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Delta Downs is hosting a full card of nine races on Saturday, November 22, 2025, with a mix of maidens, claimers, and allowance races. The card features several races restricted to Louisiana-bred horses, as well as races with claiming prices ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. The conditions are varied, including sprints from 5 furlongs to a mile, with several races targeting young fillies and sprinters. The purse money for claimers is moderate, while the maiden special weight races offer solid purses for promising young horses. Louisiana-bred bonuses are included in some races, which may attract higher-quality entries.
There are no notable injuries or last-minute scratches outside of the published also-eligible list, but Artic Sailor is listed as a veterinarian scratch for the 3rd race. The racing secretary’s notes indicate that Chief Brady (Race 7) and Paynted Blue (Race 7) are also-eligible, but the field will likely be manageable for most races.
Weather and Track Conditions
Delta Downs is expecting partly cloudy skies with a chance of light rain in the afternoon. The track surface is dirt, prepared in the standard manner for Louisiana racing. Early morning reports indicate a quick, fast track, but the potential for rain could lead to a slightly off track by the later races. Handicappers are advised to monitor the weather alerts and track condition updates, as any rain could turn the surface into a deep, slowing track, favoring horses with late-running ability.
Historically, Delta Downs has shown a slight bias toward speed through the 5-furlong and 6 1/2-furlong sprints, but the mile races have been more balanced, with closers and stalkers able to rally if the early pace is intense. Post positions 1-2 are moderately favored in the sprints, but the race field sizes and pace dynamics will play a larger role in outcome.
Jockey Notes and Insights
- David Cohen: Consistently among the leading jockeys at Delta Downs, with a knack for riding speed horses and maintaining position. He is aboard several short listers and is a strong indicator of a win contender.
- Kevin Roman: Shows strong form with closers and will be in the mix on several races today. His ability to navigate traffic and save ground is a clear asset.
- Elio J. Barrera: Reliable in tight fields, often places his mounts in the best spot early. He is a solid choice on multiple races.
- Joel Dominguez: Known for his ability to ride tactical trips, especially in races with a wide field.
- Alexander Castillo: Rides for several leading trainers and is often on the speed horses in the early sprints.
- Carlos Lozada: A go-to rider for closers and has a high percentage of late surges.
Trainer Notes and Insights
- Allen Landry: Has a strong record with juveniles and Louisiana-bred horses. Runners are often well-prepared and ready to win.
- Sarah Martinez: Her stable produces a mixture of speed and stalkers, with a higher win percentage in maiden and early claimers.
- Scott Gelner: Known for training horses that like a soft track, and his runners often perform well in changing weather conditions.
- Raul Rangel: Specializes in claiming horses, often getting a good price and value from lower-tier races.
- Eric Ramaekers: Consistently prepares horses to run well in claiming races, especially those making a drop in class.
- Tim Dixon: Trainer of several leading contenders, with a knack for spotting value in allowance and maiden races.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Delta Downs offers several value plays, especially in the maiden races and claiming races with large fields. The early races have several horses with strong local support and proven class, making them strong win bets. Look for overlays in the claiming races, as horses with multiple starts who have run in better company are often overlooked. The allowance races are tightly contested, but the Louisiana-bred bonuses can attract horses with a higher baseline.
Focus on horses with recent workouts who are dropping in class or facing a softer field. The claimers that include horses with multiple starts and some recent form are good candidates for trifectas and exactas. Avoid overloading on the favorites in the maiden races, as upsets are common when the field is large and inexperienced.
Race Analysis
1st Race – Maiden Claiming
Post Time
4:45 PM
Pace Analysis
Expect a moderate pace, with several speed types in the field. The 5-furlong sprint could favor a pressured early pace, setting up a late rally.
Key Contenders
Prytania: Highly rated for her local pedigree and recent workout. Charge the Deal and Philly Kan are strong speed types with good form.
Secondary Choices
Stormy Lou and Southern Angel are solid fillies, but may need a bit further. My Vision and Kara Flash are proven sprints but face a tough field.
Longshots
Artic Sailor is out, but Ex Gonna, Belarsen, and Complete Wrap are deep at odds and could be live if the pace is fast.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Look for a pace duel between Prytania, Charge the Deal, and Philly Kan. Consider exactas and trifectas with these horses and a late closer.
Selections
Win: Prytania
Place: Charge the Deal
Show: Philly Kan
2nd Race – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time
5:15 PM
Pace Analysis
Likely a contested early pace, with several horses drawing speed. The 6 1/2 furlongs is a good distance for a duel, possibly favoring a late stalker.
