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Welcome to an exciting Saturday evening of racing at Delta Downs for February 14, 2026. Tonight we have a robust ten race card featuring a mix of maiden, claiming, and allowance events under the lights. The highlight of the evening is the ninth race allowance sprint, drawing a competitive field of Louisiana bred runners. With several scratches changing the complexion of the late Pick 5 sequence, finding value in the restructured fields will be paramount.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Vinton, Louisiana indicates a high temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 57 degrees Fahrenheit. Cloud cover dominates the daytime with a 35 percent chance of rain, escalating to an 85 percent chance of precipitation as we move into the night time hours. Winds are blowing from the southeast at a steady 15 miles per hour. Given the likelihood of rain, expect the track surface to be sealed to manage moisture. Delta Downs is a unique six furlong bullring oval. When sealed, this surface typically plays incredibly fast. Historically, early speed from outside posts dominates the five furlong sprints here, boasting a win rate near 58 percent under favorable conditions. In longer routes and six and a half furlong races, the rail becomes the superior path. Pay close attention to early races to see if the moisture pushes the bias further toward front running inside speed.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Vicente Del-Cid continues to be the dominant force at this meet, boasting an impressive win rate and leading the colony in earnings. His ability to urge horses out of the gate is a massive advantage on this tight track. Timothy Thornton is another premier rider here who consistently finds the winner circle and excels at timing late runs in the longer route races. Harry Hernandez ships in for a few key mounts tonight, primarily for the Jonathan Wong barn, signaling serious intent. When evaluating the card, any runner paired with Del-Cid, Thornton, or Alex Birzer deserves an immediate second look due to their intimate knowledge of the track dimensions.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Allen Landry and Juan Larrosa sit near the top of the trainer standings and have their barns firing on all cylinders. Jonathan Wong brings a pair of strong contenders in the middle of the card, and his impressive 23 percent strike rate with claiming level horses should not be ignored. Brett Brinkman continues to excel with horses dropping in class, making his runners dangerous tonight. Handicappers respect the synergy between top barns and the leading riders, so pay attention to combinations like Larrosa and Del-Cid, which often result in very short prices but high percentage winning plays.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Tonight presents excellent opportunities in the exotic pools, specifically the late Pick 5 beginning in race six. With significant scratches in race six, race eight, and race ten, the ticket combinations become much more affordable. The overarching strategy for a wet and sealed track at Delta Downs is to aggressively upgrade front runners, particularly those drawn outside in the short sprints and inside in the routes. A prime value play occurs in the fifth race where dropping favorites might be vulnerable to inside speed. Avoid taking short prices on deep closers tonight, as making up ground through heavy kickback on a wet bullring is a notoriously difficult task.
Race 1
Post Time
04:45 PM
Pace Analysis
With a full field of three year old maidens going five furlongs, the early pace projects to be chaotic. Mingling Mo and Crimson Red Road both possess early foot and should battle for the lead from the break. The outside draw gives Crimson Red Road a tactical edge to avoid early traffic, while Zampino will look to sit just off the speed in a stalking position.
Key Contenders
Zampino draws well inside and gets the services of veteran rider Alex Birzer. Duhon has this gelding primed for a top effort, and the tactical speed shown in morning workouts suggests he can dictate his own trip. Greystar is another major threat making a necessary class drop. Pomier has a solid win percentage with horses moving into maiden claiming company.
Secondary Choices
Reckless Love has been working steadily for Bryant and steps into a winnable spot if the pace collapses. The pedigree suggests he should handle the off track well. Crimson Red Road possesses the best natural speed in the group but must overcome the far outside post, which can be taxing on the turns if hung wide.
Longshots
Stormy Time adds blinkers today, a subtle equipment change by Dixon that often sharpens early focus. If the favorite falters, this longshot could easily sneak into the trifecta at generous odds.
Selections
Win: Zampino (2) – 40% confidence
Place: Greystar (6) – 25% confidence
Show: Reckless Love (5) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Crimson Red Road (8) – 15% confidence
Race 2
Post Time
05:13 PM
Pace Analysis
The scratch of Jazzy Gal removes a key pace presence, leaving Imperial Assault as the controlling speed on the outside. Quiet Melody has enough tactical early speed to stay engaged, but the fractions should be moderate for this claiming level, benefiting the horses racing on or near the lead.
Key Contenders
Age of Reason is the clear standout for Brinkman. The four year old filly has been facing much tougher competition and drops aggressively to the 7,500 claiming level. Birzer taking the mount is a strong signal of intent. Who is Madie showed late interest in her last start and Roman is an excellent judge of pace who can time her run perfectly.
