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Delta Downs presents a competitive nine-race thoroughbred card on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The program features a solid mix of maiden claiming events, allowance races, and claiming sprints at various distances. First post is scheduled for 4:45 PM CST, with the final race set for 8:28 PM CST. The card highlights include a Louisiana-bred allowance at one mile in Race 8 and a pair of allowance races for two-year-olds in Races 2 and 3.
The scratch watch indicates potential scratches in several races, including About the Business and One Deal in Race 1, Kokomo Starlet in Race 4, He’s Therealdeal and Money Drop in Race 5, Global Stage and Steauxlit in Race 7, King’s Lute in Race 8, and multiple scratches possible in Race 9 including Eagle Point, Flame Rock Fire, Gone Elvis, Our Pact, and Stable Agent. Players should verify the official entries before wagering.
Weather and Track Conditions
Weather conditions for Vinton, Louisiana on Saturday call for partly cloudy skies with a high near 69°F and a low around 53°F. No significant precipitation is expected, which should provide optimal racing conditions. The track surface is anticipated to be fast based on recent conditions. Winds will be light from the north at 4-10 mph, presenting no significant concerns for racing.
The dirt surface at Delta Downs has been playing true to form throughout the current meet, favoring speed and inside posts at sprint distances. At 5 furlongs on the dirt, 39% of winners have been wire-to-wire types during the current meet, with early speed being the dominant factor. At 6.5 furlongs, the wire-to-wire percentage drops to approximately 22%, with pressing types finding more success.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Delta Downs is a tight bullring configuration where early speed and tactical positioning are usually at a premium. The track features a relatively short stretch run that historically favors frontrunners, particularly during the early portion of the racing season.
At 5 furlongs on dirt, inside posts 1-4 tend to do well, especially when combined with early speed. Deep closers often struggle unless the pace completely collapses. Speed and pace-pressers have a strong advantage at this distance.
At 6.5 furlongs and 7 furlongs, forward horses who can clear or sit just off the lead are preferred. Middle posts often perform adequately, but getting position into the first turn matters more than exact post. Wide trips from outside posts can be problematic as horses are forced to lose ground into the turns.
At one mile with two turns, inside posts are preferred to save ground into the first turn. Tactical speed that can clear the field before the first turn is optimal, and stalkers from inside and mid-gates with the ability to secure a spot by the first turn generally have the best win profile.
Race 1 – Maiden Claiming $10,000
Post Time: 4:45 PM CST
5 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $16,500. For Maidens, Three Years Old and Upward. Eight Entries.
Pace Analysis
This 5-furlong dash features several runners with early foot. One Deal from the rail could press for position, while About the Business has tactical speed. Expect a moderate to honest pace with multiple runners vying for early position. Given the track bias favoring speed at this distance, horses breaking from inside posts with early tactical speed have a distinct advantage.
Key Contenders
Motel Patel (4) enters as the likely favorite with strong recent form and figures that are superior to this field. Trained by Kent Knudsen and ridden by Timothy Thornton, this three-year-old gelding draws well from post 4 and should be able to secure a favorable position early. Thornton leads the Delta Downs jockey standings and this combination has been potent at the meet.
About the Business (2) shows tactical speed and fits the profile of a pressing type that can sit just off the pace. Breaking from post 2 gives this runner a positional advantage. However, this horse is on the scratch watch, so confirmation of entry is essential.
Secondary Choices
One Deal (1) has the rail draw which is advantageous at 5 furlongs. If this runner can break cleanly and establish position along the inside, the track bias could carry this horse further than the morning line suggests. Note that One Deal is also on the scratch watch for trainer reasons.
Longneck (6) offers some value from the middle of the gate and has shown enough in recent works to warrant inclusion in exotic wagers.
Longshots
Wildcats Meow (8) at 8-1 morning line represents a deep closer profile that typically struggles at Delta Downs sprints unless the pace completely collapses. Use cautiously underneath in exactas and trifectas.
Legendary Dream (7) is an older horse who has had limited opportunities but could find this level manageable if pace scenarios develop favorably.
Selections
Win: Motel Patel (4)
Place: About the Business (2)
Show: One Deal (1)
Race 2 – Allowance
Post Time: 5:15 PM CST
5 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $36,000. For Two Year Olds Which Have Never Won Two Races. Seven Entries.
Pace Analysis
This allowance sprint for juveniles should produce an honest pace with Front Runnin showing early speed and Take the Hint capable of pressing. The race sets up for a speed duel that could benefit horses with tactical versatility. The short field of seven runners reduces traffic concerns.
