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The Saturday evening card at Delta Downs offers ten competitive races, primarily featuring Louisiana-bred runners, claiming events, and a solid stakes feature in the Vulcan Stakes. With several fields impacted by scratches, pace dynamics will be pivotal. As a classic six-furlong bullring track, tight turns and short stretches usually dictate a strong advantage for early speed and inside draws. Given the forecast, adapting to a potentially wet main track will be essential for finding value throughout the program.
Weather and Track Conditions
Given the anticipated daytime rain, handicappers should monitor the dirt surface closely, as it is likely to start off wet, sealed, or muddy before potentially drying out during the evening. Speed tends to hold exceptionally well on a wet track at this oval.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Vicente Del-Cid and Timothy Thornton continue to be leading forces in the colony, consistently placing their mounts in striking position on this tight configuration. Jansen Melancon and Carlos Perez are riding with immense confidence and are frequently live on front-running types. Harry Hernandez is an aggressive rider who can maximize a horse’s early foot, making him highly dangerous in sprint races. Look for riders who can secure the rail early, as ground loss on the turns here is often detrimental.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Allen Landry and Juan A. Larrosa are among the top conditioning outfits at the meet, sending out well-prepared runners who often hit the board. Jonathan Wong has excellent strike rates with his sprint specialists. Chasey Deville Pomier and Brett A. Brinkman excel at having their stock ready off layoffs and in maiden special weight company. When evaluating these barns, note their tendency to aggressively drop horses in class to secure victories.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
With rain in the area, prioritizing early speed and inside post positions is the most reliable strategy. Look to isolate single selections in the early Pick 4 and Pick 5 sequences by leaning on top-tier trainer and jockey combinations. Avoid deep closers in route races unless the pace projects to be completely suicidal. Upgrading horses with proven wet-track pedigrees or prior off-track form will yield strong dividends today.
Race 1
Post Time
04:45PM
Key Contenders
Call Sadie (3) gets Juan P. Vargas in the irons for trainer Renay Borel and carries top weight, indicating a strong class presence in this field of fillies and mares. She is well drawn to save ground. Girl From de Bayou (9) pairs Kevin Roman and Abel Ramirez-Rodriguez, a jockey-trainer duo capable of surprising at square odds.
Secondary Choices
Love in the Dark (2) figures to benefit from an inside trip and gets Carlos Perez, who has been riding sharply. Gigi’s Luv (1) draws the absolute inside post, which is golden at this distance, allowing Inirio Junior to dictate terms if she breaks cleanly.
Longshots
Acadiana (8) carries an exceptionally light 116 pounds with Jonuelle Pena, which could give her an edge late if the early leaders tire on a demanding surface.
Pace Analysis
With Gigi’s Luv breaking from the rail and several others eager to secure position before the first turn, expect a contested but manageable pace. Call Sadie will likely sit just off the speed, waiting to pounce as they enter the short stretch.
Selections
Win: Call Sadie (3) – 40% confidence
Place: Girl From de Bayou (9) – 30% confidence
Show: Love in the Dark (2) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Gigi’s Luv (1) – 10% confidence
Race 2
Post Time
05:13PM
Key Contenders
Tiz a Hero (2) enters for powerhouse trainer Jonathan Wong with Harry Hernandez aboard. Carrying a light 117 pounds, this three-year-old filly will be imposing against older maidens. Flatter Me Avery (9) has Brett A. Brinkman conditioning and Thomas L. Pompell riding, an experienced combination capable of having this filly primed.
Secondary Choices
Armaleese (6) gets Vicente Del-Cid for Ricky Courville. Del-Cid’s ability to navigate the turns makes this runner a threat. Opaque (7) is another Brinkman trainee carrying just 119 pounds, giving the barn a strong one-two punch in this sprint.
Longshots
She’s Wild Again (1) could outrun her odds simply by utilizing the rail draw under Julio Ramirez, Jr.
Pace Analysis
Tiz a Hero has the tactical speed and light weight to burst from the gate and clear the field. Expect Armaleese and Flatter Me Avery to apply pressure from the outside, but the inside speed should control the tempo.
