Delta Downs – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News, Analysis, Expert Picks, and AI Predictions for November 7, 2025

Get more in-depth analysis for all races and enjoy many other membership perks with a Pick Pony subscription!

Don’t forget Pick Pony’s Expert Picks, AI Picks, and Past Performance Sheets/Racing Forms!

The Pick Pony Handicapper’s Report is published daily and provides analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.

Delta Downs hosts a competitive nine-race card on Friday, November 7, 2025, featuring claiming contests, maiden races, and starter allowance events. The Louisiana track will showcase primarily state-bred competition with purses ranging from entry-level maiden claimers to mid-level allowance conditions, offering bettors multiple opportunities to find value throughout the afternoon and evening races.

Weather and Track Conditions

Current weather conditions at Delta Downs show fair skies with temperatures around 68 degrees Fahrenheit and 91 percent humidity, with light rain possible later in the evening at approximately 71 degrees. The dirt track is listed as fast with scheduled first post at 4:45 PM Central Time. The track surface consists of sand from the Sabine River mixed with clay and limestone, creating conditions that historically favor frontrunners with approximately 45 percent of sprint winners going wire-to-wire. The clear weather conditions through early evening should enhance the speed-favoring bias, particularly benefiting horses with tactical speed and favorable gate positions.​

Race 1: Maiden Claiming 5 Furlongs

This 12-horse maiden claiming sprint for three-year-olds and up at the $10,000 level features a wide-open field with multiple first-time starters. The five-furlong distance at Delta Downs strongly favors early speed, making gate position and tactical pace critical factors.​

U Rascal U from post three represents the Ronnie Averett barn and brings race experience to this competitive field. The four-year-old gelding has shown ability to contest pace early, which is essential at this distance. Vicente Del-Cid takes the mount, and the leading jockey’s 27 percent win rate from 131 starts this meet makes any mount competitive.​

Custom Spark exits the Joseph Foster barn with Joel Dominguez riding from post four. The three-year-old draws favorable positioning just outside the rail with a seasoned rider. Dominguez shows solid recent statistics and should position this one effectively in the early stages.​

Severus Squall from post five represents Lee Thomas and brings Carlos Lozada aboard. The four-year-old gelding carries 121 pounds and could benefit from tracking early speed before closing late. This tactical approach may suit the pace scenario if multiple horses contest the lead.​

King Zog from post 11 is a five-year-old gelding making another attempt to break his maiden. The outside post presents challenges in a sprint, but Isaac Castillo’s experience could help secure decent position. The gelding will need to show improved early speed to be competitive.​

The pace analysis suggests multiple horses will show early speed, including U Rascal U, Custom Spark, and potentially Eagle in the Air from the rail if not scratched. This setup could create opportunities for horses with tactical speed positioned mid-pack.​

Selections: U Rascal U, Custom Spark, Severus Squall

Race 2: Starter Allowance 7 Furlongs

This seven-furlong starter allowance for fillies and mares three-year-olds and up who have started for $5,000 or less features eight runners. The one-mile distance requires sustained ability rather than pure early speed.​

Madison Rae from post four represents the Jonathan Wong stable with Isaac Castillo aboard. Wong ranks among the leading trainers at the current meet with eight wins from 31 starts, posting an impressive 26 percent win rate. The four-year-old filly carries full weight at 122 pounds and should secure favorable positioning from the middle of the pack.​

Disposition exits the same Wong barn from post five with Jose Nava-Marin riding. The four-year-old filly benefits from the two-pound weight allowance and tactical positioning just outside her stablemate. Wong firing two entries suggests confidence in the stable form.​

Usain d’Oro from the rail with Vicente Del-Cid presents value at longer odds. The five-year-old mare benefits from Del-Cid’s hot hand and gets a five-pound weight break at 117 pounds. The rail post at seven furlongs requires good early positioning, which Del-Cid excels at securing.​

Longleggedlaverne brings veteran status as an eight-year-old mare from post six. Timothy Thornton takes the mount for Abel Ramirez-Rodriguez. Thornton shows nine wins from 65 mounts this meet, indicating solid current form.​

The pace should develop moderately with Madison Rae and Disposition both possessing tactical speed. Usain d’Oro will need to secure good early position from the rail, while Longleggedlaverne typically runs a ground-saving trip.​

Selections: Madison Rae, Disposition, Usain d’Oro

Race 3: Maiden Special Weight 5 Furlongs

This Louisiana-bred maiden special weight for two-year-olds at five furlongs carries a $43,000 purse including breeder awards. The juvenile sprint should showcase promising state-bred prospects.​

