden by Thomas L. Pompell, this four-year-old filly possesses natural early speed and should establish position from the break. The fast leader profile suggests she will dictate terms on the front end.
Secondary Choices
She Has It All merits respect for trainer Keith G. Bourgeois. The five-year-old mare with Carlos Perez aboard carries just 112 pounds with apprentice weight allowances and appears on the also-eligible list. If drawing into the main body of the race, the reduced weight could prove beneficial over the sprint distance. The mare demonstrates the ability to press the pace and maintain her rally.
Sophistry represents a potential threat for trainer Sam Wilensky. The three-year-old filly appears on the veterinary scratch list but should provide competitive speed figures if cleared to run. Youth and developing ability make her a dangerous opponent against older mares.
Longshots
Pot’s Paycheck provides exotic value for trainer Ronnie P. Ward. The five-year-old mare with Juan P. Vargas aboard demonstrates the ability to rate off the pace and produce late rallies. Mares that can conserve energy early often produce surprising results when the pace becomes contentious.
Save the Queen and Ourpeppermintcandy are additional longshots meriting consideration. Both mares bring experience and tactical speed that could prove useful in a competitive sprint. Five-furlong races often produce upsets when pace dynamics favor patient riders.
Selections
Win: Our Keepsake
Place: Beautiful Mischief
Show: She Has It All
Race 8 – Maiden Claiming
Post Time: 8:00 PM
Race 8 closes the card with a maiden claiming sprint at six and one-half furlongs for three-year-olds and upward with a $5,000 claiming price. The field of nine includes several horses making multiple attempts to break their maidens.
Pace Analysis
The race should produce moderate early fractions with several horses capable of showing speed from the gate. Maiden claiming races often feature inconsistent pace scenarios as inexperienced runners learn to rate and conserve energy. Horses with tactical speed and the ability to position within striking distance should have realistic winning chances.
Key Contenders
Unshakeable Proof emerges as the overwhelming algorithmic favorite with an expected value of 1.0 and morning line odds of 1.60-1. The three-year-old gelding trained by Jonathan Wong and ridden by Edwin Gonzalez represents a barn with strong credentials in maiden claiming races. The gelding carries top weight of 122 pounds, suggesting racing office respect for ability.
Puckster serves as the secondary choice with an expected value of 2.0 and morning line odds of 4-1. Trained by Isai V. Gonzalez and ridden by Kevin Roman, this four-year-old gelding brings experience and maturity to the contest. Older geldings often break through in maiden claiming company when properly placed against appropriate competition.
Secondary Choices
Righthoofleftright merits consideration for trainer Ronnie Averett. The three-year-old colt with Vicente Del-Cid aboard represents a competent barn and could improve with added distance or equipment changes. Watch for any last-minute adjustments that might signal trainer confidence.
Quikonthetrigger and Whatdidwedo both appear on the also-eligible list and could factor if drawing into the main body of the race. Both represent trainers capable of producing winning efforts at this level.
Longshots
Our Bodie represents value for trainer Cardel Cormier. The three-year-old gelding with Elio J. Barrera riding carries reduced weight and could benefit from the lighter impost in a competitive maiden sprint. Maiden races often produce surprising results when improving runners face established contenders.
El Lagarto and Yakety Yock are additional longshots that could factor in the exotics. Both three-year-old colts bring developing ability and represent barns capable of finding the winning combination at realistic claiming prices.
Selections
Win: Unshakeable Proof
Place: Puckster
Show: Righthoofleftright
Jockey Notes and Insights
Jansen Melancon represents the leading rider at the current Delta Downs meet and takes mounts in five races on the card. His partnership with trainer Allen Landry produces consistent winners, particularly in Louisiana-bred allowance races. Melancon rides McZ in Race 3, Gabe’s Possum in Race 5, and Our Keepsake in Race 7, representing the strongest combination of jockey skill and trainer confidence.
