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Delta Downs presents an eight-race Wednesday daytime card on November 26, 2025, with a mix of low- to mid-level claiming, maiden claiming, an allowance route for fillies and mares, and the Jean Lafitte Stakes for 2-year-olds at 7.5 furlongs. The card is typical Delta: short sprints at 5 furlongs and 6.5 furlongs early, stretching out to two-turn 7.5 furlong and 1-mile events in mid-card, then back to a sharp 5-furlong Louisiana-bred claiming dash in the finale.

Delta is a tight bullring where early speed and tactical position are usually at a premium, especially at 5 furlongs and 6.5 furlongs. The 7.5 furlong two-turn races favor horses that can secure a forward position into the first turn without losing too much ground. Inside and speed are generally preferred, but Delta can occasionally play fair when the surface is deeper or the pace collapses.

The feature is Race 7, the 100,000 Jean Lafitte Stakes for 2-year-olds at 7.5 furlongs. It will test stamina and two-turn ability for lightly raced juveniles who mostly come out of sprints.

No significant news items or card-wide changes have been noted beyond routine scratch-watch history and prior also-eligible appearances for several horses on today’s card.

Weather and Track Conditions

Vinton, Louisiana (home of Delta Downs) is forecast to be clear to mostly sunny, with cool to mild temperatures typical for late November, light winds, and no major precipitation indicated for today. Conditions strongly suggest a fast main track with no moisture-related bias expected.

Given the forecast, the track should play on the quick side but not extremely hard. Expect standard Delta Downs tendencies: early speed holds well in sprints, and saving ground around the turns is important.

Track Bias and Post Position Notes

General Delta trends and recent profiles indicate:

At 5 furlongs dirt:
Inside posts 1–4 tend to do well, especially when combined with early speed. Speed and pace-pressers have a strong advantage; deep closers need a meltdown to get there.

At 6.5 furlongs dirt:
Forward horses who can clear or sit just off the lead are preferred. Middle posts are often fine. Inside can be an advantage if the rail is good, but getting position into the turn matters more than exact post.

At 7.5 furlongs (two turns) dirt:
Inside and tactical speed are at a premium. Wide trips from outside posts can be problematic if horses are forced to lose ground into both turns. Stalkers from inside and mid-gates with the ability to secure a spot by the first turn generally have the best win profile.

At 1 mile dirt:
Similar to 7.5 furlongs: inside or mid posts with tactical speed, able to sit in the first flight and save ground. One-run closers need honest or pressured pace to be fully effective.

Given today’s expected fast, dry surface, these typical biases should be in play. Plan race strategies accordingly.

1st Race – Delta Downs – Claiming – 5 furlongs dirt – LA-bred NW3L – 12:55 PM

Post Time

12:55 PM Central.

Pace Analysis

This is a 5 furlong sprint, and most of these are mid-level Louisiana-bred claimers with modest finishing ability. The emphasis will be on who can clear or secure the pocket by the turn.

Z Star from the rail figures to show some speed. Flashin Chip, Billy Bowlegs, Leaving Shadows, and Trippin On Beauty have all shown at least some early foot in prior races. American Guy and Baby’s Last Dance look more tactical. Given multiple pace players, expect an honest to slightly quick early pace, but not necessarily a suicidal duel. On a fast Delta strip, being in the first flight is still the right place to be.

Key Contenders

Z Star (1)
Three-year-old gelding with the rail draw and a weight break. For an LA-bred NW3L 5,000 claimer, the inside draw plus some natural speed is powerful at 5 furlongs. If he leaves cleanly, he can either go on with it or sit just off any outside speed. Rider Elvin Gonzalez is a capable, aggressive Delta pilot, and trainer Mark Hibdon generally places his horses realistically. This gelding’s prior races suggest enough tactical speed to hold the rail. On this track and at this level, he is a must-use.

Trippin On Beauty (7)
A 5-year-old gelding with more seasoning, dropping into a soft NW3L spot. Outside of key speed, he can track the pace and pounce. Jockey Vicente Del-Cid is one of the leading Delta riders and has excelled with tactical speed types at this meet. Trainer Antonio Alberto typically spots horses in realistic conditions. Trippin On Beauty has the right style to sit off dueling inside runners and make a winning run if the speed backs up even slightly.​

American Guy (4)
Lightly raced 3-year-old with some upside. Should have decent tactical speed from mid-gate under Julio Ramirez Jr. Trainer Patti Turner can get second- and third-level claimers moving forward with a bit of class relief. American Guy projects a comfortable trip on or just off the pace, not needing the lead but fast enough to avoid traffic issues.