Respectheconnect from post two represents Carrol Castille with Timothy Thornton riding. The two-year-old colt carries full weight and draws an advantageous inside post for the sprint distance. Thornton’s current form makes him dangerous in any juvenile race.​

F J’s Mayhem exits the Chad Maturin barn from post three with Juan Vargas aboard. The two-year-old gelding benefits from mid-pack positioning and represents a trainer with solid credentials at Delta Downs. The inside draw helps tactical positioning.​

Dynamite Tonight represents Samuel Breaux from post four with Elio Barrera riding. Breaux ranks among the leading trainers with seven wins from 29 starts this meet, showing 24 percent winning percentage. The trainer’s success with juveniles makes this colt dangerous.​

First Flame from post five brings W. Bret Calhoun training credentials with C.J. McMahon aboard. The two-year-old colt represents solid connections and draws favorably for securing good early position in the sprint.​

Pineapple Willy exits the Allen Landry barn from post six with Jansen Melancon riding. Melancon shows 12 percent win rate from 131 starts this meet with strong 41 percent in-the-money percentage. The trainer-jockey combination warrants respect in juvenile races.​

The pace analysis suggests multiple colts will show early speed in this maiden sprint, with Respectheconnect, F J’s Mayhem, and Dynamite Tonight all likely to contest the early lead. This scenario could set up well for colts with tactical speed.​

Selections: Respectheconnect, Dynamite Tonight, Pineapple Willy

Race 4: Louisiana-Bred Claiming 5 Furlongs

This Louisiana-bred claiming sprint for three-year-olds and up at the $5,000 level features horses that have never won three races. The nine-horse field includes multiple horses with recent form.​

Trippin On Beauty from post four represents Antonio Alberto with Vicente Del-Cid aboard. The five-year-old gelding carries top weight at 124 pounds but benefits from Del-Cid’s exceptional current form with 27 percent win rate. The combination of leading rider and favorable post position makes this gelding formidable.​

Joseph H from the rail represents Russell Giangrosso with Johan Rengifo riding. The four-year-old gelding gets a four-pound weight break at 120 pounds and draws the rail, which can prove advantageous in five-furlong sprints when securing good early position.​

Shawn’s Solving from post three brings experience as a five-year-old gelding for John Ney with Erica Murray aboard. The gelding carries 120 pounds and draws favorably positioned between the rail and Del-Cid’s mount.​

Son Carlos represents Abel Ramirez-Rodriguez from post five with Timothy Thornton riding. The six-year-old gelding shows blinkers on and carries 120 pounds. Thornton’s nine wins this meet make any mount competitive.​

Alines Valentine exits the Shane Meche barn from post six with Jansen Melancon aboard. The four-year-old gelding benefits from Melancon’s strong current form and mid-pack positioning.​

The pace should develop quickly with multiple horses showing early speed. Trippin On Beauty, Joseph H, and Shawn’s Solving all possess the ability to contest the early lead in this sprint.​

Selections: Trippin On Beauty, Alines Valentine, Joseph H

Race 5: Maiden Claiming 5 Furlongs

This maiden claiming sprint for fillies and mares at the $20,000 level features nine runners. The higher claiming price suggests slightly better quality than the opening race maiden claimer.​

John’s June from post three represents Samuel Breaux with Vicente Del-Cid aboard. The three-year-old filly benefits from the meet’s leading jockey and draws favorably positioned just off the rail. The Breaux-Del-Cid combination shows strong statistics this meet.​

Deal Breaking Dame from the rail represents Donald Bruno with Jarred Journet riding. The three-year-old filly shows blinkers on and carries 119 pounds. The rail post requires good early foot, which equipment changes sometimes encourage.​

Micheline Gail from post six brings race experience as a four-year-old filly for Chad Ladner with Jansen Melancon aboard. The filly shows blinkers on and carries 121 pounds. Melancon’s 41 percent in-the-money percentage makes any mount competitive.​

Boston Elle from post five represents George Bryant with Alexander Castillo riding. The three-year-old filly draws mid-pack positioning and represents a stable with solid local credentials.​

Keziha Prime from post nine represents Jose Camejo with Isaac Castillo aboard. The three-year-old filly carries full weight at 122 pounds from the outside post, which presents challenges in the sprint distance.​

The pace analysis indicates John’s June and Deal Breaking Dame both possess tactical speed to secure good early position. Micheline Gail typically shows early speed as well, suggesting competitive early fractions.​

Selections: John’s June, Micheline Gail, Boston Elle

Race 6: Claiming 1 Mile

This one-mile claiming race for fillies and mares at the $5,000 level who have never won two races features 11 runners. The route distance should favor horses with sustained ability.​