Key Contenders
Front Runnin (3) trained by Chasey Deville Pomier is the clear speed of the race and projects to control the pace from the break. The filly has shown professional early speed in her races and draws well from post 3 where she can establish position immediately. Pomier has developed into a consistent conditioner at Delta Downs.
Take the Hint (6) represents trainer Samuel Breaux, who recently eclipsed 2,000 career wins. Ridden by Vicente Del-Cid, who recently tied a track record with six wins on a single program, this combination is dangerous at any price. Take the Hint has tactical speed and can sit off the pace and pounce.
Secondary Choices
Imma Deal (4) trained by Ronnie Ward and ridden by Elvin Gonzalez shows competitive form and fits this level. Could benefit if the top two engage in a pace battle.
Bourbon Or Wine (7) represents the Samuel Breaux barn and adds depth to this competitive allowance event. Same trainer with Take the Hint could indicate where the stable’s confidence lies.
Longshots
Toogoodtosell (5) at 6-1 has shown glimpses of ability and could find this spot manageable with a pace meltdown scenario.
It’s Notmyproblem (1) is lightly regarded but the rail draw at 5 furlongs gives this runner a fighting chance if breaks cleanly.
Selections
Win: Front Runnin (3)
Place: Take the Hint (6)
Show: Imma Deal (4)
Race 3 – Maiden Claiming $10,000 (Louisiana Bred Fillies)
Post Time: 5:43 PM CST
6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $18,000. For Accredited Louisiana Bred Maidens, Fillies Two Years Old. Ten Entries.
Pace Analysis
A full field of maiden Louisiana-bred fillies at 6.5 furlongs typically produces chaotic pace scenarios. Several lightly raced fillies are stretching out or dropping in class. Speed is scattered throughout the field, and the emphasis at this distance shifts slightly toward horses that can press and sustain their runs into the stretch.
Key Contenders
One Sweet Deal (7) trained by Nicholas Latour emerges as the class of this field based on recent works and overall form. Latour has been a consistent presence at Delta Downs for years and knows how to spot his horses effectively. From post 7, this filly should have no trouble securing a stalking position.
It’s Just Simple (3) trained by Joseph Foster represents a barn that has historically performed well at Louisiana circuits. Foster has a track record of developing young horses and the inside draw is advantageous at this distance.
Secondary Choices
Married for Money (10) trained by Ronnie Ward has shown enough in morning workouts to suggest readiness. The outside draw is concerning at 6.5 furlongs, but if pace is fast enough, this filly could close effectively.
R T’s Cajun Star (8) with jockey Casey Fusilier represents a local connection that merits respect.
Longshots
Divine Warrior (6) with Junior Inirio has tactical speed from a manageable post position and could outrun morning line expectations.
Coach’s Memory (4) at 12-1 represents trainer Edith Mojica and could benefit from the inside draw if showing any early foot.
Selections
Win: One Sweet Deal (7)
Place: It’s Just Simple (3)
Show: Married for Money (10)
Race 4 – Maiden Claiming $10,000 (Fillies and Mares)
Post Time: 6:11 PM CST
5 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $16,500. For Maidens, Fillies and Mares Three Years Old and Upward. Eight Entries.
Pace Analysis
This 5-furlong sprint for older maiden fillies and mares features a competitive group with mixed running styles. The pace could be moderate with no clear front-runner, which favors horses with tactical speed who can secure position early without burning too much energy.
Key Contenders
Kokomo Starlet (3) trained by Richard Jackson is the likely favorite if she draws in (currently on scratch watch for trainer reasons). The mare has shown consistent form and fits this level comfortably. The inside draw is advantageous, and Joel Dominguez in the irons provides top local jockey talent.
Papiringa (8) trained by Rosa Ramirez has been working consistently and represents a barn that develops horses patiently. The filly has shown enough speed to be competitive at this level and Julio Ramirez Jr. is a capable rider.
Secondary Choices
Fly Ty (2) trained by Sam David Jr. draws well from post 2 and has tactical speed. Chris Rosier in the irons knows this track well.
Midnight Cigarette (6) at 7-1 offers value if able to secure a good trip. The middle post is manageable for this running style.
Longshots
Magical Deal (1) with the rail draw and Elio Barrera aboard could steal this race if able to break cleanly and establish position along the fence.
Micheline Gail (7) at 12-1 represents trainer Chad Ladner and could outrun expectations with a favorable pace scenario.
