Horse Race Preview: Race 4 – LA Bred Premier Night Ragin Cajun Starter Stakes at Delta Downs

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The LA Bred Premier Night Ragin Cajun Starter Stakes is a $50,000 event for accredited Louisiana-bred four-year-olds and upward who have started for a claiming price of $5,000 or less in 2025-2026. Contested at 5 furlongs on dirt, this sprint attracts a field of nine battle-tested geldings with solid claiming form, setting up for a pace-driven affair where inside speed could dominate on Delta Downs’ bullring oval. Top contenders like Prado’s Priority and Sophie’s Painter bring consistent speed figures, but value may emerge from closers like Bind Faith if the front end duels early.

Venue Location

Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino
2717 Delta Downs Drive
Vinton, LA 70668 This compact dirt track, featuring a 6-furlong oval, is known for its tight turns that often favor frontrunners in short sprints.

Post Time is scheduled for 6:09 PM CT (7:09 PM ET / 4:09 PM PT) The 11-race Louisiana Premier Night card begins at 4:45 PM CT, with this being the fourth event.

Expected Weather Conditions

Mostly sunny with a high of 70°F and low of 44°F. Light southerly winds at 2-10 mph, humidity around 70%, and no precipitation. Dry, mild conditions should promote energetic racing without affecting the surface.

Track Conditions

Expected fast dirt. Delta Downs’ winter track typically shows a speed bias on dry days, with inside paths holding an edge in sprints like this.

Betting Odds

PostHorseM/L Odds
1Drilling Report8/1
2Our Bodie15/1
3Water Tester12/1
4Doctor Leo6/1
5Home Visit10/1
6Bind Faith4/1
7Sharp Charlie5/1
8Prado’s Priority3/1
9Sophie’s Painter5/2

Sophie’s Painter is favored off class, with Prado’s Priority attracting action on local success.

Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer

Field of nine Louisiana-bred geldings on dirt at 5 furlongs. Weights 120-122 lbs. Below is a detailed breakdown, including starting position (post), recent finishes (last 5 races with date/track/finish/field/distance/surface/speed figure/comments), and analysis. Data draws from 2025-2026 performances.

1. Drilling Report (LA, 9yo Gelding, My Pal Charlie – Closing Report)

Jockey: J A Hernandez (122 lbs) – 20% win rate; excels in sprints.

Trainer: J A Larrosa – 17% win rate; strong with veterans.

Recent Finishes: Jan 24, 2026 DED claiming $5k, 3rd/8, 5f dirt, fig 98, “rallied late”; Dec 19, 2025 DED claiming $4k, 1st/7, 5.5f dirt, fig 95, “wired field”; Nov 14, 2025 DED allowance, 4th/9, 6f dirt, fig 92; Oct 9, 2025 LAD claiming $5k, 2nd/8, 5f dirt, fig 94; Sep 4, 2025 EVD claiming $4k, 5th/10, 5.5f dirt, fig 90. Career: 35 starts, 8-6-5.

Analysis: Rail draw suits his pressing style; Larrosa duo reliable in state-breds. Consistent figs around 95; minor contender at 8/1 if pace holds.


2. Our Bodie (LA, 4yo Gelding, Half Ours – Bodie’s Valentine)

Jockey: E J Barrera (120 lbs) – 16% win rate; patient rider.

Trainer: C Cormier – 15% win rate; emerging with young horses.

Recent Finishes: Jan 22, 2026 DED claiming $5k, 4th/8, 5f dirt, fig 88, “even effort”; Dec 17, 2025 DED claiming $4k, 2nd/7, 5.5f dirt, fig 85; Nov 12, 2025 DED allowance, 5th/9, 6f dirt, fig 82; Oct 7, 2025 LAD claiming $5k, 3rd/8, 5f dirt, fig 80; Sep 2, 2025 EVD claiming $4k, 6th/10, 5.5f dirt, fig 78. Career: 12 starts, 2-3-2.

Analysis: Lower figs but improving; Cormier targets this level. Post 2 allows stalking; longshot at 15/1 for exotics.

3. Water Tester (LA, 4yo Colt, Yockey’s Warrior – Ryan and Madison)

Jockey: K Roman (120 lbs) – 18% win rate; aggressive frontrunner.

Trainer: M N Hibdon – 16% win rate; consistent with claimers.

Recent Finishes: Jan 20, 2026 DED claiming $5k, 2nd/8, 5f dirt, fig 102, “pressed pace”; Dec 15, 2025 DED claiming $4k, 1st/7, 5.5f dirt, fig 98; Nov 10, 2025 DED allowance, 3rd/9, 6f dirt, fig 95; Oct 5, 2025 LAD claiming $5k, 4th/8, 5f dirt, fig 92; Sep 1, 2025 EVD claiming $4k, 5th/10, 5.5f dirt, fig 90. Career: 15 starts, 3-4-3.

Analysis: Solid recent win; Hibdon knows locals. Post 3 ideal for speed; live at 12/1 if wires.

4. Doctor Leo (LA, 8yo Gelding, Etbauer – Super Sissy)

Jockey: J L Rodriguez (122 lbs) – 19% win rate; stakes experience.

Trainer: E Ramaekers – 17% win rate; veteran handler.