Roberts Revenge from the rail represents Eric Ramaekers with Carlos Lozada riding. The four-year-old filly carries 121 pounds and benefits from the rail post at the route distance. Lozada’s experience helps secure ground-saving trips.​

Chief Express from post six represents Jose Luis Ramirez with Paco Lopez aboard. The three-year-old filly carries 122 pounds and draws favorably positioned mid-pack. Lopez brings big-track experience to Delta Downs.​

Miss Emily from post eight exits the same Ramirez barn with Juan Vargas riding. The three-year-old filly carries full weight at 122 pounds and represents a stable firing two entries, suggesting confidence in current form.​

Queen Berkeley from post three represents Rosa Ramirez with Paulina Ramirez aboard. The four-year-old filly carries top weight at 124 pounds but draws favorably positioned inside.​

Classy Mimi from post 10 represents Alvin Dussette with Vicente Del-Cid riding. The three-year-old filly carries 119 pounds and benefits from Del-Cid’s hot hand. The outside post presents challenges but Del-Cid excels at overcoming post position disadvantages.​

The pace should develop moderately at the one-mile distance with multiple fillies possessing tactical speed. Roberts Revenge benefits from the rail to secure ground-saving position, while Chief Express and Miss Emily should track from mid-pack.​

Selections: Chief Express, Roberts Revenge, Classy Mimi

Race 7: Louisiana-Bred Maiden Claiming 6.5 Furlongs

This Louisiana-bred maiden claiming sprint at 6.5 furlongs for three-year-olds and up at the $10,000 level features 11 runners. The distance falls between pure sprint and two-turn route.​

Give Me a Try from post five represents Samuel Breaux with Vicente Del-Cid aboard. The three-year-old gelding benefits from the meet’s leading jockey-trainer combination and draws mid-pack positioning. Breaux shows seven wins from 29 starts this meet.​

Deputy Deal from the rail represents Shelton Zenon Sr. with Jarred Journet riding. The five-year-old gelding brings experience and benefits from the rail post at 6.5 furlongs when securing good early position.​

Baby Zong from post three represents Phillip Dison with Johan Rengifo aboard. The four-year-old colt carries 124 pounds and draws favorably positioned inside. The colt shows some race experience that could prove valuable.​

Wicked Times from post eight represents Joseph Foster with Alexander Castillo riding. The three-year-old colt draws wider but represents a trainer with solid local credentials.​

About the Business from post nine represents Antonio Alberto with Jansen Melancon aboard. The three-year-old gelding benefits from Melancon’s strong current form and should track the pace from mid-pack.​

The pace at 6.5 furlongs typically develops with moderate early speed before stretch drives. Give Me a Try and Deputy Deal both possess tactical speed to secure favorable position early.​

Selections: Give Me a Try, About the Business, Deputy Deal

Race 8: Claiming 5 Furlongs

This five-furlong claiming sprint for three-year-olds and up who have never won four races at the $5,000 level features 10 runners. The condition eligibility preferred designation suggests competitive depth.​

Half Full from post four represents Eduardo Ramirez with Vicente Del-Cid riding. The five-year-old gelding benefits from Del-Cid’s exceptional form and carries 117 pounds with weight allowances. The mid-pack post position helps tactical positioning.​

Butcher Holler from post six represents Keith Bourgeois with Carlos Perez aboard. The three-year-old colt carries 117 pounds and benefits from Perez’s 12 percent win rate from 110 starts this meet.​

Top Priority from post seven represents Lee Thomas with Carlos Lozada riding. The four-year-old gelding carries 117 pounds and draws favorably positioned outside. The gelding should secure decent early position.​

Steauxlit from post nine represents Allen Landry with Jansen Melancon aboard. The five-year-old gelding carries 117 pounds and benefits from the Landry-Melancon combination that shows strong statistics this meet.​

Double Edge Sword from the rail represents Brett Brinkman with Thomas Pompell riding. The five-year-old gelding carries 120 pounds from the rail, requiring good early foot.​

The pace analysis suggests multiple horses will contest the early lead in this sprint, including Half Full, Butcher Holler, and Double Edge Sword. The competitive pace could set up closing moves.​

Selections: Half Full, Steauxlit, Butcher Holler

Race 9: Maiden Claiming 6.5 Furlongs

The evening finale features maiden claiming fillies and mares at 6.5 furlongs for the $10,000 level with 11 runners. This distance allows for tactical positioning while maintaining sprint characteristics.​

Madame Markievicz from the rail represents J. Keith Desormeaux with Timothy Thornton riding. The three-year-old filly benefits from Thornton’s nine wins this meet and draws the rail post. The Desormeaux name carries significant weight in Louisiana racing.​