Selections
Win: Kokomo Starlet (3)
Place: Papiringa (8)
Show: Fly Ty (2)
Race 5 – Maiden Claiming $10,000 (Louisiana Bred)
Post Time: 6:39 PM CST
6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $18,000. For Accredited Louisiana Bred Maidens, Two Years Old. Nine Entries.
Pace Analysis
This Louisiana-bred maiden event at 6.5 furlongs features a field with varied running styles. Parole Drama from the rail could press for position, while Dirty Deal has shown tactical speed. The projected pace is moderate, which should favor horses that can establish early position without being pressed.
Key Contenders
Dirty Deal (8) trained by Carrol Castille emerges as the top selection based on recent form and figures. With Timothy Thornton in the irons, this runner has the tactical speed to sit just off the pace and pounce turning for home. The post draw is manageable if the jockey can angle in early.
Parole Drama (1) trained by Chasey Deville Pomier has the rail draw, which is significant at 6.5 furlongs. With Vicente Del-Cid aboard, this runner should be able to secure early position and save ground throughout. Pomier has been developing into a top local conditioner.
Secondary Choices
Running Production (5) at 5-1 offers value with apprentice Kelvin Arana taking off weight. Trainer Roy Roberts has experience at this level.
Zip Around (9) trained by Henry B. Johnson Jr. with Thomas Pompell aboard has shown enough in works to warrant consideration. The outside draw is concerning but could work if pace is honest.
Longshots
Money Drop (7) at 7-1 is on the scratch watch for gate issues but if entered, could surprise with a good gate break. Note this horse’s scratch history before wagering.
Charismatic Sailor (4) at 10-1 for trainer Isai Gonzalez represents a barn that has found success at Delta Downs and could outrun expectations.
Selections
Win: Dirty Deal (8)
Place: Parole Drama (1)
Show: Running Production (5)
Race 6 – Claiming $5,000 (Louisiana Bred)
Post Time: 7:04 PM CST
6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $14,000. For Accredited Louisiana Bred Three Year Olds and Upward Which Have Never Won Three Races. Nine Entries.
Pace Analysis
A Louisiana-bred claimer at 6.5 furlongs typically produces competitive pace scenarios. Hard Kings from post 5 should have tactical speed, while Country Deals can stalk the pace. Expect an honest early pace that could set up for horses with closing ability.
Key Contenders
Hard Kings (5) trained by Shelton Zenon Sr. and ridden by Vicente Del-Cid is the speed of the field and draws well from post 5. On a track that favors early speed, this runner should be able to control the pace and hold off late-running types. Del-Cid has been riding exceptionally well this meet.
Country Deals (8) trained by Juan Larrosa with Joel Dominguez aboard represents solid connections. Dominguez recently achieved his 1,000th career win at Delta Downs and has been riding consistently well. This horse has tactical speed and can sit off the pace.
Secondary Choices
Heza Sexy Zong (6) trained by Joseph Foster at 4-1 has experience at this level and fits the profile of a stalking type that could benefit from pace duels.
Xanthus Wrath (2) at 5-1 with the inside draw offers value. Trainer Donald Melancon has experience at Delta Downs.
Longshots
Crigler (7) at 9-1 with apprentice Javier Antonio Hernandez taking off weight could surprise. Trainer Cesar Govea has been competitive at this meet.
Alines Valentine (9) at 11-1 trained by Shane Meche with Jansen Melancon aboard could outrun expectations with a favorable trip.
Selections
Win: Hard Kings (5)
Place: Country Deals (8)
Show: Heza Sexy Zong (6)
Race 7 – Claiming $4,000
Post Time: 7:32 PM CST
5 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $11,500. For Three Year Olds and Upward Which Have Not Won a Race Since May 29, 2025. Eleven Entries.
Pace Analysis
This large field of layoff runners at 5 furlongs should produce a chaotic pace scenario. Multiple horses have shown early speed including Lode of Blarney from the rail. The projected pace is moderate to honest, which typically favors tactical speed types at this bullring configuration.
Key Contenders
Speightful One (6) trained by Julio Ramirez with Carlos Perez aboard is the likely favorite based on recent form and class. The horse fits this condition well and the middle post should allow for a clean trip to the first turn. Consistent form makes this the logical top choice.
Alterana (3) trained by Juan Larrosa draws well from post 3 and has tactical speed. Juan Vargas in the irons is a capable pilot who knows how to save ground at Delta Downs.
Secondary Choices
Holy Bayou (4) at 5-1 offers value from a favorable post position. Casey Fusilier aboard and trainer Carl Woodley represent solid local connections.