Secondary Choices

Flashin Chip (2)
Five-year-old gelding with some early foot but often lacks finishing punch. The inside-plus-speed combo is dangerous but he sits outside the rail horse, potentially forced to apply pressure or take back. Trainer Isai Gonzalez has multiple live runners on the card, and this one can stick for a minor share if he avoids a duel.

Leaving Shadows (6)
Three-year-old with some sprint speed for Allen Landry. Landry often has his horses fit and ready in these lower-level Louisiana-bred claimers. With Jansen Melancon aboard, he may be a pace-pressing type who hangs around for a piece, especially if the rail or mid track is particularly kind to speed.

Longshots

Baby’s Last Dance (8)
Has been scratched by stewards and appeared on also-eligible lists in prior NW3L events, which is a negative pattern on reliability and form. From the far outside, with modest form, he looks like a reach on top but could pick up late pieces if the race collapses.

Billy Bowlegs (5) / Joseph H (3)
Both appear to be more grinder types at this level. They fit underneath in verticals if the main speed softens.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

At Delta in low-level LA-bred sprints, the rail and prominent riders are often over-bet, but here Z Star’s profile is legitimately strong. Trippin On Beauty offers the high-percentage rider and a good outside tactical draw. Play around those two, but look for value if the board pounds the rail.

Consider focusing win bets on the better price between Z Star and Trippin On Beauty. Use flashier speed horses like Flashin Chip and Leaving Shadows underneath, not on top unless odds are generous.

Selections

Win: 7 Trippin On Beauty
Place: 1 Z Star
Show: 4 American Guy

2nd Race – Delta Downs – Claiming – 6.5 furlongs dirt – F&M NW2L – 1:23 PM

Post Time

1:23 PM Central.

Pace Analysis

This 6.5 furlong NW2L for fillies and mares has several with early or pressing speed: Rush to Glory, Embrasser, Gold Miracle, Classy Mimi, Little Bit O Storm, and Take Her Away can all be forward. The pace should be honest to fast, which can bring mid-pack stalkers and stretch runners into the race if they avoid traffic. At 6.5 furlongs on this bullring, the first turn is key; outside speed that can clear or tuck has an edge.

Key Contenders

Rush to Glory (1)
The rail filly has positional speed and draws well for a 6.5 furlong trip. She can either send and control the inside or sit just off whoever insists on the lead. Jansen Melancon is a capable local rider, and trainer Randy Degeyter Jr. has had success with Delta claimers. She projects a ground-saving trip and figures strongly in a race where many of the others are still trying to figure out how to finish.

Gold Miracle (5)
Steady filly for trainer Joaquin Garza, ridden by Elvin Gonzalez. She should stalk mid-pack and advance turning for home. Her profile fits this level: she has enough tactical speed to stay in touch and enough stamina to sustain a run at 6.5 furlongs. With so much other speed in here, a mid-flight stalker like Gold Miracle is well positioned to capitalize.

Kancancutie (4)
Six-year-old mare with experience and decent claiming-level consistency. Jarred Journet fits these types well. She has tactical speed but does not require the lead. With a good break, she can sit fourth or fifth, saving ground and picking off tiring speed.

Secondary Choices

Classy Mimi (6)
Lightly weighted 3-year-old with some upside and early foot. The low weight and rider Vicente Del-Cid are positives; however, her prior scratches as also-eligible suggest connections have been trying to find the right spot. She may show speed and outrun her odds, but finishing the last sixteenth is the question.

Little Bit O Storm (7)
Three-year-old filly with speed and a good rider in Timothy Thornton. Jason Faul trainees often show early foot. Wide post could force her to either go hard to clear into the turn or risk being hung wide. Usable underneath, especially if the outside part of the track is playing well.

Good by Faith (8)
Previous scratch-watch notes include a steward scratch and also-eligible listings, indicating some inconsistency. Still, she can be a mid-pack type who benefits if the race melts down, but reliability is a concern.

Longshots

Take Her Away (12)
Tough outside draw at 6.5 furlongs at Delta. She must either send and risk being wide or tuck in and risk traffic. With her form and post, she looks more like an exotics reach.