Key Contenders
Fiftyshadesofnauti is the class leader, with a strong prep. Two Dollars and Wolf Man Jack are speedy and will be on the front.
Secondary Choices
Golden City Street and Bold Exchange have solid form and could sneak through on the turn.
Longshots
Weekendsandwhiskey and Collect Now are deep, but could be live if the pace is quick.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Key Fiftyshadesofnauti in the win, but consider a bomb with Weekendsandwhiskey or Collect Now in the trifecta.
Selections
Win: Fiftyshadesofnauti
Place: Two Dollars
Show: Wolf Man Jack
3rd Race – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time
5:43 PM
Pace Analysis
A mile with several early speed horses, but the field is small and the pace could be honest.
Key Contenders
Nate’s Focus and Bigfunonthebayou are strong locals, with recent fast times.
Secondary Choices
Ongoing Challenge and Ahooga are solid contenders, but may be vulnerable if the pace is too strong.
Longshots
Unlawful and Ohm Namo are deep at odds, but could be live at a price.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Keep a balanced bet on the top two, with a small play on the longshot.
Selections
Win: Nate’s Focus
Place: Bigfunonthebayou
Show: Ongoing Challenge
4th Race – Claiming
Post Time
6:11 PM
Pace Analysis
Likely a strong pace, with several speed types. The claiming price is low, setting up for a possible longshot.
Key Contenders
Cranky Sheila and Funtimegirl are strong local fillies with recent wins.
Secondary Choices
Piggy Tales Up and Fouralivia are proven in the class.
Longshots
Gap Daddy and Mydealoftheday offer value if the pace is fast.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Use a wheel with the favorites and a shot at the longshot.
Selections
Win: Cranky Sheila
Place: Funtimegirl
Show: Piggy Tales Up
5th Race – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time
6:39 PM
Pace Analysis
Moderate pace expected, with several speed types. Fillies tend to duel early, possibly favoring a late stalker.
Key Contenders
Echo Juliet and Classical Echo are strong locals with recent workouts.
Secondary Choices
Deever Encounter and Sunnyday Lightning have solid form.
Longshots
Shadow Dancer and Mae’s Majesty are deep, but could be live.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Key the favorites, but include a longshot for value.
Selections
Win: Echo Juliet
Place: Classical Echo
Show: Deever Encounter
6th Race – Claiming
Post Time
7:04 PM
Pace Analysis
Likely a pressured pace, with several speed types. The allowance is there for a fast pace, setting up for a late stalker.
Key Contenders
Lady Razorback and Girl From de Bayou are strong, with recent wins.
Secondary Choices
Call Sadie and Imperial Assault are solid in the class.
Longshots
Age of Reason and Miz Mastery offer value.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Key the favorites, with a shot at the longshots.
Selections
Win: Lady Razorback
Place: Girl From de Bayou
Show: Call Sadie
7th Race – Claiming
Post Time
7:32 PM
Pace Analysis
Likely a quick pace, with several speed horses. The claiming price is moderate, making it competitive.
Key Contenders
McLaren Vale and Classic Rick are strong locals.
Secondary Choices
Copter and Hi Yah have solid form.
Longshots
Lagoon and India Ink could be live if the pace is fast.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Keep a balanced bet, with a longshot play.
Selections
Win: McLaren Vale
Place: Classic Rick
Show: Copter
8th Race – Allowance
Post Time
8:00 PM
Pace Analysis
Likely a strong pace, with several early speed horses. The distance is suitable for a late stalker.
Key Contenders
Tripple D Ruller and Native Red are strong contenders.
Secondary Choices
Battalion Strike and Deal With It Daddy are solid local runners.
Longshots
Steel Argument and A Million Moons could be live at a price.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Key the favorites, with a longshot play.
Selections
Win: Tripple D Ruller
Place: Native Red
Show: Battalion Strike
9th Race – Claiming
Post Time
8:28 PM
Pace Analysis
Likely a quick pace, with several early speed horses. The claiming price is low, making it a value play.
Key Contenders
Black Cloud and Zoey’s Hippie are strong locals.
Secondary Choices
Leisurely and Girlie’s Max are solid.
Longshots
Daddy’s Gift and One More Sleep offer value.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Use a wheel with the favorites, with a shot at the longshots.
Selections
Win: Black Cloud
Place: Zoey’s Hippie
Show: Leisurely
