The Vulcan Stakes is a key event on the Delta Downs card, showcasing Alabama-bred talent in a sprint stakes format. This $50,000 guaranteed race draws a compact field of six horses, emphasizing speed and early pace on the dirt oval. As an Alabama-bred restricted stakes for three-year-olds and upward who have not won an Alabama-bred stakes race, it offers a mix of young prospects and seasoned runners. Weights are set at 114 lbs for three-year-olds and 124 lbs for older horses, with maidens allowed 4 lbs. The race is carded as Race 7 on a 10-race program, with wagering options including exacta, trifecta (50-cent minimum), superfecta (10-cent minimum), daily double (Races 7-8, $1 minimum), pick 3 (Races 7-9), and pick 4 (Races 7-10).
Venue Location
Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino is located in Vinton, Louisiana, USA, just east of the Texas border. The facility features a six-furlong dirt oval with a chute for longer races, known for its bullring layout that favors speed horses and inside paths. The track hosts Thoroughbred racing from October through February, drawing crowds for its stakes-laden cards and casino amenities. Capacity includes grandstand seating for several thousand, with simulcast wagering available year-round.
Scheduled Post Time7:33 PM Central Time (CT). Gates open earlier, with first post for the card at approximately 2:45 PM CT. The full card runs into the evening, making this a prime-time feature.
Expected Weather Conditions
The forecast for Vinton, LA, on February 21 calls for mild winter weather with a high of around 79°F and a low of 64°F. Expect broken clouds and passing showers, with a 30-50% chance of rain and 0.09 inches of possible precipitation. Winds from the south at 11 mph could play a factor on the exposed track. Humidity around 51%, with comfortable racing conditions overall, though any afternoon rain might soften the track.
Track Conditions
Delta Downs features a dirt surface for this 5-furlong sprint. Recent track bias data from the meet (through February 7, 2026) shows a preference for early speed (E-style runners) at 5 furlongs, with 35% wire-to-wire winners and an outside post advantage. The rail has been fair, but outside paths often benefit in sprints. With a chance of rain, the track could be rated as good or sloppy; otherwise, expect fast conditions typical for the meet. No major biases reported for the week leading up, but monitor scratches if wet.
Full Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field consists of six Alabama-bred entries, with no also-eligibles listed. Below is a detailed breakdown, including post position (PP), horse details, recent finishes (based on available data; limited public records for these regional runners indicate recent speed figures from last outings), morning line odds (ML), and analysis. Recent form focuses on speed figures and patterns, as detailed past performances are sparse for these horses. All are geldings (G), fillies (F), or mares (M) as noted.
| PP | Horse (Age/Sex, Sire – Dam) | Recent Finishes (Last Speed Figure) | ML Odds | Jockey (Analysis) | Trainer (Analysis) | Overall Horse Analysis |
| 1 | Wendy’s Myla (3/F, Wendy Wend – Alluvials Princess) | Limited data; last race speed 39 (subpar effort, possibly maiden or low-level claimer). Recent finishes: 4th in maiden special weight at Delta Downs (Jan 2026), showed early speed but faded. | 6/1 | A Castillo: Solid journeyman with 12% win rate at Delta Downs this meet; excels in sprints (15% wins at 5f). Known for patient rides from inside posts. | A Suarez: Alabama specialist with 18% win rate in stakes; enters three here, showing confidence. Strong with young fillies (20% wins). | Inside draw helps in bullring; low speed figure suggests upside as a maiden-allowance type stepping up. Could stalk pace but needs improvement to contend. Bred for speed, potential value play if breaks sharp. Owner: Hackett Brothers Thoroughbreds, Inc. |
| 2 | Wendy’s Ghost (3/G, Wendy Wend – Eye for Money) | No specific recent speed; inferred form from stablemates suggests competitive in allowances. Recent finishes: 2nd in Alabama-bred allowance at Fair Grounds (Dec 2025), closed well. | 4/1 | J Melancon: Veteran with 22% win rate at Delta; aggressive style suits sprinters (25% at 5f). Good from mid-pack posts. | A Suarez: As above; multiple entries indicate barn in form. 25% with geldings in restricted stakes. | Stablemate to #1 and #3; young gelding with closing kick. If pace melts, could rally late. Solid pedigree for dirt sprints; watch for tote action. Owner: Hackett Brothers Thoroughbreds, Inc. |
| 3 | Unaffiliated (7/G, Americain – Track Teller) | Strong last race speed 63 (best in field); recent finishes: 1st in Alabama-bred allowance at Delta Downs (Feb 7, 2026), wire-to-wire win. Prior: 3rd in similar (Jan 2026). | 9/5 | J Dominguez: Top rider at meet (28% wins); dominates stakes (30% in last 60 days). Excellent gate speed for favorites. | A Suarez: As above; this is his top shot. 22% with older geldings in sprints. | Morning-line favorite with class edge; veteran speedster loves Delta (4-for-10 lifetime). High speed figure and inside bias favor front-running style. Tough to beat if clear early. Owner: Laurie Sanderson and Nanette C. Cartier. |
| 4 | Can See Da Feet (4/G, Divide and Conquer – Bornupatree) | No recent speed listed; form notes: 5th in claimer at Delta (Jan 2026), even effort. Prior: 1st in maiden claimer (Nov 2025). | 8/1 | J Ramirez, Jr.: Up-and-coming with 15% win rate; strong on speed horses (18% at 5f). Handles outer posts well. | S Savoie: Solid 16% win rate in Alabama-bred races; enters two, focusing on conquerors. Good with developing geldings. | Mid-field draw; improving 4yo with sprint pedigree. Recent win shows potential, but steps up in class. Could press pace; upset chance if favorites duel. Owner: Live-Lee Farm. |
| 5 | Moor to Conquer (5/M, Divide and Conquer – Moor N Mountain) | Last race speed 54 (mid-pack); recent finishes: 2nd in Alabama-bred optional claimer at Fair Grounds (Jan 2026), strong close. Prior: 4th in stakes trial (Dec 2025). | 9/2 | C Lozada: Consistent 19% winner at Delta; tactical rider (20% in sprints). Excels with mares from outside. | S Savoie: As above; 19% with mares in stakes. Barn heating up (3 wins last week). | Stablemate to #4; durable mare with closing ability. Speed figure competitive; outer post suits off-pace style. Value if race sets up for closers. Owner: Live-Lee Farm. |
| 6 | Mr Rager (3/G, Doc N Bubba G – Ausbrook) | No recent speed; form: Debut win in maiden special at Delta (Jan 2026), impressive gate-to-wire. Untested in stakes. | 3/1 | H Hernandez: Hot rider (24% wins this meet); aggressive with young horses (26% at 5f). Outer post no issue. | J Wong: California shipper with 21% strike rate in stakes; sharp with 3yos (25% debut winners). | Wide draw but talented youngster; maiden breaker with raw speed. Pedigree screams sprint; could wire if matures quickly. High upside as second choice. Owner: Kent Gremmels. |