A Wicked Number (9)
Has a prior steward scratch noted. Needs marked improvement to win but could be a deep trifecta or superfecta filler if the race falls apart.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

Expect an honest pace. This race sets up best for rail-saving trip types and mid-pack stalkers.

Key Rush to Glory and Gold Miracle on top in exactas and trifectas, with Kancancutie and Classy Mimi underneath. Look for any visible tote overlay among the top three.

Selections

Win: 1 Rush to Glory
Place: 5 Gold Miracle
Show: 4 Kancancutie

3rd Race – Delta Downs – Maiden Claiming – 5 furlongs dirt – LA-bred F&M – 1:51 PM

Post Time

1:51 PM Central.

Pace Analysis

This is a full field of maidens at 5 furlongs, which usually means chaos. Several lightly raced fillies are stretching out or dropping in class, and the pace is often fast by default because inexperienced horses overdo it early.

Speed is scattered: Ain’t Got a Clue, Uthinkicare, That’s the Deal, Pitchatizzy, Alyse Parker, and Boston Elle all show at least potential for early foot. Given the bullring and fast surface, being close to the front is still an edge, but breakdowns in the stretch are common at this level.

Key Contenders

Alyse Parker (8)
Three-year-old filly with good early speed potential. Trainer Ricky Courville is capable in the LA-bred maiden claiming ranks, and Carlos Perez is an aggressive rider. From post 8, she can break, sit just off the inside speed, and get first run turning for home. Given this is a claiming-level maiden spot, modest ability can be enough.

Lady Santa Maria (1)
Draws the rail with an experienced local barn. She figures to show enough speed to protect the inside and can either send or sit a pocket trip. On a 5 furlong fast Delta track, a sharp rail breaker often has a huge edge over green outside rivals. Her best route to victory is a clean break and a rail-skimming trip.

Ain’t Got a Clue (4)
Has decent tactical foot and a solid rider in Thomas Pompell. Trainer Anthony Arey places realistically at this level. From post 4, she can secure a good stalking spot behind dueling leaders and get a clean lane late. She feels like a reliable type to hit the board.

Secondary Choices

Boston Elle (12)
Has prior appearances as an also-eligible in higher-level maiden special company, indicating connections once had higher hopes. The wide post at 5 furlongs is not ideal, but the class drop to claiming can wake her up. She likely needs to break sharply and try to tuck in; if she does, her back class might show late.

Uthinkicare (5)
Has been on multiple also-eligible lists in other maiden claiming routes and sprints. The cutback to a 5 furlong sprint and the lower level can help. Needs a step forward, but her prior placement suggests the barn believes there is some ability.

That’s the Deal (6)
With Paulina Ramirez aboard, she projects to be forwardly placed. Trainer Viviane Hill does decent work in these conditions. She is a candidate to fade late but can stay on for a minor share.

Longshots

Pitchatizzy (7) / Bobby’s Girl (9) / Justforme (10)
These are not impossible, but all need clear improvement or trip luck to win. They can be added to deeper trifectas or supers in such a chaotic maiden race where improvement is often sudden and unpredictable.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

This is a good spot to avoid heavy win bets and instead spread in exotics because maiden claimers are volatile. The combination of rail, early speed, and class-drop horses suggests focusing on Lady Santa Maria, Alyse Parker, Ain’t Got a Clue, and Boston Elle.

Look to key one or two of them in exactas/trifectas while using several others underneath. If Boston Elle is overlooked on the tote due to outside draw, she may offer value.

Selections

Win: 8 Alyse Parker
Place: 1 Lady Santa Maria
Show: 4 Ain’t Got a Clue

4th Race – Delta Downs – Claiming – 7.5 furlongs dirt – F&M NW4L – 2:19 PM

Post Time

2:19 PM Central.

Pace Analysis

At 7.5 furlongs, this is a two-turn event for older fillies and mares. There is some early speed, but many of these are grinders who prefer to sit mid-pack and make one run. Rosy Edge, Crystal d’Oro, Beautiful Janet, and Dinahs Girl can be forward. Miss Target and Reaux Bina may sit just off the pace. The projected pace is moderate, not blazing, which generally favors tactical speed types who can sit second or third into the first turn.

Key Contenders

Rosy Edge (4)
Six-year-old mare with solid tactical speed and top local rider Vicente Del-Cid aboard. Trainer Antonio Alberto has done well at Delta with claiming-level mares. From post 4, she can secure a comfortable tracking trip behind whatever longshot wants the front. On a fast surface and at this distance, that combination of trip and rider is dangerous.

