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Delta Downs presents a competitive nine-race thoroughbred card on Friday, October 24, 2025, featuring a diverse mix of claiming races, maiden events, and allowance conditions with purses ranging from $13,500 to $45,000.​

Track Conditions and Weather Forecast

Current conditions at Delta Downs show a fast dirt track surface with favorable racing weather. The temperature stands at 68°F with easterly winds at 6 mph and humidity at 83%. Fair skies are expected throughout the evening program with no weather concerns anticipated that would affect the racing surface.​

Race-by-Race Analysis

Race 1 – $22,500 Claiming (5 Furlongs, 04:45 PM)

Key Contenders: Chief Brady draws the rail with Roman Kevin aboard for trainer Steve Roubion. This six-year-old gelding carries 120 pounds in this competitive claiming event. India Ink represents solid form with C.J. McMahon riding for Juan Sanchez, while Sharp Charlie brings experience under Alexander Castillo for Jorge Lara.

Secondary Choices: Stovall drops to 112 pounds with Hunter Rea for Andy Rogers, creating a significant weight advantage. Harry’s Onthefly shows recent activity with Isaac Castillo for Jonathan Wong.

Longshot Consideration: Sono at 112 pounds with Carlos Perez presents value at the claiming level for Keith Bourgeois.

Pace Analysis: The five-furlong sprint distance favors early speed. Chief Brady’s rail position provides tactical advantage while India Ink can track the pace from the outside.

Race 2 – $13,500 Claiming (6.5 Furlongs, 05:15 PM)

Key Contenders: Brilliant Call carries topweight at 124 pounds with Elvin Gonzalez for trainer Isai Gonzalez. Grey Shadow shows promise as a three-year-old with Jose Lopez riding for Angel Rodriguez. Moonovermontgomery brings veteran experience with C.J. McMahon for Jervon Broussard.

Secondary Choices: I’m a Night Train at 121 pounds with Paulina Ramirez offers value for Henry West Jr. Patek with Chris Rosier presents an interesting angle for Herman Ladner Jr.

Pace Analysis: The 6.5-furlong distance allows for tactical speed. Brilliant Call’s high weight assignment suggests recent competitive form.

Race 3 – $27,000 Maiden Claiming for 2YO Fillies (5 Furlongs, 05:43 PM)

Key Contenders: Major Move debuts for Joseph Foster with Alexander Castillo aboard. Casino Gal represents Dane Noel with Kevin Roman riding. El Star shows tactical speed potential under Timothy Thornton for Sturges Ducoing.

Secondary Choices: Married for Money brings weight advantage with Elvin Gonzalez for Ronnie Ward. Kara Flash presents early debut value with Vicente Del-Cid for Rafael Gomez.

Longshot Consideration: Goodmorning Gracie for the same trainer as Major Move could provide value with Joel Dominguez.

Pace Analysis: Two-year-old maiden races often favor early speed in sprint distances. Major Move’s debut status creates uncertainty but trainer Foster shows confidence.

Race 4 – $13,500 Claiming (1 Mile, 06:11 PM)

Key Contenders: Chou Chou d’Aven (FR) represents European breeding with Vicente Del-Cid for Jonas Gibson. Hexcel carries 120 pounds with Julio Ramirez Jr. for Rosa Ramirez. Alligator Crawl shows local connections with Alexander Castillo for David Gomez.

Secondary Choices: Regatta Bay drops in weight to 117 pounds with C.J. McMahon for Jervon Broussard. You’re On Mute at 115 pounds presents value with Carlos Perez for Cesar Govea.

Pace Analysis: The mile distance allows for tactical positioning. Chou Chou d’Aven’s European breeding suggests potential stamina advantage.

Race 5 – $20,000 Louisiana-Bred Claiming for Fillies/Mares (7 Furlongs, 06:39 PM)

Key Contenders: Our Amen brings veteran experience at 120 pounds with Joel Dominguez for Randy Ellis. Crystal d’Oro represents Allen Landry with Jansen Melancon riding. Miss Target shows consistent form with Edward Santiago for Mike Shamsie.

Secondary Choices: Unified Love with Jarred Journet for Jervon Broussard presents tactical speed. Basile as a three-year-old at 118 pounds offers weight advantage with Vicente Del-Cid.

Pace Analysis: Seven furlongs favors tactical speed with sufficient distance for closers. Our Amen’s experience at this level provides confidence.

