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 Jockey Gerard Melanco celebrates his 5th win in the Delta Jackpot Stakes aboard Sabercat |
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, under overcast skies and temperatures in the low 70's. Del Mar Futurity (G1) winner Drill was sent off as the 2-1 favorite, 10th in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) last out after finishing 2nd in the Norfolk (G1). In to challenge him included 7-2 second choice My Adonis off his win in the Jean Lafitte, the main local prep for this race, and 5-1 third choice Seven Lively Sins, a close second in the Iroquois (G3) at Churchill last out.
 Sabercat wins the Delta Jackpot |
Jockey Martin Garcia sent Drill to the lead first time past the stands but was soon joined by My Adonis, and the pair dueled through opening fractions of 22.11, 45.41, and 1:11.60 while as many as 1 1/2 lengths in front of 32-1 longest shot Jake Mo stalking them third. Entering the stretch, the pacesetters both tired and faded from contention. 8-1 Sabercat, who was last after 1/2 a mile, made steady progress to gain the lead at the 1/8 pole. 7-1 Basmati rallied from 6th but Sabercat drew away to win by 4 lengths in 1:46.62 over the fast track. It was another 2 1/2 lengths back to 6-1 Longview Drive third, while favoriite Drill checked in 7th.
Left: Sabercat in the winner's circle. Owner Ron Winchell said, “We’ve got a ways to go to get (to the Kentucky Derby), but that would be a good dream. It took a few starts for him to come around. When he went 1 1/16 we decided to head towards the Breeders' Cup but he got a little out of rhythm so our backup plan was to come to Jackpot. I like the backup plan now."
Right: Sabercat in the post parade. Jockey Gerard Melancon, winning his 5th Delta Jackpot, said, "We had a terrible start, we got slammed pretty good leaving there. All I could do was just save ground. I found me a good spot going into the last turn and he came through horses like a champ. I did have to steady him a little bit behind (Basmati) because it looked like he ducked out a little bit, then I got him back on and he’s all business."
Left: Second place finisher Basmati. The 7-1 fifth choice saved ground 6th under new jockey Corey Nakatani, then moved out for room to pass tiring horses to get second beaten 4 lengths. The Doug O'Neill trainee improved his record to 1 win, 3 seconds, and 1 third in 7 starts, earning $278,800 for owner Zillah Reddam.
Right: Third place finisher Longview Drive. The 6-1 fourth choice was unhurried early under new jockey Joel Rosario, came out 5 wide for the drive to get third beaten 6 1/2 lengths. The Jerry Hollendorfer trainee improved his record to 3 wins, 1 second, and 1 third in 5 starts, earning $188,100 for owner Steve Beneto.
Seventh place finisher and beaten favorite Drill (2nd from rail) leads at the head of the stretch. The 2-1 favorite contested the pace under regular rider Martin Garcia, but tired after 7 furlongs to finish 7th beaten 17 1/2 lengths. The Bob Baffert trainee has a record of 2 wins, 1 second, and 0 thirds in 6 starts, earning $248,150 for owners Karl Watson, Mike Pegram, and Paul Weitman.
 Now I Know wins the Delta Downs Princess Stakes |
Winning jockey Perry Compton said, "She’s capable of going faster and capable of going slower, it’s just what’s on her mind at the time." Trainer and co-owner Donnie Von Hemel said, "It’s been a big pleasure." Co-owner Wayne Stockseth added, "Everybody that supports racing should be lucky enough to have one like this."
 Cajun Charlie wins the Louisiana Legacy Stakes |
Cajun Charlie improved his record to 2 wins, 1 second, and 0 thirds in 4 starts, earning $118,908 for owner Heartlines Horse Ranch.
 Little Ms Protocol wins the Delta Downs Jewel Stakes |
 Bella Medaglia wins the Treasure Chest Stakes |
 Decisive Moment wins the Delta Mile Stakes |
Jockey Kerwin Clark said, “He’s a really nice little horse. He was just ready today. Even going to the gates, he was just prancing and ready to go.” Decisive Moment improved his record to 4 wins, 3 seconds, and 3 thirds in 15 starts, earning $685,630 for owner-breeder Just For Fun Stables.
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