Steauxlit (10) at 4-1 is on the scratch watch for veterinarian reasons. If cleared to run, this horse has class advantages but the wide post is concerning at 5 furlongs.
Longshots
Lode of Blarney (1) at 5-1 has the rail draw and some early speed. If able to control the pace, the track bias could carry this runner further than expected.
Wild Bert (7) at 7-1 represents an experienced horse who could find this layoff condition spot manageable.
Selections
Win: Speightful One (6)
Place: Alterana (3)
Show: Holy Bayou (4)
Race 8 – Allowance (Louisiana Bred)
Post Time: 8:00 PM CST
1 Mile Dirt. Purse $44,000. For Accredited Louisiana Bred Three Year Olds and Upward Which Have Never Won Two Races. Six Entries.
Pace Analysis
This two-turn allowance at one mile features a compact but quality field. Same Play is the speed of the race and should control the early pace. Poppa Magic can press, while King’s Lute prefers to stalk. The projected pace is honest, which should favor tactical stalkers who can secure position by the first turn. Note that King’s Lute is on the scratch watch.
Key Contenders
Same Play (3) trained by Jerry Delhomme with Timothy Thornton aboard is the controlling speed in this field. The Delhomme barn has been exceptional this meet, highlighted by the dominant performance of Touchuponastar in the Delta Mile Stakes. Thornton and Delhomme have won three consecutive Louisiana Premier Night Championships together, and this combination is deadly in route races.
King’s Lute (5) trained by Carl Woodley with Vicente Del-Cid aboard offers a different running style as a deeper closer. However, this horse is on the scratch watch for trainer reasons. If entered, the outside post at one mile is manageable and Del-Cid’s recent form has been exceptional.
Secondary Choices
Sarah’s Runner (1) trained by Alan Klanfer has the rail draw, which is valuable at one mile. This runner has shown consistent hitting the board and could benefit from a stalking trip along the fence.
Silent Ruler (6) at 5-1 is coming off a maiden-breaking effort and fits this allowance level. Trainer David Gomez and jockey Jonuelle Pena represent solid connections.
Longshots
Poppa Magic (4) at 6-1 trained by Samuel Breaux just returned from layoff and is making his first start since being reported as a gelding. Elio Barrera aboard could press the pace and hold on for a share.
Deacon Jones (2) at 10-1 with apprentice Javier Antonio Hernandez offers value at a price.
Selections
Win: Same Play (3)
Place: King’s Lute (5)
Show: Sarah’s Runner (1)
Race 9 – Claiming $5,000
Post Time: 8:28 PM CST
5 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $13,500. For Three Year Olds and Upward Which Have Never Won Two Races. Eleven Entries.
Pace Analysis
The finale is a large field sprint with multiple scratch possibilities. Glacial Power has class and tactical speed, while Echo Down could press for position. The pace projects to be honest with several runners showing early foot, which could set up for horses with sustained speed.
Key Contenders
Glacial Power (2) trained by Jose Camejo with Joel Dominguez aboard represents the class of this field based on lifetime earnings and experience at higher levels. The horse has raced at Churchill Downs and Keeneland, giving significant class advantages over this group. The inside draw is favorable for 5-furlong sprints.
Echo Down (10) at 5-2 trained by Allen Landry with Jansen Melancon aboard represents the leading trainer from last season. Landry won his first ever training title at Delta Downs in 2024-25 and continues to produce winners. This horse is making his first start since being reported as a gelding.
Secondary Choices
Flame Rock Fire (8) at 6-1 trained by Jose Camejo (same as Glacial Power) offers a stablemate option that could benefit from any pace scenario favoring closers. Note this horse is on the scratch watch.
Eagle Point (1) at 6-1 has the rail draw which is advantageous. The horse is on the scratch watch as also-eligible.
Longshots
Gone Elvis (4) at 8-1 offers value if pace scenario develops favorably. Also on the scratch watch as also-eligible.
Superhero (3) at 10-1 with Jarred Journet aboard could surprise at this level if finding a good trip.
Selections
Win: Glacial Power (2)
Place: Echo Down (10)
Show: Flame Rock Fire (8)
Jockey Notes and Insights
Timothy Thornton has established himself as the dominant rider at Delta Downs, having won five leading rider titles at the track. In the 2024-25 season, Thornton achieved 85 victories from 352 mounts for a 24% win rate and placed in the top three in 55% of his rides. He topped the earnings chart among jockeys at $1,996,075. Thornton holds the Delta Downs record for highest mount earnings in a single season at $2,894,080 during the 2018-19 campaign.