Race 6 – $35,000 Maiden Special Weight for 2YO (5 Furlongs, 07:04 PM)

The sixth race presents a competitive maiden special weight event for two-year-olds at five furlongs with a substantial $35,000 purse, indicating the quality of horses entered.​

Key Contenders

Take the Hint (#3) emerges as the overwhelming favorite at 1.40 morning line odds. This gelding represents powerful connections with jockey Vicente Del-Cid and trainer Samuel Breaux. Del-Cid leads the current Delta Downs jockey standings with 11 wins from 37 starts (29.7% win rate) and maintains a strong 31% win percentage at the meet. Trainer Samuel Breaux brings exceptional credentials as “one of the best and respected trainers in all of Acadiana” with over 1,741 career victories and a reputation for developing young horses patiently. Breaux has trained multiple half-million dollar earners including Nitro Chip and Fuse It, demonstrating his ability with quality stock.​

Duke of Orleans (#4) represents trainer Jerry Tillis with jockey Edward Santiago. Tillis enters two horses in this race, suggesting strong confidence in his juvenile division. The 10.00 morning line odds provide potential value for a trainer known for patient development of young horses.​

Arco Thunder (#1) brings tactical speed potential under jockey Jarred Journet for trainer Tim Dixon. At 8.00 morning line odds, this colt could benefit from an inside post position in the sprint distance.​

Secondary Choices

Sly Jack (#6) offers the most significant weight advantage at 112 pounds with Carlos Perez riding for Lee Thomas. The eight-pound weight concession provides a tactical edge in this competitive field, with morning line odds of 3.50 making him the second choice.​

Awesome Magic (#5) carries the “b” designation indicating possible blinker equipment and draws 4.50 morning line odds with Elio Barrera for trainer Chasey Pomier. The potential equipment change suggests connections seek improved focus.​

Captain Blood (#2) represents the second Jerry Tillis entry with jockey Jamison Mudd. At 15.00 morning line odds, this gelding could provide value if the stable’s confidence extends to both entries.​

Longshot Consideration

Reckless Love (#7) completes the field with Alexander Castillo aboard for George Bryant at 5.00 morning line odds. Castillo’s tactical awareness in sprint distances makes this colt worth consideration at potentially generous odds.​

Pace Analysis

The five-furlong distance favors early speed, particularly in maiden races where horses may lack tactical experience. Take the Hint’s rail-adjacent post position provides tactical advantage while allowing Del-Cid to dictate pace strategy. Arco Thunder from the rail could contest early pace, while Sly Jack’s weight advantage may become crucial in the final furlong.​

Key Angles

Vicente Del-Cid’s exceptional current form (11 wins from 37 starts) combined with Samuel Breaux’s reputation for developing two-year-olds creates a powerful angle. Breaux’s hands-on approach and patience with young horses aligns perfectly with maiden racing requirements, where horses “have to learn to race” and “don’t know which direction to go” initially.​

The Jerry Tillis dual entry suggests stable confidence, with both horses potentially working as a team to set up tactical scenarios.​

Final Assessment

Take the Hint represents the logical choice based on superior jockey form, trainer reputation, and expert handicapping consensus. The combination of Del-Cid’s current hot streak and Breaux’s proven ability with young horses creates a compelling favorite despite the short odds. Secondary wagering focus should center on Sly Jack’s weight advantage and the potential value plays from the Tillis stable entries.​

Race 7 – $45,000 Louisiana-Bred Allowance (5 Furlongs, 07:32 PM)

The seventh race features the evening’s richest purse at $45,000 for Louisiana-bred horses three years old and upward in allowance company, specifically targeting horses that have never won two races other than maiden, claiming, waiver claiming, starter or trial events.​

Key Contenders

Avery’s Gem (#2) enters as the 2.50 morning line favorite with Joel Dominguez aboard for trainer Keith Bourgeois. Bourgeois ranks among the leading trainers at the current Delta Downs meet with eight starts producing three wins, zero seconds, and two thirds for $65,050 in earnings. The stable’s 37.5% win-place-show percentage demonstrates consistent competitiveness at this level. Dominguez brings solid tactical awareness to this allowance assignment.​

Hawija (#5) represents exceptional value at 5.00 morning line odds despite carrying significant advantages. This three-year-old gelding by Mr. Money receives a crucial two-pound weight concession at 118 pounds versus older rivals carrying 120 pounds. Vicente Del-Cid takes the mount for Hall of Fame trainer W. Bret Calhoun, creating a powerful combination. Del-Cid leads all Delta Downs jockeys with 11 wins from 37 starts (29.7% win rate) while Calhoun brings career statistics of 794 wins from 6,378 starts with lifetime earnings exceeding $12.2 million. Calhoun’s recent Delta Downs record shows three wins from 24 starts with a 46% in-the-money percentage.​

Adieu Aces (#1) carries 5.00 morning line odds with Elio Barrera riding for trainer Antonio Alberto. Alberto maintains solid current form at Delta Downs with seven starts producing two wins and three thirds for $28,115 in earnings. The consistent trainer-jockey combination suggests tactical preparation for this allowance level.​

