The Orleans Stakes headlines Race 6 at Delta Downs on a stakes-filled card, featuring a competitive field of 10 fillies and mares aged 4 and up sprinting five furlongs on dirt. This $100,000 guaranteed event draws a mix of proven stakes performers, allowance winners, and Louisiana-bred specialists. With a guaranteed purse and no nomination fees beyond entry, it attracts horses with strong recent speed figures and sprint pedigrees. The favorite, Hillerito, brings class from graded stakes attempts, but local contenders like Jumpin Judy and Sassi Strutter could upset on a track that favors speed. Expect a fast pace with several frontrunners, potentially setting up for a closer if the fractions get too hot.
Venue Location
Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino
2717 Delta Downs Drive
Vinton, Louisiana 70668 This 6-furlong oval with a casino attached is known for its bullring layout, favoring horses with early speed and inside draws. The dirt surface plays fair but can get tiring in wet conditions. Grandstand seating and simulcast options are available, with general admission around $5-10.
Post Time is scheduled for 7:04 p.m. CT (8:04 p.m. ET) Live coverage available via TVG, FanDuel Racing, or track simulcast. Post time is approximate and subject to delays from earlier races.
Expected Weather Conditions
Partly sunny skies with a high of 60°F and a low around 39°F. Winds from the north at 6 mph (gusts up to 23 mph possible), humidity at 49%, and no precipitation expected (0.00 inches). UV index: 3. These mild, dry conditions should lead to a fast track, ideal for speed horses without the slop that sometimes affects Delta Downs in winter.
Track Conditions
Dirt surface, 5 furlongs. With no rain in the forecast and recent dry weather, expect a “Fast” rating. Delta Downs’ dirt typically rewards early speed, especially from inside posts, but the short stretch (660 feet) can allow stalkers to close if the pace melts down. Recent track bias has favored rails and speed in sprints.
Field Overview
This is a non-graded stakes for fillies and mares 4YO+, with weights ranging from 118-124 lbs based on allowances for non-winners. The field includes 4 Kentucky-breds, 5 Louisiana-breds, and 1 Maryland-bred, reflecting a mix of shippers and locals. Average speed figure from last out: ~110. Purse distribution favors the top finishers, with the winner taking ~60% ($60,000).Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and TrainerBelow is a detailed breakdown by post position, including horse details, recent finishes (last 5-6 where available), form analysis, jockey stats, and trainer notes. Speed figures are Beyer-style equivalents from available data.
Post Position 1: Hillerito (6YO Mare, Army Mule – Reveille’s Echo)
Trainer: David Jacobson (20% win rate in sprints; strong with shippers, 25% at Delta Downs). Known for aggressive tactics and quick turnarounds.
Jockey: Cristian A. Torres (18% win rate; excels in sprints, 22% on favorites). Good from the rail, patient rider.
Recent Finishes: 12/21/25 – 5th (107) at OP (5.5F Dirt, Poinsettia S.); 11/8/25 – 1st (109) at CD (6F Dirt, Dream Supreme LS); 10/11/25 – 2nd (122) at KEE (6.5F Dirt, AOC); 9/21/25 – 1st (116) at CD (6F Dirt, AOC); 8/3/25 – 1st (122) at ELP (6F Dirt, AOC); 4/27/25 – 1st (122) at MNR (4.5F Dirt, ALW).
Analysis: Class of the field with four wins in 2025, including a listed stakes. High speed figures (avg. 116 last five) and tactical speed make her the one to beat from the rail. Cuts back to 5F where she’s 3-for-4 lifetime. Form is sharp; expect her to stalk and pounce.
Post Position 2: Six String (5YO Mare, Star Guitar – Oh Whata Holiday)
Trainer: Allen Landry (15% win rate; 28% with LA-breds at home tracks). Local specialist who preps well for stakes.
Jockey: Jansen Melancon (14% win rate; strong at Delta Downs, 20% in sprints). Knows the track angles.
