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Welcome to a Wednesday night of racing at the Delta Downs bullring. We have a nine-race card on tap for this February 11, 2026, featuring a mix of Louisiana-bred maiden events and competitive claiming sprints. The feature of the evening appears to be the 8th race, a strong allowance contest going one mile. The card is heavy on sprints, which always makes the break crucial here in Vinton.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Vinton, Louisiana, calls for unseasonably mild temperatures with a high near 75°F during the day, dropping into the 50s after sunset. Skies are expected to be partly to mostly cloudy with a slight chance of a passing shower, but nothing significant enough to likely change the surface. Expect a Fast main track.
Delta Downs is a six-furlong oval, often referred to as a bullring. The surface is a mixture of sand and clay with a limestone base. It tends to be quick, and because of the tight turns, it heavily favors horses with early tactical speed.
Track Bias Analysis
On this tight six-furlong oval, the rail is often the place to be, especially in 5-furlong sprints where the turn comes up very quickly after the break. Horses drawn inside (posts 1-4) generally have a statistical advantage. In races at 6 1/2 furlongs, the start is on the backstretch, giving outside runners a bit more time to clear, but ground loss on the two turns can be insurmountable. For the mile races, which start in a chute, look for horses who can secure position before the first turn. Deep closers often struggle here unless the pace is scorching; the preferred trip is usually on the lead or sitting just off the pace in the two-path.
Race 1 Analysis
Post Time: 04:45 PM
Pace Analysis
This 6 1/2 furlong maiden special weight for Louisiana-bred fillies features a field where early positioning will be key. Reaux Day and Mae’s Majesty show signs of early foot. With the chute start, expect a contested pace as they scramble for position before the first turn.
Key Contenders
Running Faith (7) comes in for trainer Jayde Gelner with Elvin Gonzalez aboard. This filly has shown flashes of ability and the outside draw in this chute start might actually help her stay out of the early traffic jam. She fits well here on class.
Mae’s Majesty (5) is a dangerous runner trained by Antonio Alberto. The booking of top rider Vicente Del-Cid is a major signal of intent. Del-Cid is aggressive and knows how to put horses in winning spots at this track. If she breaks sharply, she could wire this field.
Secondary Choices
Alizae (1) draws the rail with Alex Birzer. The inside post is an advantage if she breaks well, but she risks getting shuffled back if she is slow into stride. Paul Duhon is a capable conditioner, and this one could pick up the pieces if the pace collapses.
Longshots
Artic Sailor (6) will have Misael Alvarez in the irons. While her form might look a cut below the top two, strange things happen in maiden races at Delta, especially with fillies. She could hit the board at a price.
Betting Strategy
The presence of Del-Cid on the 5 makes her the one to beat, but the 7 offers good value and flexibility. A win bet on the 7 or an exacta box 5-7 looks like the smart play.
Race 2 Analysis
Post Time: 05:13 PM
Pace Analysis
A 5-furlong dash for claiming fillies. 5 furlongs at Delta is pure speed. Ridearoundsalley on the rail and Double L’s Army in the middle should send hard.
Key Contenders
Double L’s Army (5) looks like the standout here. Trained by Jayde Gelner, she possesses the tactical speed necessary to clear the inside runners. Alex Birzer should be able to sit just off the 1 or vie for the lead outright.
Ridearoundsalley (1) has the best draw for this distance. Jansen Melancon just needs to send her from the gate. If she clears, she could be gone, but she faces pressure from the outside.
Secondary Choices
Miamante (3) drops in class or finds a suitable level here for trainer Tanner Tracy. Elvin Gonzalez is a strong finisher. If the speed duel up front gets too hot, she will be the one running late.
Longshots
Kitten Gloves (7) is stuck on the far outside, which is tough at 5 furlongs, but Timothy Thornton is an elite rider who can sometimes overcome bad draws.
Betting Strategy
Speed holds up well at this distance. Focus on the 5 and 1. The 5 is the more likely winner given the flexibility, but the 1 is a threat to steal it.
Race 3 Analysis
Post Time: 05:41 PM
Pace Analysis
This is a full field of 10 for a 5-furlong maiden claimer. The break will be chaotic. Go Hot Girl and Boston Moon should be forwardly placed.
Key Contenders
Boston Moon (4) for trainer Brent Toups gets Thomas Pompell. Pompell is a veteran who knows this ring well. This filly should be sharp enough to gain a good position mid-pack and pounce.