Secondary Choices

Alvarado Cat (#7) brings proven class with Timothy Thornton aboard for Jonah Fuselier. Thornton recently captured the $100,000 Gold Cup Stakes at Delta Downs, demonstrating his current sharp form. His partnership with horses showing tactical speed proves effective in sprint distances. Current statistics show 23% wins from 153 starts with 50% in-the-money.​

Battalion Strike (#6) represents the Singh stable with Rohan Singh riding for trainer Darla Singh. The family operation often produces competitive efforts when both trainer and jockey align their interests.​

Pop’s Peppysteper (#8) draws attention with C.J. McMahon for Jason Faul. McMahon’s tactical awareness in route races translates effectively to allowance sprint conditions.​

Longshot Considerations

Sassi D (#3) offers 8.00 morning line odds with Jose Luis Rodriguez for Lee Thomas. The veteran connections suggest patient development appropriate for allowance advancement.​

Tripple D Ruller (#4) presents significant value at 20.00 odds with Thomas Pompell riding for Brent Toups. The generous odds create potential exacta and trifecta value if showing improvement.​

Pace Analysis

The five-furlong sprint distance favors early speed, particularly in allowance company where horses possess proven tactical ability. Hawija’s three-year-old status combined with the weight advantage provides significant closing potential against older, more seasoned rivals. Avery’s Gem likely sets or tracks early pace while Adieu Aces offers tactical flexibility from the rail position.​

Key Angles

The Calhoun-Del-Cid combination represents the race’s strongest angle, combining a Hall of Fame trainer’s proven ability with the meet’s leading jockey. Calhoun’s specialization in developing horses for specific targets aligns perfectly with allowance conditions requiring tactical advancement.​

Weight advantage analysis favors Hawija significantly, as the two-pound concession in sprint racing often proves decisive in competitive allowance fields.​

Current form patterns suggest Del-Cid’s 29.7% win rate creates exceptional value when combined with quality stock like Hawija.​

Trainer Insights

W. Bret Calhoun’s career accomplishments include multiple graded stakes victories with a proven system for advancing horses through allowance conditions. His 12% career win rate from over 6,300 starts demonstrates consistent preparation and placement strategies. Current 2025 statistics show improvement with 13% wins and 46% in-the-money from 24 starts.​

Keith Bourgeois maintains strong current form at Delta Downs with three wins from eight starts, suggesting his horses arrive prepared for competitive allowance racing.​

Final Assessment

While Avery’s Gem represents logical favoritism based on consistent stable form, Hawija offers superior value through the powerful Calhoun-Del-Cid partnership, crucial weight advantage, and generous morning line odds. The three-year-old’s natural improvement curve combined with proven connections suggests significant upset potential in this competitive Louisiana-bred allowance feature.​

Race 8 – $36,000 Allowance (1 Mile, 08:00 PM)

The eighth race presents the evening’s feature allowance event at one mile for horses three years old and upward that have never won a race other than maiden, claiming, waiver claiming, starter or trial, or have never won two races, carrying a substantial $36,000 purse.​

Key Contenders

Next Level (#1) emerges as the standout choice with the powerful combination of jockey Timothy Thornton and Hall of Fame trainer J. Keith Desormeaux. Thornton holds the Delta Downs single-day record with seven wins on October 23, 2021, and has won four consecutive Delta Downs riding titles. His tactical excellence at the one-mile distance, demonstrated recently in graded stakes competition, creates significant confidence in this allowance assignment. Desormeaux brings exceptional credentials as a multiple graded stakes-winning trainer with proven ability at developing horses for specific targets.​

Drip d’Oro (#5) represents elite connections with Vicente Del-Cid riding for Thomas Amoss. Amoss ranks among North America’s premier trainers with over $106 million in career earnings, 3,700+ wins, and a lifetime 25% win rate. His 2025 statistics show 54 wins from 328 starts with earnings exceeding $12 million. Amoss has captured multiple Grade 1 victories including the 2019 Kentucky Oaks with Serengeti Empress, demonstrating his ability with quality stock. Del-Cid’s current hot streak (11 wins from 37 starts at 29.7%) combines perfectly with Amoss’s proven preparation methods.​

Sir Liam (#4) brings another powerful angle with Isaac Castillo aboard for W. Bret Calhoun. As a son of stallion Liam’s Map, this gelding carries superior breeding credentials. Calhoun’s Hall of Fame training record includes 794 career wins from 6,378 starts with lifetime earnings exceeding $12.2 million. His recent Delta Downs form shows three wins from 24 starts with 46% in-the-money percentage.​

Secondary Choices

I’m Your Man (#6) represents solid local connections with C.J. McMahon riding for Sturges Ducoing. McMahon’s tactical awareness in route racing provides advantage in the one-mile distance, particularly when horses show tactical speed development.​