Alltail from post two represents Veronica Litfin with C.J. McMahon aboard. The three-year-old filly carries full weight at 122 pounds and draws favorably positioned just outside the rail.​

Rush to Glory from post seven represents Randy Degeyter Jr. with Jansen Melancon riding. The four-year-old filly brings race experience and benefits from Melancon’s strong current form with 41 percent in-the-money percentage.​

Arabi Girls Rule from post three represents Alan Klanfer with Emanuel Nieves aboard. The three-year-old filly shows blinkers on and carries 119 pounds, drawing favorably positioned inside.​

Night Tizzy from post eight represents Linda Beene with Alexander Castillo riding. The five-year-old mare carries 121 pounds and brings experience to this maiden field.​

The pace should develop moderately with several fillies showing tactical speed. Madame Markievicz benefits from the rail to secure good early position, while Rush to Glory should track from mid-pack before making her move.​

Selections: Madame Markievicz, Rush to Glory, Alltail

Jockey Analysis

Vicente Del-Cid dominates the current Delta Downs jockey standings with 21 wins from 79 starts and $499,655 in earnings through November 4, 2025. His aggressive riding style perfectly suits the track’s speed-favoring bias, and his 27 percent win rate from 131 starts makes any mount competitive. Del-Cid rides in Races 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 tonight, providing multiple opportunities for bettors to key on the leading rider.​

Timothy Thornton follows with strong statistics including nine wins from 65 mounts at the meet. His positioning skills help overcome difficult post positions, and he rides in Races 2, 3, 4, and 9 tonight.​

Jansen Melancon shows excellent current form with 12 percent win rate from 131 starts and strong 41 percent in-the-money percentage. His tactical riding style suits route races particularly well, and he rides in multiple races tonight including key mounts in Races 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9.​

Isaac Castillo brings consistency with solid percentages and rides for leading trainer Jonathan Wong in multiple races. Carlos Perez shows 12 percent win rate from 110 starts with 36 percent in-the-money percentage. Joel Dominguez maintains 20 percent win rate with 46 percent in-the-money statistics.​

Trainer Analysis

Jonathan Wong leads trainer standings with eight wins from 31 starts and $149,485 in earnings through November 4, 2025. His 26 percent win rate makes any Wong-trained runner dangerous, particularly when coupled with leading jockeys. Wong has two entries in Race 2 tonight, suggesting confidence in stable form.​

Samuel Breaux shows seven wins from 29 starts with $171,435 in earnings this meet. His 24 percent win rate and strong average earnings per start make him one of the meet’s most successful trainers. Breaux rides the hot hand of Vicente Del-Cid in multiple races tonight.​

Juan Larrosa maintains seven wins from 32 starts with $145,820 in earnings. His consistent approach and strong in-the-money percentage warrant respect throughout the card.​

Isai Gonzalez shows five wins from 45 starts with $105,900 in earnings. His runners typically offer value at decent odds while maintaining competitive form.​

Allen Landry, Lee Thomas, and Joseph Foster all maintain solid statistics at the current meet and should be respected when coupled with leading jockeys.​

Wagering Strategies

The speed-favoring bias at Delta Downs creates opportunities for exacta and trifecta wagering by keying tactical speed horses on top with closers and mid-pack runners underneath. The 45 percent wire-to-wire win rate in sprints suggests singling frontrunners in the win position while spreading underneath.​

In Race 2, the Wong barn entry of Madison Rae and Disposition offers dutching opportunities in exacta wagering. Key both fillies in the top two spots while spreading underneath with Usain d’Oro and Longleggedlaverne.​

Race 5 presents value opportunities with John’s June likely going off as favorite with Del-Cid. Key John’s June on top in exactas while spreading Micheline Gail, Boston Elle, and Wickedly Royal underneath for coverage.​

Race 6 at one mile could produce solid payoffs given the large field and route distance. Box Chief Express, Roberts Revenge, and Classy Mimi in exactas while adding Miss Emily and Queen Berkeley in trifectas for expanded coverage.​

The late Pick 4 covering Races 6-9 offers value with competitive fields and route distances that can produce upsets. Single or double in Race 7 with Give Me a Try and About the Business while spreading in Races 6, 8, and 9.​

Daily double opportunities exist between Race 2 and Race 3, both featuring favorable track bias scenarios. Key Madison Rae and Disposition in Race 2 with Respectheconnect, Dynamite Tonight, and Pineapple Willy in Race 3.​

Best Bet: John’s June in Race 5 combines the meet’s leading jockey with hot trainer and favorable positioning.​

Longshot Value: Classy Mimi in Race 6 benefits from Del-Cid despite wide post in route race.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Talkback