Beautiful Janet (6)
Four-year-old filly with some class and consistency for trainer Joaquin Garza, ridden by Elvin Gonzalez. She fits the NW4L level and should be sitting in the first flight. If the pace is not overly hot, she has enough stamina to grind out a win late. Her combination of mid-draw and tactical speed is a strong profile at 7.5 furlongs.

Miss Target (7)
Six-year-old with prior veterinarian scratch on the watch list, but when right, she has competitive figures and tactical pace. Trainer Abel Ramirez-Rodriguez and rider Timothy Thornton are capable at this meet. From post 7, she must avoid a wide trip, but if she can clear into the first turn and sit just off the leaders, she is a serious threat.

Secondary Choices

Reaux Bina (1)
Rail draw and enough speed to be forward early. Trainer Isai Gonzalez places well, and Kevin Roman can give her a rail-saving trip. The question is whether she finishes at 7.5 furlongs. She may be most dangerous underneath in exotics.

Dinahs Girl (8)
Three-year-old filly with some upside against older. She has previously been on an also-eligible list in similar conditions, indicating she belongs at this level. From post 8, she needs to break well and avoid losing too much ground around the first turn. A good trip makes her live for a share.

Beulah K (3) / Crystal d’Oro (5)
Both appear as honest claimers who grind away and can grab minor awards if the main players do not fire.

Longshots

Mo Dixie Diva (9)
Has the tough far-outside draw at two turns with a light apprentice. She would need a perfect trip, plus improvement, to win. Most useful in superfecta depth only.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

Two-turn Delta races reward trip handicapping. Here, favor mid-gate tactical types: Rosy Edge and Beautiful Janet, with Miss Target as the potentially underbet third player if the veterinarian scratch history scares some money away.

Key these three in exactas and trifectas, emphasizing inside runners like Reaux Bina underneath.

Selections

Win: 4 Rosy Edge
Place: 6 Beautiful Janet
Show: 7 Miss Target

5th Race – Delta Downs – Maiden Claiming – 6.5 furlongs dirt – 2:47 PM

Post Time

2:47 PM Central.

Pace Analysis

A large maiden field at 6.5 furlongs with many lightly raced or recurring maidens. Expect several to show speed in an attempt to secure early position. Eagle in the Air, Mr. Brad’s Cowboy, Markadee Mark, U Rascal U, Jamesy’s Empire, King Zog, Big Duck, and About the Business all have at least some speed potential. With so many possible pace types, the early fractions could be quick, but on this bullring, inside and tactical speed often still dominate.

Key Contenders

Mr. Brad’s Cowboy (2)
Three-year-old colt in the capable barn of Tony Richey, with Jansen Melancon riding. He benefits from a good inside draw, some natural speed, and the capacity to improve at this level. With a clean break, he can secure a stalking trip behind the fastest early speed and get first run on the deeper closers. That profile is highly effective at 6.5 furlongs here.

U Rascal U (5)
Four-year-old gelding with prior also-eligible appearances at this same maiden claiming level. This suggests he is well-spotted and has been waiting for a full run. Rider Vicente Del-Cid is a strong plus, and Ronnie Averett is capable in Louisiana maiden claimers. From post 5, he should get a good tactical position just off the pace. The combination of age, experience, and class relief makes him a major player.

King Zog (7)
Five-year-old maiden but now placed correctly in a 10,000 claiming spot. He has been on previous also-eligible lists, so his connections have been persistent. Rider David Cohen and trainer Jonathan Wong are a dangerous team, and this horse may finally catch the right field where his stamina and experience give him an edge over younger but weaker rivals.

Secondary Choices

Eagle in the Air (1)
Rail draw at 6.5 furlongs can be an asset if he breaks sharply. Jarred Journet is a good fit for this sort of horse. Prior also-eligible status in another 10,000 maiden claiming suggests he has at least shown enough to belong. If the rail is good, he may be a sneaky live piece.

Jamesy’s Empire (6)
Three-year-old with prior also-eligible notes in 10,000 maiden claimers. Julio Ramirez Jr. and Brett Brinkman can connect with a forwardly placed trip. From mid-gate, he should get a fair shot to be in the first flight. He is a usable contender, especially for exactas and trifectas.

Big Duck (9) / About the Business (11)
Both have mid- to outside posts but come from barns that can win at this level. They are more exotics players than prime win candidates but must be respected in deeper tickets.