Selections
Win: Tiz a Hero (2) – 45% confidence
Place: Armaleese (6) – 25% confidence
Show: Flatter Me Avery (9) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Opaque (7) – 10% confidence
Race 3
Post Time
05:41PM
Key Contenders
Parole Drama (2) represents the Chasey Deville Pomier barn with Micah Meeks riding light at 116 pounds. This gelding is poised for a big effort against this maiden claiming group. Sainted (3) features Elio J. Barrera, who has been delivering solid rides, and Cardel Cormier’s conditioning should have him fit.
Secondary Choices
Auston Got Even (7) teams up Carlos Perez and Nicholas Latour. Perez will need to navigate a clear path from the middle of the gate, but the talent is there. Caribbean Son (9) gets in light at 116 pounds and could factor if he breaks sharply.
Longshots
Dos Amigos (1) has the rail advantage and Isai V. Gonzalez training, making him a sneaky candidate to hold on for a minor award.
Pace Analysis
Parole Drama should flash early foot to establish position, while Dos Amigos protects the rail. The pace should be honest, setting up perfectly for a runner like Sainted to track and challenge late.
Selections
Win: Parole Drama (2) – 35% confidence
Place: Sainted (3) – 30% confidence
Show: Auston Got Even (7) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Caribbean Son (9) – 15% confidence
Race 4
Post Time
06:09PM
Key Contenders
My Pal Magic (7) gets top local rider Timothy Thornton for Kearney Segura. Thornton rarely misses when aboard live stock, and this filly appears perfectly spotted. High Class Trip (5) brings the formidable Allen Landry and Jansen Melancon team to the track, a duo that commands immense respect at this venue.
Secondary Choices
One Sweet Deal (8) has Thomas L. Pompell riding for Anthony Arey. Pompell’s veteran presence will help her overcome the outside draw. Hint Hint (2) gets Joel Dominguez and a great inside post for Isai V. Gonzalez.
Longshots
Charge the Deal (1) gets in very light at 114 pounds and possesses the rail, an angle that cannot be ignored in a five-furlong dash.
Pace Analysis
A pure five-furlong sprint means the gate break is everything. Charge the Deal and Hint Hint will gun from the inside, forcing High Class Trip and My Pal Magic to prove they can stalk and pass on the turn.
Selections
Win: My Pal Magic (7) – 40% confidence
Place: High Class Trip (5) – 35% confidence
Show: Hint Hint (2) – 15% confidence
Alternative: One Sweet Deal (8) – 10% confidence
Race 5
Post Time
06:37PM
Key Contenders
Authentic Queen (4) has Jansen Melancon aboard for Scott Gelner. The stable has been performing well, and this filly seems strictly the one to beat in this maiden special weight. Jalapena Lena (3) carries only 116 pounds with Javier Antonio Hernandez riding for Ronnie E. Cravens III, offering tremendous weight relief.
Secondary Choices
Jawdropper (6) is another Cravens trainee, giving the barn multiple ways to win. Regal Time (2) has Vicente Del-Cid taking the mount, which immediately elevates her chances of hitting the board.
Longshots
Prone to Greatness (9) will need to overcome the far outside post, but getting in at 116 pounds for the Pomier barn makes her an intriguing price play.
Pace Analysis
Regal Time and Jalapena Lena should dictate the early fractions. Authentic Queen will likely sit a comfortable mid-pack trip before unleashing her run on the far turn.
Selections
Win: Authentic Queen (4) – 45% confidence
Place: Jalapena Lena (3) – 25% confidence
Show: Regal Time (2) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Jawdropper (6) – 10% confidence
Race 6
Post Time
07:05PM
Key Contenders
Good Bright Flames (3) secures Timothy Thornton in the saddle. Drawing a great post for this distance, she stands out on class. Plum Wine (2) has Joel Dominguez and should appreciate the inside positioning, making her a serious threat to steal it on the front end.
Secondary Choices
Queen Berkeley (5) has Juan P. Vargas riding for Rosa E. Ramirez. She should find this company well within her capabilities. Chief Express (4) pairs Carlos Perez and Jose Luis Ramirez, a combination that has been highly effective.
Longshots
Utsira (9) gets a nine-pound weight break carrying 115 pounds. If she can tuck in early, she might close into tiring fractions.
Pace Analysis
At seven and a half furlongs, establishing position before the first bend is crucial. Plum Wine should clear early, while Good Bright Flames stalks the pace patiently from the three path.
