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 The alligator in the infield at Delta Downs. |
The $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes (G3) is the highlight of the racing season at Delta Downs in Vinton, Louisiana. Run at 1 1/16 miles for 2-year-olds, it is a key Triple Crown prep as entry in the Kentucky Derby is based on graded stakes earnings. A full field of 10 went to post on Saturday afternoon, with Bug Juice sent off as the 5-2 favorite off 3 straight wins including the Aspirant and the New York Breeders' Futurity, both at Finger Lakes. In to challenge him included 3-1 second choice Sweet Ducky, winner of the Garden State and Seton Hall Stakes, both at Monmouth Park, and 9-2 third choice Classic Legacy off a close third in the Grey Stakes (G1) at Woodbine.
 Gourmet Dinner wins the Delta Jackpot over Decisive Moment. |
Jockey Javier Castellano sent Bug Juice to the lead first time past the stands and he set quick fractions of 22.66, 46.56, and 1:11.91 over the fast track while being pressed by 48-1 Decisive Moment. Bug Juice tired on the turn as 20-1 Gourmet Dinner, 6th early, came out wide to take over the lead at the 3/16 pole, drawing off late to win by 2 1/4 lengths in 1:45.23. It was a long 3 3/4 lengths back to Decisive Moment second, and another 3 3/4 to 14-1 Clubhouse Ride third. Favorite Bug Juice faded to 6th beaten 13 3/4 lengths.
Winning owner Billy Terrill said, "One of the races under consideration is the Holy Bull. Steve had mentioned the race. So, that's a chance. It's a one-turn mile. He'll relish it. If he proves to us that he can go on, we certainly have the graded earnings that can get us there now, which is a big plus. We can pick our spots. The last time I had anything to do with the Kentucky Derby was when my dad ran Secret Prince. It's been at least 30 years."
Left: Gourmet Dinner in the winner's circle. Winning trainer Steve Standridge said, "It got him on the bit and kept him closer to the pace and did exactly what we wanted to do. We knew we were up against the way his running style is, especially on this track. He was going to be too far back. So, everything worked out right. I don't know if he wants to run 1 1/4 miles. But he's got enough graded earnings to go in the (Kentucky) Derby, so that's certainly in the back of our minds. But we're not going to look that far ahead."
Right: Gourmet Dinner heads to the winner's circle. Winning jockey Sebastian Madrid said, "The horse was training good. He was ready. The race set up perfectly for me. Steve told me to get into good position, don't get too far back. I was confident in this horse."
Left: Sixth place finisher and beaten favorite Bug Juice in the post parade. The 5-2 favorite led for the first 5/8 mile under jockey Javier Castellano, but tired badly on the turn and faded late to finish 6th beaten 13 3/4 lengths. The Bruce Levine trained son of Mingun has a record of 3 wins, 0 seconds, and 1 third in 5 starts, earning $290,740 for owner Our Blue Streaks Stable.
Right: The post parade for the Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes.
 Bouquet Booth (outside) wins the Delta Downs Princess Stakes |
Winning trainer Steve Margolis said, "The filly's improving every race that she's run. We took a big shot coming here. (Delta director of racing) Chris Warren said, 'You guys really fit, and we'd like you to come.' We talked it over, and it was well worth taking a shot. We'll take her back to New Orleans. We've got a lot of good races as a 3-year-old, like the Fair Grounds Oaks."
 Tensas Punch wins the Delta Downs Jewel Stakes |
 Fort Hood wins the Louisiana Legacy Stakes |
 Briecat wins the Treasure Chest Stakes |
 Z Humor wins the Delta Mile Stakes |
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