Longshots

La Boucane (4), Easy Eddie A (8), Beaudreaux (10), Bradford (12)
These appear to need significant improvement or major pace collapses to win. They can fill deep superfecta slots but look like reaches for the top spot based on the information at hand.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

This is a good race to focus on mid-gate tactical types with strong local connections. U Rascal U and Mr. Brad’s Cowboy offer the right combination of rider, trainer, and placement. King Zog is the wild card older maiden who may be sharper than he looks on paper.

Consider win bets on U Rascal U if a decent price, use Mr. Brad’s Cowboy and King Zog heavily in exotics, and lean on Eagle in the Air and Jamesy’s Empire underneath.

Selections

Win: 5 U Rascal U
Place: 2 Mr. Brad’s Cowboy
Show: 7 King Zog

6th Race – Delta Downs – Allowance – 1 mile dirt – F&M – 3:15 PM

Post Time

3:15 PM Central.

Pace Analysis

A compact but competitive allowance mile for fillies and mares that have not won four races or two races since late May. At one mile, two turns on this bullring, positional speed and trip are critical.

Floating Beauty, Rusty’s Sunrise, and Legal Empress have speed. Blue Ridge Queen and Best Performer can sit mid-pack. Wonderrand and Max’s Redemption are capable stalker/closer types. The projected pace is honest, with several wanting position but no obvious need-the-lead burner. This scenario tends to favor tactical stalkers who can sit third or fourth and pounce.

Key Contenders

Floating Beauty (1)
Four-year-old filly with back class, including a prior Keeneland allowance effort against stronger company, and now placed in a softer Delta allowance. With Elvin Gonzalez aboard and the rail draw, she should secure an excellent ground-saving trip in the first flight. Trainer Lonnie Briley appears to have found a realistic spot after facing much tougher. If she brings even 80–90 percent of her Keeneland-level form, she is the one to beat.​

Best Performer (6)
Seasoned 5-year-old mare for Allen Landry, with Jansen Melancon up. Landry is a strong local trainer; his stock tends to run well routing on this surface. From post 6, Best Performer can stalk outside the speed and make a sustained run. She fits the “win 3–4 races, hold her form” allowance profile well.

Wonderrand (3)
Four-year-old filly from the Benard Chatters barn, with Julio Ramirez Jr. aboard. Chatters has demonstrated the ability to move horses up on the Delta dirt. Wonderrand may be a mid-pack closer who appreciates an honest mile. If the leaders hook up, she can roll late and is the major off-pace threat.

Secondary Choices

Rusty’s Sunrise (5)
Has tactical speed and is well placed by Isai Gonzalez. Joel Dominguez fits this kind of mare. She may be used as a pace presence and can hang on for a piece, but is more likely to fill exactas and trifectas than win unless the favorite underperforms.

Blue Ridge Queen (2)
Veteran 7-year-old mare routed at a high percentage at this level for Brent Toups. With Vicente Del-Cid aboard, she will likely sit mid-pack and try to make a steady run. She is an excellent candidate to grab a check and enhance exotic payouts.

Max’s Redemption (4) / Legal Empress (7)
Both are respectable, with enough tactical speed to be involved. They could slip into the trifecta if they work out ideal trips, but they seem a half-step below the top tier on paper.

Longshots

None are complete tosses in a seven-horse allowance field, but the strongest win profiles are clearly Floating Beauty, Best Performer, and Wonderrand.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

This is a race where the class drop and rail trip for Floating Beauty may lead to a short price. The value may lie in exactas and trifectas that lean on her heavily on top but require some price horses underneath.

Use Floating Beauty as the key on top, with Best Performer and Wonderrand second, and Rusty’s Sunrise, Blue Ridge Queen, and perhaps Legal Empress underneath in thirds.

Selections

Win: 1 Floating Beauty
Place: 6 Best Performer
Show: 3 Wonderrand

7th Race – Delta Downs – Jean Lafitte Stakes – 7.5 furlongs dirt – 2-year-olds – 3:42 PM

Post Time

3:42 PM Central.

Pace Analysis

The Jean Lafitte is a 100,000 stakes for 2-year-olds at 7.5 furlongs, a two-turn test that many of these will be tackling for the first time. Juvenile stakes like this often have sharp early pace from sprinters stretching out, combined with at least one or two more route-oriented colts.