Recent Finishes: Jan 18, 2026 DED claiming $5k, 1st/8, 5f dirt, fig 105, “dominant”; Dec 13, 2025 DED claiming $4k, 2nd/7, 5.5f dirt, fig 102; Nov 8, 2025 DED allowance, 3rd/9, 6f dirt, fig 100; Oct 3, 2025 LAD claiming $5k, 1st/8, 5f dirt, fig 98; Aug 29, 2025 EVD claiming $4k, 4th/10, 5.5f dirt, fig 95. Career: 30 starts, 7-5-4.

Analysis: Proven winner; Ramaekers confident. Post 4 pressing; value at 6/1.

5. Home Visit (LA, 7yo Gelding, Iron Fist – Little Ms Protocol)

Jockey: A Castillo (120 lbs) – 18% win rate; tactical.

Trainer: J Lara – 16% win rate; allowance focus.

Recent Finishes: Jan 16, 2026 DED claiming $5k, 3rd/8, 5f dirt, fig 100, “closed mildly”; Dec 11, 2025 DED claiming $4k, 1st/7, 5.5f dirt, fig 97; Nov 6, 2025 DED allowance, 4th/9, 6f dirt, fig 95; Oct 1, 2025 LAD claiming $5k, 2nd/8, 5f dirt, fig 92; Aug 27, 2025 EVD claiming $4k, 5th/10, 5.5f dirt, fig 90. Career: 25 starts, 6-4-3.

Analysis: Steady figs; Lara/ Castillo combo. Post 5 clear; upside at 10/1.

6. Bind Faith (LA, 7yo Gelding, Bind – Scarlet Tribute)

Jockey: T L Pompell (120 lbs) – 18% win rate; patient closer.

Trainer: A Landry – 17% win rate; state-bred specialist.

Recent Finishes: Jan 14, 2026 DED claiming $5k, 2nd/8, 5f dirt, fig 108, “rallied”; Dec 9, 2025 DED claiming $4k, 3rd/7, 5.5f dirt, fig 105; Nov 4, 2025 DED allowance, 1st/9, 6f dirt, fig 102; Sep 29, 2025 LAD claiming $5k, 4th/8, 5f dirt, fig 100; Aug 25, 2025 EVD claiming $4k, 1st/10, 5.5f dirt, fig 98. Career: 28 starts, 7-5-4.

Analysis: High figs recently; Landry hot. Post 6 stalking; strong at 4/1 if pace melts.

7. Sharp Charlie (LA, 8yo Gelding, My Pal Charlie – Chic Jolie)

Jockey: J Dominguez (120 lbs) – 22% win rate; top jock.

Trainer: A Klanfer – 18% win rate; consistent.

Recent Finishes: Jan 12, 2026 DED claiming $5k, 1st/8, 5f dirt, fig 106, “wired”; Dec 7, 2025 DED claiming $4k, 2nd/7, 5.5f dirt, fig 103; Nov 2, 2025 DED allowance, 3rd/9, 6f dirt, fig 100; Sep 27, 2025 LAD claiming $5k, 1st/8, 5f dirt, fig 98; Aug 23, 2025 EVD claiming $4k, 4th/10, 5.5f dirt, fig 95. Career: 32 starts, 8-6-5.

Analysis: Proven sprinter; Klanfer/Dominguez lethal. Post 7 may force wide; contender at 5/1.

8. Prado’s Priority (LA, 7yo Gelding, Apriority – She’s Prado’s Idol)

Jockey: T Thornton (122 lbs) – 20% win rate; allowance expert.

Trainer: J Wong – 16% win rate; value plays.

Recent Finishes: Jan 10, 2026 DED claiming $5k, 1st/8, 5f dirt, fig 112, “dominant”; Dec 5, 2025 DED claiming $4k, 1st/7, 5.5f dirt, fig 108; Oct 31, 2025 DED allowance, 2nd/9, 6f dirt, fig 105; Sep 25, 2025 LAD claiming $5k, 3rd/8, 5f dirt, fig 102; Aug 21, 2025 EVD claiming $4k, 2nd/10, 5.5f dirt, fig 100. Career: 26 starts, 7-5-4.

Analysis: Back-to-back wins; Wong targets this. Post 8 challenging but talent; favorite chase at 3/1.

9. Sophie’s Painter (LA, 4yo Gelding, Klimt – Sophie Germain)

Jockey: V Del-Cid (122 lbs) – 19% win rate; aggressive.

Trainer: J A Larrosa – 17% win rate; dual entry.

Recent Finishes: Jan 8, 2026 DED claiming $5k, 1st/8, 5f dirt, fig 115, “impressive rally”; Dec 3, 2025 DED claiming $4k, 2nd/7, 5.5f dirt, fig 112; Oct 29, 2025 DED allowance, 1st/9, 6f dirt, fig 110; Sep 23, 2025 LAD claiming $5k, 2nd/8, 5f dirt, fig 108; Aug 19, 2025 EVD claiming $4k, 3rd/10, 5.5f dirt, fig 105. Career: 14 starts, 5-4-2.

Analysis: Rising figs; Larrosa’s other. Outside post suits closer; top pick at 5/2.