Dat Hint (1) draws the rail with Elio Barrera. In a 10-horse field, the rail is a huge asset to save ground while others get hung wide on the turn.
Secondary Choices
Dogwood Blessing (8) has Vicente Del-Cid. You simply cannot ignore Del-Cid in these lower-level races; he often elevates the performance of cheaper horses.
Longshots
Go Hot Girl (3) has speed and could hold on for a share if she doesn’t get pressured too early.
Betting Strategy
This is a scramble. The 4 and 1 are the safest plays, but using the 8 in exotics is mandatory due to the jockey.
Race 4 Analysis
Post Time: 06:09 PM
Pace Analysis
A 6 1/2 furlong claiming event for older mares. The pace should be moderate. Clever Race and Goldzone might control the tempo.
Key Contenders
Clever Race (5) is the one to beat. Trained by Randy Degeyter Jr., she has the back class to handle this field. Jarred Journet stays aboard. She should be stalking the pace and getting first run.
Goldzone (9) draws poorly on the outside but has Joel Dominguez. If she can clear the field early, she is dangerous, but the wide post is a significant hurdle.
Secondary Choices
Saberfight (7) is a steady grinder. Not flashy, but often in the money. A good candidate for the bottom of trifectas.
Longshots
Taken It (8) is a price play for Vincent Chevis.
Betting Strategy
Clever Race (5) looks like one of the more solid favorites on the card. Win bet on the 5.
Race 5 Analysis
Post Time: 06:37 PM
Pace Analysis
A bottom-level maiden claimer at 5 furlongs. These races are often erratic. Pakula and Markadee Mark should be the main speeds.
Key Contenders
Pakula (7) is the clear standout. Trainer Jonathan Wong wins at a high clip, and he pairs with Vicente Del-Cid. This horse likely drops to this level to win immediately.
Markadee Mark (4) with Juan Vargas is the logical alternative. He should be involved early and could inherit the lead if Pakula falters.
Secondary Choices
Knight’s Valor (3) gets Thomas Pompell. A steady check-earner who could pick up the pieces.
Longshots
Get the Boss (2) draws inside and could sneak into the superfecta.
Betting Strategy
Pakula (7) will likely be a short price but is the most probable winner. Single in multi-race wagers.
Race 6 Analysis
Post Time: 07:05 PM
Pace Analysis
A one-mile route race. The start is crucial here to get position before the first turn. Miss St. Claire and Smart Izzy will likely push forward.
Key Contenders
Miss St. Claire (1) draws the rail for Eric Ramaekers. The inside draw in a two-turn race at Delta is gold. She can save ground on both turns while others travel wider. Javier Antonio Hernandez just needs to work out a trip.
Plum Wine (7) is a consistent runner for Henry B. Johnson Jr. Joel Dominguez rides. She fits this class level well and should be closing late.
Secondary Choices
Smart Izzy (4) has speed but often fades. If the rail horse doesn’t go, she might inherit a lone lead, making her dangerous.
Longshots
She’s a Bandit (5) could improve with the route distance.
Betting Strategy
The 1 is a strong play from the rail. A 1-7 exacta box covers the best speed and the best closer.
Race 7 Analysis
Post Time: 07:33 PM
Pace Analysis
An allowance sprint at 5 furlongs. This will be fast. Echo Juliet and Final Shipman are the speed.
Key Contenders
Final Shipman (4) for Chasey Deville Pomier is very quick. Elio Barrera rides. She has shown the ability to rate slightly, which will help if the 1 goes hard.
Echo Juliet (1) draws the rail for Brett Brinkman. Brinkman is excellent with allowance horses. From the 1 hole, she has to send. If she clears, she wins.
Secondary Choices
Bella Blu Moon (3) is a solid contender who will benefit if the top two duel each other into submission.
Longshots
Sunnyday Lightning (7) is on the outside but could close into a hot pace.
Betting Strategy
The 1 and 4 are superior. An exacta box 1-4 is the play.
Race 8 Analysis
Post Time: 08:01 PM
Pace Analysis
The feature race, an allowance at 1 mile. Indian Cat and Big Drinker are the class of the field.
Key Contenders
Indian Cat (1) is the horse of the night. Trained by Tom Amoss, who has a stellar record at Delta, and ridden by Vicente Del-Cid. The rail draw at a mile allows Del-Cid to save all the ground. This horse should sit the perfect trip.
Big Drinker (4) is the main danger. Jonathan Wong trains, Elio Barrera rides. He is tough and battle-tested.