Randemonium, Oscar’s Hope, Wayne’s Law, and Way Beyond project to be forward. Duke de Vere and Casa Cielo can stalk, while Missing Brian is more of a question mark, but with a light weight he may try to be forward as well. Expect a lively pace, but not necessarily suicidal, as several of these are trained by barns experienced at managing stretch-outs. On Delta’s bullring, that makes tactical stalkers extremely dangerous.

Key Contenders

Oscar’s Hope (2)
Two-year-old colt from the powerful Tom Amoss barn, ridden by Vicente Del-Cid. This combination is deadly at Delta: a high-percentage national-level trainer with a leading local rider on a promising juvenile. Oscar’s Hope likely exits competitive sprints or short routes at larger tracks, bringing strong speed figures and professionalism. From post 2, he should save ground and sit in a perfect stalking spot, ready to strike by the far turn.

Casa Cielo (7)
Two-year-old colt trained by Keith Desormeaux, with James Graham aboard. Desormeaux does very good work with developing route juveniles, and Graham is a strong rider at middle distances. From the outside post, Casa Cielo might be floated wide early, but if he can tuck in mid-pack and relax, his stamina should carry him strongly through the lane. The barn profile suggests he will improve going long.

Way Beyond (6)
Steven Asmussen trainee with Joel Dominguez riding. Asmussen is a top juvenile trainer who often uses Delta for progressive 2-year-olds. Way Beyond likely possesses both speed and route potential. From post 6, he can either press or stalk outside, giving him options. If the track favors outside stalkers at this point of the card, he becomes extremely live.

Wayne’s Law (5)
Hector Isaac Berrios and Amador Sanchez bring a colt who may have shown solid sprint form. Stretching to 7.5 furlongs, he must prove he can relax and carry his speed. If he can, he could be the one they all have to run down.

Secondary Choices

Randemonium (1)
Draws the rail with Benard Chatters and rider Edward Santiago. Rail in a 7.5 furlong juvenile stake can be a blessing or a curse: if he breaks sharply, he controls the inside; if not, he risks getting shuffled back. Given Chatters’s ability to have young horses ready early at Delta, he is a logical contender for a share.

Duke de Vere (3)
From the Brett Brinkman barn, with rider Thomas Pompell. This colt may be more of a grinding type, which could work nicely at this distance. If the leaders duel and a couple fade, Duke de Vere can pick up the pieces and hit the board at a square price.

Longshots

Missing Brian (4)
Carries the lightest weight with Carlos Perez up and trainer Dane Noel. He needs a significant step up to beat the top barns here, but his weight allowance might let him run better than expected. More of a superfecta or trifecta longshot than a win candidate.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

This is a prime race for focusing on trainer-jockey combos and route potential.

Oscar’s Hope is the likely favorite and the most straightforward key. Casa Cielo and Way Beyond look like the main upset candidates, with Duke de Vere the interesting longshot for underneath spots.

Consider exactas and trifectas built around Oscar’s Hope and Casa Cielo, with Way Beyond, Wayne’s Law, and Duke de Vere filling out exotics. If the board offers attractive odds on Casa Cielo or Way Beyond, consider backup win bets.

Selections

Win: 2 Oscar’s Hope
Place: 7 Casa Cielo
Show: 6 Way Beyond

8th Race – Delta Downs – Claiming – 5 furlongs dirt – LA-bred F&M NW2L – 4:11 PM

Post Time

4:11 PM Central.

Pace Analysis

A full field of Louisiana-bred fillies and mares at 5 furlongs, all non-winners of two. This should be one of the faster-paced races on the card. Golden Barcents, Insipid, T D Z Zodiac Queen, Secret Magic, Graceful Star, Tarkington Sunrise, and Neon Moonlight all have speed or potential speed.

The likely scenario is a very contentious early scramble to the turn. The track still tends to favor horses near the lead at 5 furlongs, but a meltdown is possible if several go too hard. Mid-flight tactical types who can sit two to four lengths off early will be very dangerous.

Key Contenders

Golden Barcents (1)
Three-year-old filly on the rail with Elvin Gonzalez aboard for Brett Brinkman. She has the ideal 5 furlong Delta profile: enough early foot to hold the rail and tactical ability to either go or sit. If she breaks sharply, she can dictate terms on the inside and is the most likely winner on paper. Brinkman has multiple live entries today, and this spot looks well-chosen.