Frosty Blue (#7) offers significant weight advantage at 118 pounds as a three-year-old with Jansen Melancon for Allen Landry. The two-pound concession against older rivals often proves decisive in competitive allowance racing.​

As One Does (#2) brings veteran experience with Elvin Gonzalez aboard for Bonnie Birzer. The five-year-old horse’s maturity could prove valuable in the one-mile distance.​

Longshot Considerations

American Vision (#11) provides potential value at generous odds as a three-year-old carrying 118 pounds with Juan Vargas for Edith Mojica. The weight advantage combined with natural improvement curve creates upset potential.​

Bali Rolling Tide (#3) offers another potential value play with Efigenio Garcia Ruiz riding for Isai Gonzalez.​

Pace Analysis

The one-mile distance allows for tactical positioning and strategic development throughout the race. Next Level’s rail position provides significant advantage for jockey Thornton to dictate pace strategy while conserving ground. Drip d’Oro possesses tactical speed to track the early pace while positioning for a sustained drive. The allowance conditions suggest horses with proven tactical ability, making pace dynamics crucial for final positioning.​

Key Angles

The Thornton-Desormeaux Partnership represents the race’s strongest angle, combining Delta Downs’ premier jockey with a Hall of Fame trainer known for strategic race placement. Thornton’s track record expertise and Desormeaux’s proven development methods create exceptional confidence.​

Class Advantage Analysis favors Drip d’Oro through Amoss’s proven ability to advance horses systematically through allowance conditions. His 25% lifetime win rate and recent Grade 1 success demonstrate consistent preparation quality.​

Weight Considerations benefit the three-year-olds Frosty Blue and American Vision, as the two-pound allowance often proves decisive in competitive route racing.​

Trainer Insights

Thomas Amoss’s exceptional 2025 statistics (54 wins from 328 starts) demonstrate continued excellence in horse development and race placement. His specialization in systematic advancement through allowance conditions aligns perfectly with this race’s requirements. Multiple leading trainer titles at Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, and other premier venues establish his credibility at all levels.​

J. Keith Desormeaux’s Hall of Fame credentials include proven success in developing horses for specific targets, particularly in allowance and stakes competition. His partnership with Thornton creates a formidable combination for tactical execution.​

Final Assessment

Next Level represents the logical choice through superior jockey-trainer connections, tactical rail advantage, and proven Delta Downs expertise. However, Drip d’Oro offers exceptional value through Amoss’s proven development methods and Del-Cid’s current hot streak. The one-mile allowance distance suits both horses’ tactical abilities, making this a competitive two-horse race with potential for significant exotic payouts.

Race 9 – $13,500 Claiming (6.5 Furlongs, 08:28 PM)

Key Contenders: Name the Time shows form with C.J. McMahon for Randy Ellis. Storm Strategy brings experience with Kevin Roman for Isai Gonzalez. Garnet Jubilee presents value with Jarred Journet for Donald Melancon.

Secondary Choices: Hwy Twenty Ride as a three-year-old carries 122 pounds with Paulina Ramirez. War Dept Calling shows potential with Joel Dominguez for Juan Cano.

Pace Analysis: The 6.5-furlong claiming finale should produce honest pace. Name the Time’s recent form suggests competitiveness.

Jockey Analysis

Timothy Thornton continues his successful Delta Downs campaign with multiple mounts tonight. His partnership with trainer Allen Landry has proven effective throughout the current meet.​

Alexander Castillo brings consistent form to his assignments, particularly effective in sprint distances with tactical positioning.

Vicente Del-Cid shows strong versatility across different race conditions and distances, making him a reliable choice for multiple races.

C.J. McMahon demonstrates tactical awareness in route races and claiming events, particularly effective when horses show early speed potential.

Trainer Insights

Keith Bourgeois maintains strong form at the current meet with consistent performances across different claiming levels.​

Steve Roubion shows confidence in Chief Brady’s chances in the opener, suggesting recent training improvements.

Thomas Amoss brings Drip d’Oro to a competitive allowance race, indicating the horse’s readiness for this class level.

Jerry Tillis enters two horses in Race 6, suggesting strong confidence in his juvenile division.

Wagering Strategies

Best Single Race Bet: Race 7 – Adieu Aces offers solid value in the Louisiana-bred allowance with strong jockey-trainer connections.

Best Exacta Play: Race 1 – Chief Brady over India Ink provides reasonable odds with tactical speed matchup.

Best Trifecta Value: Race 6 – Duke of Orleans, Arco Thunder, Captain Blood in two-year-old maiden special weight offers competitive pricing.

Pick 3 Strategy (Races 7-8-9): Adieu Aces, Next Level, Name the Time provides solid foundation with reasonable odds.

Late Pick 4 Focus: Use multiple horses in Race 6 maiden event while singling stronger opinions in Races 7-9 for optimal coverage.