Selections
Win: Good Bright Flames (3) – 40% confidence
Place: Plum Wine (2) – 30% confidence
Show: Chief Express (4) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Queen Berkeley (5) – 10% confidence
Race 7
Post Time
07:33PM
Key Contenders
Mr Rager (6) is a three-year-old taking on older horses, but he gets a massive weight advantage, carrying only 110 pounds with Harry Hernandez aboard for Jonathan Wong. That weight pull makes him lethal in the Vulcan Stakes. Wendy’s Myla (1) also gets in at 110 pounds, draws the rail, and could prove difficult to catch.
Secondary Choices
Moor to Conquer (5) is an experienced stakes competitor carrying 120 pounds. Carlos Lozada will need to time the ride perfectly to overcome the weight giving. Wendy’s Ghost (2) matches the 110-pound featherweight assignment and breaks from a prime spot.
Longshots
Can See Da Feet (4) brings veteran presence and Julio Ramirez, Jr., hoping to pick up the pieces if a speed duel develops.
Pace Analysis
Wendy’s Myla will absolutely blast from the rail, taking advantage of the light weight. Mr Rager must avoid getting hung wide, but his sheer speed should put him right on the leader’s flank in this quick sprint.
Selections
Win: Mr Rager (6) – 45% confidence
Place: Wendy’s Myla (1) – 30% confidence
Show: Moor to Conquer (5) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Wendy’s Ghost (2) – 10% confidence
Race 8
Post Time
08:01PM
Key Contenders
Nobel Gary (1) is the horse to beat for Jonathan Wong and Harry Hernandez. Getting the inside draw at this seven-furlong distance is a major advantage. The Monopoly Man (3) brings Vicente Del-Cid to the table for Kearney Segura, offering strong local connections that know how to win these races.
Secondary Choices
Slim Causeway (2) gets in light at 115 pounds and has an inside stall. God Given (8) is the second Wong trainee in the race and merits respect despite the wider post.
Longshots
Deacon Jones (9) carries an absolute feather at 112 pounds. While the post is tough, the weight break is significant over seven furlongs.
Pace Analysis
Nobel Gary will not want to relinquish the rail and should lead the charge. Slim Causeway will press the issue, ensuring a solid tempo that could allow The Monopoly Man to secure a perfect stalking trip.
Selections
Win: Nobel Gary (1) – 40% confidence
Place: The Monopoly Man (3) – 35% confidence
Show: Slim Causeway (2) – 15% confidence
Alternative: God Given (8) – 10% confidence
Race 9
Post Time
08:29PM
Key Contenders
Imperial Cruiser (2) pairs Timothy Thornton with high-percentage trainer W. Bret Calhoun. Drawing inside, this runner has immense tactical advantages. Double Salty (3) brings the powerful Allen Landry and Jansen Melancon connection, promising a massive effort.
Secondary Choices
Awesome Hawaiian (6) races for the prominent Joe Sharp barn with Vicente Del-Cid riding. Do not overlook this well-bred runner. Imma Deal (5) gets Juan P. Vargas and looks competitive on paper.
Longshots
All Lake (4) gets a minor weight break at 117 pounds and represents the capable Brett A. Brinkman stable.
Pace Analysis
In this five-furlong dash, Imperial Cruiser will look to secure the pocket trip. Double Salty and Awesome Hawaiian will likely flash early speed, guaranteeing a blistering first quarter.
Selections
Win: Imperial Cruiser (2) – 45% confidence
Place: Double Salty (3) – 30% confidence
Show: Awesome Hawaiian (6) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Imma Deal (5) – 10% confidence
Race 10
Post Time
08:57PM
Key Contenders
Call My Banker (4) looks formidable with Timothy Thornton riding for Allen Landry in the nightcap. This is a very strong route horse. Mr. Faversham (7) gets Joel Dominguez and ships in with solid credentials for Juan Munoz Cano.
Secondary Choices
Polterer (1) gets the rail, which is vital at a mile and a sixteenth. The Boss Soss (2) has Jansen Melancon and can save ground the entire way.
Longshots
Gucci Boy (3) carries 115 pounds, offering excellent value if the pace collapses.
Pace Analysis
Polterer and The Boss Soss will utilize their inside draws to establish position into the clubhouse turn. Call My Banker should sit comfortably in the second flight before launching a bid on the backside.
Selections
Win: Call My Banker (4) – 40% confidence
Place: Mr. Faversham (7) – 25% confidence
Show: Polterer (1) – 20% confidence
Alternative: The Boss Soss (2) – 15% confidence