Secret Magic (5)
Three-year-old filly with prior also-eligible action in a higher-level NW2L claiming spot, suggesting she fits the condition well. Trainer Thomas Lee and rider Carlos Perez form a realistic mid-level combination. She should be able to stalk from just off the leaders in a perfect attacking position. If the rail speed softens late, Secret Magic is a major beneficiary.

Tarkington Sunrise (9)
Three-year-old filly with speed and high-percentage rider Vicente Del-Cid. Trainer Juan Larrosa is competent at this level. Post 9 at 5 furlongs can be tricky, but if she breaks cleanly, she can press outside and avoid much of the inside traffic. On a fast Delta track, outside stalking speed is dangerous, especially with this rider.

Secondary Choices

Insipid (3)
Three-year-old for Joseph Foster with Alexander Castillo aboard. Foster’s runners are usually fit and ready in these claiming sprints. From post 3, Insipid can stalk the rail speed and get a clean inside-or-just-off-rail run. Good candidate to land in the exacta or trifecta.

Graceful Star (6)
Timothy Thornton rides for Hance Robbins Jr. This pair can strike with lightly raced or improving fillies. Graceful Star could be the type to sit just behind the speed and make a run late. She is a strong exotics player with some win upside if the favorites falter.

Neon Moonlight (10)
From trainer Isai Gonzalez with rider Kevin Roman, she draws outside and may need to use some speed to get position. She is a reasonable underneath contender given trainer strength and potential for improvement.

Longshots

Dose of Reality (2), T D Z Zodiac Queen (4), Roberts Revenge (7), Country Angel (8), Diamond Country (11)
This group needs either a major pace collapse or a sudden step forward. They are best viewed as deep exotics options. Diamond Country, with an apprentice aboard and the far outside post, might pick up pieces late if the leaders duel themselves into exhaustion.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

This race offers multiple strong connections, which might spread the money and create value.

Golden Barcents is the key rail speed. Secret Magic and Tarkington Sunrise are the main alternatives. Include Insipid and Graceful Star prominently underneath.

Consider a win bet on whichever of Golden Barcents, Secret Magic, or Tarkington Sunrise offers the best overlay odds. Use all three in the top slots of exactas and trifectas, with Insipid, Graceful Star, and Neon Moonlight underneath.

Selections

Win: 1 Golden Barcents
Place: 5 Secret Magic
Show: 9 Tarkington Sunrise

Jockey Notes and Insights

At the current Delta Downs Thoroughbred meet, several riders clearly stand out.​

Vicente Del-Cid
Leading jockey at the meet by wins and earnings; highly effective on both speed and tactical stalkers. He rides multiple key mounts today: Trippin On Beauty, Classy Mimi, Rosy Edge, U Rascal U, Blue Ridge Queen, Oscar’s Hope, Tarkington Sunrise. His presence significantly upgrades any mount, and his ability to read the early pace and secure inside or pressing position on this bullring is a major asset.

Timothy Thornton
High-percentage local rider experienced at Delta and other Louisiana circuits. He rides Little Bit O Storm, Miss Target, Legal Empress, Graceful Star. Thornton is particularly good at nursing speed and keeping horses in the race even when pace is demanding.

Elvin Gonzalez
A strong local journeyman who consistently gets live mounts. Today he rides Z Star, Gold Miracle, Beautiful Janet, Big Duck, Floating Beauty, Golden Barcents. He has the key rail in multiple races and is well suited for aggressive early tactics.

Jansen Melancon
A reliable Louisiana rider who does well in both sprints and routes. He rides Leaving Shadows, Rush to Glory, Dinahs Girl, Mr. Brad’s Cowboy, Best Performer, Country Angel. He tends to give honest, ground-saving rides and is often a value play vs. the highest-profile names.

Julio Ramirez Jr.
Capable rider who appears on several important mounts, notably American Guy, Marlin Darlin, Jamesy’s Empire, Wonderrand, Miss Target. He fits mid-pack grinders and route types well and can be trusted to time a late run when the pace is honest.

Carlos Perez and Kevin Roman
Both are useful riders who often get mounts for respected barns such as Thomas Lee, Juan Larrosa, Joaquin Garza, and Isai Gonzalez. They should not be discounted, especially when their mounts figure to sit ideal stalking trips.

Overall, betting strategies today should give extra credit to mounts ridden by Del-Cid, Thornton, and Gonzalez, especially when they are on horses with tactical speed and good posts.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Several trainers on today’s card are noteworthy for strong Delta or Louisiana records.