Vicente Del-Cid takes seven mounts on the card and demonstrates versatility across multiple race types. The veteran rider excels in sprint races and shows strong ability to rate horses off the pace and produce late rallies. Del-Cid rides Breaucode in Race 1, Top Notch Protocol in Race 3, Courtman in Race 4, Ocean Jackpot in Race 5, Strong Prospect in Race 6, Lovelyredstilettos in Race 7, and Righthoofleftright in Race 8.
Carlos Perez utilizes apprentice weight allowances effectively and takes five mounts on the card. The young rider shows strong ability in claiming races and provides value through reduced weight assignments. Perez rides Tap to Connect in Race 2, Silent Ruler in Race 3, Anacreon in Race 4, Sono in Race 4, She Has It All in Race 7, and Whatdidwedo in Race 8.
Thomas L. Pompell demonstrates consistency in allowance and claiming races with four mounts on the card. The veteran rider excels at rating horses and producing late rallies in competitive sprints. Juan P. Vargas takes four mounts and shows strong ability in Louisiana-bred races, particularly in allowance company.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Allen Landry represents the leading trainer at the current Delta Downs meet with three entries on the card. The Landry barn excels in Louisiana-bred allowance races and consistently produces winners when properly placed. Landry trains McZ in Race 3, Gabe’s Possum in Race 5, and Our Keepsake in Race 7, representing the strongest entries on the card.
Jonathan Wong trains three horses on the card and demonstrates particular strength in maiden and claiming races. The Wong barn shows strong ability to place horses at realistic levels and produce winning efforts. Wong trains El Deal Me Aces and Doctor Leo in Race 4, and Unshakeable Proof in Race 8.
Edith A. Mojica trains three horses on the card and shows versatility across multiple race types. The Mojica barn excels in Louisiana-bred claiming races and consistently produces competitive efforts. Mojica trains San Juan Hill in Race 4, My Dad’s Guitar in Race 6, and Summertime Peppers in Race 6.
Ronnie Averett trains three horses on the card including Midnight Streak in Race 1, Ocean Jackpot in Race 5, and Righthoofleftright in Race 8. The Averett barn shows strong ability in maiden and allowance races.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The strongest single-race wagers appear in Race 5 with Gabe’s Possum representing the top selection of the card. The Melancon-Landry combination in Louisiana-bred allowance sprints produces consistent results, and this runner appears ideally suited to the five-furlong distance. Consider win and exacta wagers keying Gabe’s Possum over Ocean Jackpot and Royal Hope.
Race 3 offers value in the exacta and trifecta pools with McZ representing strong early value. The Louisiana-bred maiden special weight should produce competitive action, and the combination of McZ, Top Notch Protocol, and Deelitesandimsum provides solid coverage in vertical wagers. Consider boxing these three horses in exacta and trifecta combinations.
Multi-race horizontal wagers should focus on chalk in Races 5 and 8 while spreading in competitive claiming races. Consider Pick 3 wagers beginning in Race 4 using Doctor Leo as a single with multiple horses in Races 5 and 6. The Pick 4 covering Races 5 through 8 offers value by singling Gabe’s Possum in Race 5 and Unshakeable Proof in Race 8 while spreading in Races 6 and 7.
The Late Pick 4 covering Races 5 through 8 represents the strongest horizontal wager of the card. Use Gabe’s Possum and Ocean Jackpot in Race 5, spread four or five horses in Race 6, key Our Keepsake and Beautiful Mischief in Race 7, and single Unshakeable Proof in Race 8. This structure provides coverage while focusing on the strongest contenders.
Exacta boxes in competitive claiming races provide value opportunities. Race 2 offers value boxing Confucius, Special Stormy, and Lo Lo’s Laughter. Race 4 provides opportunities boxing Doctor Leo, Home Visit, and Like This. Race 6 offers value boxing Strong Prospect, Ice Again, and My Dad’s Guitar. These combinations provide coverage while maintaining reasonable costs.
Daily double wagers connecting Races 1 and 2 offer value by keying Pyromania over Confucius and Special Stormy. The double connecting Races 3 and 4 provides opportunities by boxing McZ and Top Notch Protocol with Doctor Leo and Home Visit. Consider these combinations for players seeking higher payouts with manageable risk.