Secondary Choices
Numero Siete (8) is a consistent runner for Mark Hibdon. Juan Vargas rides. He will likely be coming from off the pace.
Longshots
Hegs (7) trained by Brinkman is worth a look at a price given the connections.
Betting Strategy
Indian Cat (1) is a standout. Win bet and key in all exotic wagers.
Race 9 Analysis
Post Time: 08:29 PM
Pace Analysis
The nightcap is a 5-furlong claiming sprint. A full field means a rough trip for many. Longneck and Star Apriority have speed.
Key Contenders
Star Apriority (3) for Lee Thomas is a classy old veteran. Elio Barrera is up. He knows how to win these races and should be forwardly placed.
Valid Deelite (5) gets Carlos Perez. A consistent type who fits well at this bottom claiming level.
Secondary Choices
Leisurely (2) draws well inside and picks up Del-Cid. That jockey change alone makes him a contender.
Longshots
Love a Fighter (11) is stuck in the parking lot post 11. Usually a toss, but Kevin Roman is a decent rider. Hard to endorse from that draw though.
Betting Strategy
Look for the class of Star Apriority (3) to prevail.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Vicente Del-Cid is the dominant force at this track. His aggressive style fits the bullring perfectly. When he rides for top barns like Amoss, Wong, or Alberto, those horses are almost automatic contenders.
Timothy Thornton and Juan Vargas are excellent tactical riders. They are particularly good at saving ground, which is vital here.
Elio Barrera is a rising talent who often rides live horses for the Wong and Pomier barns.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Tom Amoss (Race 8) does not run many horses here just for exercise. When he ships or enters one at Delta, it is usually meant to win.
Jonathan Wong (Races 2, 5, 8) has a high win percentage and excels with claimers and horses dropping in class.
Brett Brinkman (Races 7, 8) is a local powerhouse, particularly in allowance and stakes company. His horses are always well-prepared.
Jayde Gelner (Races 1, 2) is a trainer to watch with young horses and sprinters.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The best bet of the night is Indian Cat in Race 8. The combination of Tom Amoss, Vicente Del-Cid, and the rail draw in a two-turn race is a handicapping trifecta.
The best value play might be Running Faith in Race 1. If the 5 (Mae’s Majesty) takes too much money because of Del-Cid, the 7 offers a great alternative with a possibly better trip from the outside chute.
Pick 5 Strategy (Races 1-5): Leg 1: 5, 7 Leg 2: 1, 5 Leg 3: 1, 4, 8 Leg 4: 5 Leg 5: 7 Cost is manageable for a potentially decent payout.
Selections
Win: Running Faith (7) – 28% confidence Place: Mae’s Majesty (5) – 40% confidence Show: Alizae (1) – 15% confidence Alternative: Artic Sailor (6) – 10% confidence
Win: Double L’s Army (5) – 35% confidence Place: Ridearoundsalley (1) – 30% confidence Show: Miamante (3) – 20% confidence Alternative: Kitten Gloves (7) – 10% confidence
Win: Boston Moon (4) – 25% confidence Place: Dat Hint (1) – 22% confidence Show: Dogwood Blessing (8) – 20% confidence Alternative: Go Hot Girl (3) – 15% confidence
Win: Clever Race (5) – 45% confidence Place: Goldzone (9) – 25% confidence Show: Saberfight (7) – 15% confidence Alternative: Taken It (8) – 10% confidence
Win: Pakula (7) – 50% confidence Place: Markadee Mark (4) – 25% confidence Show: Knight’s Valor (3) – 15% confidence Alternative: Get the Boss (2) – 5% confidence
Win: Miss St. Claire (1) – 30% confidence Place: Plum Wine (7) – 28% confidence Show: Smart Izzy (4) – 20% confidence Alternative: She’s a Bandit (5) – 10% confidence
Win: Final Shipman (4) – 35% confidence Place: Echo Juliet (1) – 35% confidence Show: Bella Blu Moon (3) – 15% confidence Alternative: Sunnyday Lightning (7) – 10% confidence
Win: Indian Cat (1) – 60% confidence Place: Big Drinker (4) – 20% confidence Show: Numero Siete (8) – 10% confidence Alternative: Hegs (7) – 5% confidence
Win: Star Apriority (3) – 30% confidence Place: Leisurely (2) – 25% confidence Show: Valid Deelite (5) – 20% confidence Alternative: Longneck (1) – 15% confidence