Isai Gonzalez
Appears with multiple live runners: Flashin Chip, Embrasser, Reaux Bina, Rusty’s Sunrise, Neon Moonlight, Bradford. His barn is reliable in claiming and allowance conditions, and his horses are usually well-spotted. Look to upgrade his starters in fields lacking obvious standouts.

Allen Landry
Trains Leaving Shadows and Best Performer. Landry has a long-established presence at Delta, especially with Louisiana-breds in sprints and routes. His horses tend to be fit and capable of running to their form, particularly in allowance routes.

Benard Chatters
Trains Wonderrand and Randemonium and has featured prominently in Delta coverage of promising runners. His juveniles and allowance horses often outrun their odds, and his stock frequently improves with experience and distance.​

Brett Brinkman
Has Jamesy’s Empire, Beaudreaux, Duke de Vere, Golden Barcents. Brinkman is a solid horseman with a good feel for Delta’s configuration. His horses generally offer value, and he places them where they can win.

Ronnie Averett
Trainer of U Rascal U, a key maiden in Race 5. Averett’s barn can be dangerous with horses dropping to the right level after prior also-eligible attempts; this pattern often signals readiness.

Tom Amoss and Steve Asmussen
Both are nationally recognized high-percentage trainers and bring Oscar’s Hope and Way Beyond, respectively, to the Jean Lafitte. Their juveniles are usually very well prepared for route stakes, and their participation elevates the overall quality of Race 7. Their runners rarely show up in these spots without intent.

Joaquin Garza, Antonio Alberto, Hance Robbins Jr., Thomas Lee, Juan Larrosa
These conditioners are all capable of striking at Delta with properly placed horses. Attention to their rider choices and class placements often reveals value plays, especially in mid-card claiming races.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

With eight races and several competitive fields, structuring tickets around a few key opinions will be important.

Key singles or primary win keys
Race 1: Trippin On Beauty (7) and Z Star (1) as primary win keys; favor Trippin On Beauty if an overlay vs the rail favorite.
Race 6: Floating Beauty (1) looks like the strongest win favorite on the card given class drop and rail trip.
Race 8: Golden Barcents (1) is a strong candidate to control the inside and win at 5 furlongs.

Strong multi-race sequences
The mid-card (Races 4–6) offers a reasonable structure for pick 3 or daily double wagers:

Race 4: Use Rosy Edge (4), Beautiful Janet (6), Miss Target (7).
Race 5: Spread among U Rascal U (5), Mr. Brad’s Cowboy (2), King Zog (7), Eagle in the Air (1), Jamesy’s Empire (6).
Race 6: Key Floating Beauty (1), with small backups using Best Performer (6) and Wonderrand (3).

In the late pick 3 (Races 6–8):

Race 6: Single Floating Beauty (1) if comfortable with the risk.
Race 7: Use Oscar’s Hope (2), Casa Cielo (7), Way Beyond (6), with Duke de Vere (3) as a price backup.
Race 8: Use Golden Barcents (1), Secret Magic (5), Tarkington Sunrise (9), with Insipid (3) and Graceful Star (6) underneath for verticals.

Vertical exotics angles
Race 3 and Race 5 are volatile maiden events. The primary strategy is to key logical favorites and spreads underneath.

Race 3: Key Alyse Parker (8) and Lady Santa Maria (1) in exactas and trifectas, using Ain’t Got a Clue (4), Boston Elle (12), Uthinkicare (5) underneath.
Race 5: Emphasize U Rascal U (5), Mr. Brad’s Cowboy (2), and King Zog (7) on top, while including Eagle in the Air (1) and Jamesy’s Empire (6) for price enhancement.

Stakes value in Race 7
If the public heavily supports Oscar’s Hope, there could be value on Casa Cielo and Way Beyond, both of whom have excellent trainer profiles for stretching out juveniles in stakes. Consider small win bets on either at overlays and build exactas such as:

Oscar’s Hope / Casa Cielo, Way Beyond, Duke de Vere
Casa Cielo, Way Beyond / Oscar’s Hope / Duke de Vere

Overall, today’s card rewards a focus on tactical speed and inside trips on a likely fast, fair Delta surface, with special emphasis on top local riders Vicente Del-Cid, Timothy Thornton, Elvin Gonzalez, and trainers who regularly win at this meet.