The Star Guitar Stakes, set to take place on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Fair Grounds Race Course, is a highly anticipated event featuring top Louisiana-bred horses.
Race Details
- Race Name: Star Guitar Stakes (Presented by Brittlyn Stable)
- Distance: 1 mile and 110 yards
- Surface: Dirt
- Purse: $100,000
Contenders
1. Touchuponastar
- Jockey: Timothy Thornton
- Trainer: Jeff Delhomme
- Pedigree: Sired by Star Guitar, out of a mare with a strong Louisiana-bred lineage.
- Analysis: The morning-line favorite, Touchuponastar is a 6-year-old with a stellar record, including a dominant win at Delta Downs in February. Known for his versatility and ability to handle pressure, he is the horse to beat.
2. Up N Gone
- Jockey: Vicente Del Cid
- Trainer: Samuel Breaux
- Pedigree: By Star Guitar, showcasing the influence of this legendary sire.
- Analysis: A consistent performer, Up N Gone has placed in multiple stakes races. His tactical speed and ability to stay close to the pace make him a strong contender.
3. Blue Cheese
- Jockey: Axel Concepcion
- Trainer: Samuel Breaux
- Pedigree: Another progeny of Star Guitar, emphasizing the sire’s dominance in Louisiana racing.
- Analysis: A 6-year-old with a solid record, Blue Cheese has shown resilience in recent starts, including a third-place finish at Fair Grounds earlier this month.
4. Behemah Star
- Jockey: Jose Guerrero
- Trainer: Shane Wilson
- Pedigree: Sired by Star Guitar, out of a mare with a proven track record in state-bred stakes.
- Analysis: A 7-year-old veteran, Behemah Star has faced Touchuponastar before, finishing second in their last meeting. His experience and stamina make him a formidable opponent.
5. Benoit
- Jockey: James Graham
- Trainer: Joe Duhon
- Pedigree: By Star Guitar, continuing the sire’s legacy.
- Analysis: Benoit has struggled in recent starts but has the potential to surprise if he can regain his form.
6. Allnight Moonlight
- Jockey: Elio Barrera
- Trainer: Samuel Breaux
- Pedigree: By Star Guitar, with a dam known for producing durable runners.
- Analysis: Coming off back-to-back wins, Allnight Moonlight is in excellent form and could pose a serious threat to the favorites.
7. Cosmic Train
- Jockey: Jose Ortiz
- Trainer: Jerry Delhomme
- Pedigree: By Star Guitar, out of a mare with a strong dirt-track record.
- Analysis: A consistent performer, Cosmic Train has the ability to close strongly, making him a contender in a fast-paced race.
8. Tdzshininluckystar
- Jockey: Juan Vargas
- Trainer: Nason Eschete
- Pedigree: By Star Guitar, showcasing the sire’s dominance in this field.
- Analysis: A 4-year-old with a promising future, Tdzshininluckystar has shown flashes of brilliance and could be a dark horse in this race.
Pedigree Overview
The influence of Star Guitar, a Louisiana racing legend, is evident in this field, with all eight contenders sired by him. Known for producing versatile and durable runners, Star Guitar’s progeny have consistently excelled in state-bred stakes races. His impact on Louisiana racing continues to grow, as demonstrated by the quality of this field.
Key Storylines
- Touchuponastar vs. Behemah Star: A rematch between two of the top Louisiana-bred horses adds intrigue to the race.
- Allnight Moonlight’s Momentum: With two consecutive wins, Allnight Moonlight is a serious contender to upset the favorites.
- Star Guitar’s Legacy: The dominance of Star Guitar’s progeny in this race highlights his lasting impact on Louisiana racing.