Secondary Choices
Quiet Melody has consistent figures that make her a logical inclusion in exactas. She rarely wins but almost always hits the board. Imperial Assault will try to take them gate to wire and could be dangerous if left alone on the lead for too long.
Longshots
Railey Jean is drawn perfectly on the rail. If the inside path is playing as a golden rail tonight, she could vastly outrun her morning line odds for Dixon.
Selections
Win: Age of Reason (2) – 50% confidence
Place: Who is Madie (6) – 20% confidence
Show: Quiet Melody (3) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Imperial Assault (7) – 15% confidence
Race 3
Post Time
05:41 PM
Pace Analysis
Stretching out to seven and a half furlongs changes the dynamic entirely. Belarsen and Goodmorning Gracie both want the lead, but the inside draw favors Goodmorning Gracie to secure the rail heading into the first turn. The pace should be honest, setting up for a stalker.
Key Contenders
Belarsen gets Birzer in the irons for Gelner and looks to be the class of the field. Her recent figures at similar distances suggest she is ready to graduate from the maiden ranks. Goodmorning Gracie is the primary threat, bringing consistent early speed and the rail advantage, which is crucial going two turns here.
Secondary Choices
Oh Baby has been improving with every start and Perez is an aggressive rider who will put her into the race early. Louisiana Woman showed a nice late kick in her debut and should appreciate the added distance today for Pish.
Longshots
Cut N Dancer gets a significant weight break with the bug boy riding. If the track is playing fair, she could pick up the pieces late for a share of the purse.
Selections
Win: Belarsen (6) – 35% confidence
Place: Goodmorning Gracie (1) – 30% confidence
Show: Oh Baby (8) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Louisiana Woman (9) – 15% confidence
Race 4
Post Time
06:09 PM
Pace Analysis
The scratches of Sienna Breeze and Lady Hipster severely deplete the field size and alter the pace scenario. Usain d Oro is now the undisputed speed of the race and should dictate the terms from the gate. Give Em Hail Gayle will have to press the pace to keep the favorite honest.
Key Contenders
Usain d Oro is the most likely winner on the card. Del-Cid jumps aboard for Breaux, a potent combination at this track. The horse has superior speed figures and now faces a field lacking early pressure. Give Em Hail Gayle is the logical alternative, consistently running well at this level and possessing enough stamina to close if the leader tires.
Secondary Choices
Be Bo has back class but has been inconsistent recently. Vargas will try to settle her early and make one late run. How Bout Me is an intriguing option for Bruno, but she needs a contested pace to do her best running, which seems unlikely here.
Longshots
Anajuliaforever has been struggling with form but gets Hernandez in the saddle. A clean break is necessary for her to have any chance at hitting the board.
Selections
Win: Usain d Oro (5) – 55% confidence
Place: Give Em Hail Gayle (6) – 25% confidence
Show: Be Bo (2) – 10% confidence
Alternative: How Bout Me (4) – 10% confidence
Race 5
Post Time
06:37 PM
Pace Analysis
A mile and a sixteenth route race requires stamina and tactical awareness. Regatta Bay and I Dont Venmo are the main pace protagonists. Regatta Bay should clear early, establishing a moderate tempo. Pitch and Run will be saving ground right behind them.
Key Contenders
Regatta Bay represents a massive class advantage. Wong brings this runner in and tabs Hernandez to ride. The horse has handled wet tracks beautifully in the past and fits this condition perfectly. Pitch and Run is a seasoned veteran who loves the distance and will be positioned perfectly by Vargas to strike at the top of the lane.
Secondary Choices
I Dont Venmo is a hard knocking gelding who rarely runs a bad race. He will be part of the early pace and could easily hold on for a minor award. Throwin Shade drops in class and Perez will try to rally him from the back of the pack.
Longshots
Purrrfect Rhythm has the rail and Del-Cid, a combination that forces you to respect him despite some lackluster recent performances.
Selections
Win: Regatta Bay (2) – 45% confidence
Place: Pitch and Run (3) – 25% confidence
Show: I Dont Venmo (7) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Throwin Shade (4) – 10% confidence
Race 6
Post Time
07:05 PM
Pace Analysis
With Autism Community and Saranac Lake scratched, the pace scenario for this six and a half furlong sprint becomes very clear. Bold Exaggeration will go straight to the front, while Be Here Now will sit an idyllic stalking trip just off her flank.
Key Contenders
Be Here Now is the second half of the Wong and Hernandez combination on the card. This mare is in phenomenal form and the race sets up perfectly for her stalking style. Bold Exaggeration is the main danger. If she clears the field easily, she has the stamina to take them all the way to the wire.
