Venue: Delta Downs Racetrack, 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton, Louisiana 70668.
This historic Louisiana track, nestled in the southwest corner of the state near the Texas border, features a one-mile dirt oval known for its fair, speed-favoring surface that rewards early pace and tactical positioning in sprints to routes like this 7-furlong test.
Scheduled Post Time: 6:37 PM Central Time (CT). The full 10-race card begins at 2:45 PM CT, with this stakes as the evening’s highlight. Purse: $75,000 (includes $75,000 from other sources plus a $10,000 Accredited Louisiana Bred Slot Supplement).
Race Conditions: For fillies and mares 4 years old and upward which have started at Delta Downs since October 9, 2025, excluding stakes winners. Weight: 124 lbs. for 4yo, 122 lbs. for 5yo and up; non-winners of a race since January 12 allowed 2 lbs.
Distance: 7 furlongs on the main dirt track. Expected Track Conditions: Fast. Delta Downs’ dirt has been consistently fast and speed-biased through the meet, with early speed and inside posts performing well at this distance. No significant rain in the forecast, and the track has held up excellently in recent cards.
Expected Weather Conditions: Mild and mostly cloudy to overcast. Highs in the mid-70s to low 80s°F (around 76-82°F), lows near 62°F, with light winds from the WSW at 8-10 mph. Scattered clouds but zero chance of precipitation, making for ideal racing conditions under the lights.
Morning Line Odds: (approximate, based on current form, speed figures, and local handicapping consensus; subject to change at post time):
| Post Position (PP) | Horse | ML Odds |
| 1 | Blessed Assurance | 15-1 |
| 2 | Pharoahs Baby Gyal | 10-1 |
| 3 | Sweet Note | 6-1 |
| 4 | Show Me the Candy | 20-1 |
| 5 | Our Keepsake | 4-1 |
| 6 | Graceful Star | 8-1 |
| 7 | No Map Needed | 12-1 |
| 8 | First Love | 5-1 |
| 9 | Moon Mist | 5-2 |
Full Field Analysis
PP 1: Blessed Assurance (6YO Mare, Zong – Society Doll, Trainer: Juan A. Larrosa, Jockey: Carlos Perez, 118 lbs.)
This veteran has been a reliable Delta Downs campaigner, but her recent form is middling. Last out: 4th in a 6.5f allowance optional claiming on Jan. 30, beaten 4 lengths after a wide trip (90 Beyer-equivalent fig). She likes to stalk and pounce but lacks the top-end kick against sharper rivals. Larrosa is a solid 15% trainer at the meet, and Perez is a workmanlike rider, but the rail draw could be tricky if the pace heats up. Look for her to improve off a recent sharp workout, but she’s a mid-pack type at best here.
PP 2: Pharoahs Baby Gyal (6YO Mare, American Pharoah – Baby J, Trainer: Benard Chatters, Jockey: Julio Ramirez, Jr., 118 lbs.)
A consistent grinder with a pedigree for stamina (sire American Pharoah). Recent finishes: 3rd in a 1m allowance on Feb. 7 (92 fig), closing from mid-pack; prior 2nd at 7f here in December. She relishes the Delta surface and has hit the board in 4 of her last 5 starts at the track. Chatters knows the barn well (20% win rate locally), and Ramirez is adept at timing her late run. The outside post in a 9-horse field isn’t ideal, but her tactical speed should keep her in the mix. Solid exotics play.
PP 3: Sweet Note (4YO Filly, Hightail – Sweet Sermon, Trainer: Thomas M. Amoss, Jockey: Vicente Del-Cid, 120 lbs.)
Fresh off a move to the powerhouse Amoss barn, this filly is on the improve. Last start: Dominant 1st in a 1m allowance at Delta on Jan. 16 (97 fig), wire-to-wire by 1.5 lengths at 1/5 odds. She has tactical versatility and a sharp turn of foot. Amoss is the leading trainer at the meet (over 25% wins) and loves these overnight stakes. Del-Cid, the meet’s top jockey (30%+ wins), gives her every chance. A top contender from the rail-adjacent post—expect her to be forward and tough to catch.
PP 4: Show Me the Candy (5YO Mare, Twirling Candy – Miner’s Cat, Trainer: George R. Bryant, Jockey: Alexander Castillo, 118 lbs.)
Lightly raced lately and coming off a layoff. Most recent: 5th in a 6f claiming race on Jan. 15 (89 fig), never a factor after a slow break. She’s shown flashes of ability at Delta (3 wins in 2025) but needs a career-best effort here. Bryant is a patient conditioner, but the competition looks too tough. Castillo is capable, but this one figures to be a longshot.
PP 5: Our Keepsake (5YO Mare, Cinco Charlie – Beccawhit, Trainer: Allen Landry, Jockey: Jansen Melancon, 124 lbs.)
The class of the field on paper. Recent form: Back-to-back wins, including a gritty 1st in a 7f allowance optional claiming on Jan. 30 (106 fig), edging First Love by a neck in a tight photo. Before that, a 2nd at 6.5f. She handles any pace scenario and relishes 7f. Local favorite Landry (top-5 trainer) pairs with Melancon, who excels at Delta (22% wins). Top weight is a concern, but her speed figures tower over most. The one to beat from mid-pack.
PP 6: Graceful Star (4YO Filly, Star Guitar – Graceful Request, Trainer: Hance Robbins, Jr., Jockey: Timothy Thornton, 118 lbs.)
A Louisiana-bred speedball who loves the home track. Last out: 2nd in a 6f allowance on Feb. 11 (98 fig), just caught late. She’s won 3 of 7 at Delta this meet and has early zip to contest the pace. Robbins (15% local) and Thornton (hot rider, 25% wins) make a dangerous combo. Post 6 is perfect for her stalking style—prime for an upset if the favorites falter.
PP 7: No Map Needed (5YO Mare, Liam’s Map – Big Birthday, Trainer: Edith A. Mojica, Jockey: Jose Luis Rodriguez, 118 lbs.)
Steadily improving but unproven at stakes level. Recent: 3rd in a 1m allowance on Feb. 14 (93 fig), closing strongly. She has tactical speed and fits the conditions perfectly (started at Delta since Oct.). Mojica is a rising star (18% wins), and Rodriguez is reliable. Mid-pack finish likely, but could surprise at a price.
PP 8: First Love (6YO Mare, Kantharos – R d’Oro, Trainer: Isai V. Gonzalez, Jockey: Joel Dominguez, 120 lbs.)
Tough as nails and a proven Delta performer. Key recent race: 2nd to Our Keepsake on Jan. 30 (105 fig) in that same 7f allowance, after a wide trip. Prior: 3rd in a stakes trial. Gonzalez (solid 20% win rate) and Dominguez (aggressive front-runner) suit her pace-pressing style. Post 8 means she’ll be wide, but her consistency makes her a must-use in exotics.
PP 9: Moon Mist (5YO Mare, Girvin – San Antonio Stroll, Trainer: Eduardo Ramirez, Jockey: Thomas L. Pompell, 120 lbs.)
The morning-line favorite and the horse to beat. Blistering recent form: Won a 5f allowance at Delta on Dec. 23 (120 fig, career high), then a sharp 2nd in a 6f stakes prep. She has explosive speed and can wire the field or sit off it. Ramirez is a Delta specialist (28% wins), and Pompell knows her inside-out (multiple wins together). The far outside post is the only knock, but her class should overcome it.