Vicente Del-Cid has been riding exceptionally well this meet, recently tying a track record with six winners on a single program. Del-Cid won back-to-back leading rider titles in 2022-23 and 2023-24 before finishing second to Thornton last season. He finished the 2024-25 campaign with 69 wins and remains a high-percentage rider to respect in any spot.
Joel Dominguez achieved his 1,000th career win at Delta Downs this season, cementing his status as a reliable jockey at the Louisiana track. He finished fifth in last season’s standings with 46 wins and continues to ride consistently for top barns including Joseph Foster and Juan Munoz Cano.
Elio Barrera finished third in the 2024-25 standings with 55 wins and continues to be a reliable option, particularly in claiming races. Jansen Melancon, who is riding for leading trainer Allen Landry, finished the season with 29 wins and has shown improvement during the current meet.
Apprentice riders Javier Antonio Hernandez and Kelvin Arana offer weight advantages that can be significant in claiming events. Both riders have shown competence at lower levels and merit consideration when their mounts are well-spotted.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Allen Landry captured his first ever leading trainer title at Delta Downs in 2024-25, finishing with 45 wins from 172 starts for a 26% win rate. His horses finished in the money 56% of the time, generating $1,165,920 in earnings. Landry recently reached his 1,000th career win and continues to produce winners at a high clip this meet.
Jeff Delhomme has emerged as one of the elite trainers on the Louisiana circuit, primarily through the performances of Touchuponastar. The barn won the Delta Mile Stakes by 10 lengths with a time just 0.05 seconds off the track record. The Delhomme family operation, which includes retired NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme, focuses mainly on Louisiana-bred horses and has found considerable success.
Samuel Breaux recently eclipsed 2,000 career wins, a testament to his longevity and consistency. His career statistics include over 13,000 starts with 2,000 wins, 1,893 seconds, and 1,666 thirds for earnings exceeding $36 million. Breaux has multiple runners today and merits respect in any spot.
Joseph Foster has a long track record of success on Louisiana circuits and continues to develop young horses effectively. His operation is well-respected at Delta Downs and Louisiana Downs.
Chasey Deville Pomier has developed into a consistent conditioner at Delta Downs, recently celebrating her 100th career win. She specializes in breaking, pinhooking, and developing young horses, making her barn particularly dangerous in maiden and two-year-old events.
Kent Knudsen, who previously served as assistant trainer for Robertino Diodoro, has established his own operation and continues to find success at Delta Downs with horses suited to the track’s configuration.
Isai Gonzalez has built a consistent operation between Delta Downs and Fonner Park, recently eclipsing 600 career wins. His partnership with jockey Kevin Roman has been particularly productive, and Gonzalez pays attention to details that separate good trainers from great ones.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The Delta Downs track bias strongly favors early speed and inside posts at sprint distances, particularly at 5 furlongs where 39% of winners have been wire-to-wire types. This creates wagering opportunities when identifying lone speed horses from inside posts, which should be treated as automatic includes in horizontal wagers.
The best value play on the card appears in Race 8, where Same Play with Timothy Thornton offers a controlling speed profile from the Delhomme barn that has been exceptional with route horses. This race shapes up as a pace scenario where the speed horse can dictate terms and hold off closers in the stretch.
Horizontal wagers should focus on keying likely winners in Races 1, 2, 4, and 8 while spreading in more chaotic races like Races 3, 5, 7, and 9. The Pick 4 beginning with Race 6 offers an attractive sequence with identifiable contenders.
In Race 2, the allowance for two-year-olds, Front Runnin projects as a controlling speed type that fits the track profile perfectly. This filly should be a key in early Pick 4 and Pick 3 sequences.
The combination of Timothy Thornton and Vicente Del-Cid accounts for a significant percentage of wins at Delta Downs. When these riders are on well-spotted horses, they deserve serious consideration regardless of morning line odds. Today, Thornton has strong mounts in Races 1 (Motel Patel), 5 (Dirty Deal), and 8 (Same Play), while Del-Cid has good chances in Races 2 (Take the Hint), 5 (Parole Drama), and 6 (Hard Kings).
Value can be found in Race 6 by keying Country Deals underneath Hard Kings in exactas and trifectas. The Joel Dominguez and Juan Larrosa combination has been consistent at this level.
For vertical wagers, Race 3 offers an opportunity to build trifecta and superfecta tickets around the top three selections while including longshots underneath for larger payoffs. The maiden Louisiana-bred filly race typically produces unpredictable results.