Secondary Choices
Miss Dealority gets Del-Cid and the rail. She has been facing slightly softer company but her tactical speed ensures she will get a good trip. Mission Belle has back class but needs to show more early interest to factor here.
Longshots
Practicality is a true closer in a race that might not fall apart. She will need a pace meltdown to secure the victory.
Selections
Win: Be Here Now (5) – 45% confidence
Place: Bold Exaggeration (4) – 30% confidence
Show: Miss Dealority (1) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Mission Belle (2) – 10% confidence
Race 7
Post Time
07:33 PM
Pace Analysis
Ten horses going five furlongs guarantees a blistering pace. Gypsy Mischief, Theboyz Warning, and Bearcat all have early speed. Look for a destructive pace battle that will eventually set things up for a horse sitting just off the first flight.
Key Contenders
Theboyz Warning is a very talented runner for Ward. Perez should be able to navigate a clean trip from post two, sitting just behind the early speed duel. Gypsy Mischief is a consistent performer who always fires his best shot. Pompell knows how to ride this track and will have him in the thick of things turning for home.
Secondary Choices
Lifelike has been running against tougher company and Vargas will benefit from the expected hot pace. Bearcat is a threat to go wire to wire if he manages to shake loose, but the presence of other speed makes that a tall order.
Longshots
Unbridled Pleasure has an outside draw and Melancon could orchestrate a sweeping late move if the leaders collapse in the stretch.
Selections
Win: Theboyz Warning (2) – 35% confidence
Place: Gypsy Mischief (5) – 30% confidence
Show: Lifelike (7) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Bearcat (4) – 15% confidence
Race 8
Post Time
08:01 PM
Pace Analysis
With Aller Vite and Willingness out, the early speed edge goes to Primo Canary. Echo Down will keep him company, but Primo Canary looks fast enough to clear the field heading into the backstretch.
Key Contenders
Primo Canary is the standout pick. Larrosa taps Del-Cid for the mount, and this gelding has been knocking on the door in his last few starts. The scratches remove his primary pace pressure. Donegal Freedom has tactical speed and Roman will likely position him to get first run at the leader if Primo Canary tires.
Secondary Choices
Rhum Saint Esprit is a logical inclusion for Brinkman. Pompell will have him rallying late, and he has the class to hit the board. Night Stick gets Thornton, which is an immediate upgrade, and the horse should appreciate the distance.
Longshots
Echo Down could inject pace into the race and might hold on for a minor share at a huge price if the track is favoring early speed.
Selections
Win: Primo Canary (2) – 45% confidence
Place: Donegal Freedom (7) – 25% confidence
Show: Rhum Saint Esprit (10) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Night Stick (5) – 10% confidence
Race 9
Post Time
08:29 PM
Pace Analysis
This feature allowance race is loaded with front running talent. Daddy’s Gift, Coattails, and Leobobanna all want the lead. The first quarter mile will be incredibly fast, making it very difficult for any horse to lead from wire to wire.
Key Contenders
Daddy’s Gift is incredibly talented and gets Del-Cid. Even with the expected pace pressure, his class might just carry him through. Coattails is drawn outside of the other speed, giving Birzer the option to press or stalk. This tactical advantage could be the winning edge.
Secondary Choices
Leobobanna has the rail and must go early to avoid getting shuffled back. Handsome Harold gets David Cohen in the irons and will look to make a huge late run as the speed horses falter in the stretch.
Longshots
Flashy Boy is a true closer who will relish the fast early fractions. If the track moisture allows horses to close, he is a live longshot.
Selections
Win: Coattails (3) – 35% confidence
Place: Daddy’s Gift (2) – 35% confidence
Show: Handsome Harold (5) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Leobobanna (1) – 15% confidence
Race 10
Post Time
08:57 PM
Pace Analysis
The scratches of Ancho and Toomush simplify the nightcap. Shelbi’s Star possesses the best early speed and should easily secure the lead. Style Maker will try to stay within striking distance.
Key Contenders
Shelbi’s Star is clearly the horse to beat. Del-Cid can cap off a big night by taking this mare gate to wire. She drops in class and looks perfectly spotted by Nelson. Style Maker gets Thornton and is the only horse in the field with the figures to challenge the favorite.
Secondary Choices
Lincoln’s Target takes a significant class drop and Vargas will have her rolling late. Boots an Diamonds is a consistent check earner who rounds out the superfecta nicely.
Longshots
Mizzen Point gets an apprentice weight allowance and could wake up at this rock bottom level.
Selections
Win: Shelbi’s Star (3) – 50% confidence
Place: Style Maker (10) – 25% confidence
Show: Lincoln’s Target (7) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Boots an Diamonds (8) – 10% confidence
