Delta Destiny – Princess and Jackpot Stakes Start Triple Crown Aspirations
On Saturday Delta Downs in Vinton, LA will host two races that could have Kentucky Oaks and Derby implications come springtime. The Million Dollar Delta Downs Jackpot S. (G3) effectively kicks off the 2012 road to the Triple Crown. The Delta Jackpot has been known for producing exciting finishes (dead heat in 2007) and a few notable winners over the years (Big Drama in 2008). Along with the $1M Delta Jackpot and $500K Delta Princess S. (G3), there will be a $100K guaranteed all stakes pick four (Races 4-7). Let’s dig for that gold!Race 4: Louisiana Legacy S. – LA Bred, 1 Mile – 2:44 Post Time (central)
This race appears wide open with morning line favorite #2 JOE’S NO SAINT (3-1) looking rather vulnerable. He can win, but not any of his prior efforts grab my attention. My top choice is #5 PORTO POTTEA (15-1). This one comes off a win in his first time going two turns and first time at Delta Downs. He comes up for top connections in trainer Scott Gelmer and rider Shaun Bridgmohan and has a serious chance at a generous price. #10 VALIDFROMTHEGITGO (10-1) is one that might have bounced in the last race after two very encouraging efforts and appears to be working well in the morning, must use.
Race 5: Delta Mile S. – 1 Mile – Post Time 3:13 (central)
The Delta Mile is an interesting race that appears to be between two horses; #4 HOORAYFORHOLLYWOOD (4-1) and #6 GLENWOOD CANYON (2-1). I’ll also make a case for last year’s Delta Jackpot runner-up, #2 DECISIVE MOMENT (7/2). His form may be questionable coming into the race, but horses that have run well on this track before always tend to show up. Most likely #4 HOORAYFORHOLLYWOOD will look to take them wire to wire, and even though #6 GLENWOOD CANYON turns around quickly, he has run well on short rest before and might be in the perfect spot.
Race 6: Delta Princess S. – 1 Mile – 3:43 Post Time (central)
Full field set in the Delta Princess and the first question you have to ask is can favorite #5 CANDREA (5/2) rebound from her disappointing effort in the Breeders’ Cup juvenile fillies. Personally, I’m going to play against her, as the quick turnaround doesn’t appease me. #2 NOW I KNOW (9/2) will put her perfect four for four record on the line trying to go a route of ground for the first time. She has gotten better in each of her races and gets the class test today. The My Trusty Cat Stakes winner #7 CITIZEN ADVOCATE (7/2) isn’t without a shot either as she won that race rather convincingly and is proven over the surface.
Race 7: Delta Jackpot S. – 1 & 1/16th Miles – 4:15 Post Time (central)
The big dance is the last one of the sequence and features a full field trying to get a jumpstart on a bid for the Kentucky Derby next spring. Bob Baffert ships in #6 DRILL (2-1) who didn’t run a step in the Breeders’ Cup juvenile. This horse has been documented as being difficult to train and again with the short price and turnaround time between races I’m playing against emphatically. #5 MY ADONIS (4-1) quickly drew off when asked in his prep for this race and his stalker running style should be ideal as there appears to be some pace to his inside. He looks to be sitting in the perfect spot. Also on the ticket will be #3 TIZ MOE (15-1), he was a clear 2nd best last time, but has a strong work since. Also using #8 SABERCAT (8-1) who beat #5 MY ADONIS two back and has connections that win a lot of races at Delta Downs (Steve Asmussen and Gerard Melancon).
Advance Weather: Partly Sunny, 70s
Good Luck!
Dylan’s Pick 4 Ticket – $0.50 = $45
Leg 1: 2,5,6,9,10
Leg 2: 2,4,6
Leg 3: 2,7
Leg 4: 3,5,8
17 November 2011, 7:50 pm
Doug’s Buddy #WPS4TheDough!
18 November 2011, 10:13 pm
I’m gonna let DOUG’s BUDDY beat me. My pick 4:
Leg 1: 2,5,9 (tough race, like #9 the best)
Leg 2: 4,6 (considered singling #6)
Leg 3: 2,3,4,5,6,7,9 (hoping either #4 or #6 comes in)
Leg 4: 2,5 (like #2, hedging w/ #5)
Ticket cost: $42