Recent Finishes: 12/13/25 – 3rd (116) at FG (6F Dirt, LA Champions Day Ladies Sprint S.); 11/22/25 – 2nd (119) at FG (6F Dirt, Delmar R. Caldwell Memorial S.); 8/30/25 – 1st (113) at LAD (6F Dirt, LA Cup F&M Sprint S.); 8/1/25 – 2nd (119) at EVD (5.5F Dirt, ALW); 6/7/25 – 2nd (104) at EVD (5.5F Dirt, LA Legends Mademoiselle S.); 5/2/25 – 2nd (105) at EVD (5.5F Dirt, Creole Lady S.).
Analysis: Consistent LA-bred with six straight in-the-money finishes in stakes/allowance company. Speed figures peaking (avg. 112), loves dirt sprints (4-for-8 at 5-6F). Good post for pressing pace; could wire if uncontested.
Post Position 3: Kaely’s Sister (8YO Mare, Maclean’s Music – Policy of Truth)
Trainer: Paul Duhon (12% win rate; veteran with older mares, 18% at EVD/FG). Patient developer.
Jockey: Carlos Lozada (13% win rate; 15% in sprints). Solid but not flashy.
Recent Finishes: 8/16/25 – 3rd (103) at EVD (5F Dirt, AOC); 7/3/25 – 6th (93) at EVD (5F Turf, ALW); 5/29/25 – 1st (116) at EVD (5F Dirt, ALW); 2/22/25 – 5th (104) at FG (6F Dirt, AOC); 12/12/24 – 1st (118) at FG (5.5F Dirt, AOC); 10/3/24 – 1st (121) at HAW (6F Dirt, AOC).
Analysis: Veteran with three wins in last year, but form dipped mid-2025. Rebounded with a third last out; speed figures variable (avg. 109). Turf try was off; back on dirt helps, but age (8) and outside speed may hinder.
Post Position 4: First Love (6YO Mare, Kantharos – R d’Oro)
Trainer: Isai V. Gonzalez (16% win rate; good with sprinters).
Jockey: Joel Dominguez (17% win rate; aggressive front-runner).
Recent Finishes: Limited data; 11/21/25 – 3rd (116) at DED (5F Dirt, AOC, behind Jumpin Judy). Prior forms suggest consistent allowance placer.
Analysis: Speedy type who pressed in recent third at this track/distance. Figures around 110-115; good draw for stalking. Trainer’s 20% at Delta helps.
Post Position 5: Twirl Around (5YO Mare, Twirling Candy – Willow Hills)
Trainer: Gregory D. Foley (18% win rate; strong shipper from KY, 22% in sprints).
Jockey: Mitchell Murrill (15% win rate; tactical rider).
Recent Finishes: 11/30/25 – 3rd (100) at CD (6F Dirt, AOC); 10/23/25 – 6th (66) at KEE (5.5F Turf, ALW); 8/17/25 – 1st (86) at ELP (5.5F Turf, AOC); 6/29/25 – 7th (54) at CD (5F Turf, AOC); 5/24/25 – 5th (100) at CD (6F Dirt, AOC); 4/26/25 – 1st (113) at CD (6F Dirt, ALW).
Analysis: Turf-to-dirt switch could spark; two dirt wins in 2025 with 100+ figures. Recent third shows form; midpack post suits closing style.
Post Position 6: Luyv (6YO Mare, Yockey’s Warrior – Southpine)
Trainer: Garland Goins (10% win rate; local low-profile).
Jockey: Alexander Castillo (12% win rate).
Recent Finishes: Limited public data; assumed allowance-level form based on entry.
Analysis: LA-bred longshot; likely needs pace meltdown. Outsider.
Post Position 7: Little Bit of That (7YO Mare, Great Notion – In My Time)
Trainer: Kent Knudsen (14% win rate; good with claimers turned stakes).
Jockey: David Cohen (20% win rate; class rider).
Recent Finishes: 12/6/25 – 3rd (99) at DED (4F Dirt, SOC); 10/29/25 – 3rd (115) at MNR (5.5F Dirt, STR); 9/26/25 – 1st (125) at CT (4.5F Dirt, AOC); 8/31/25 – 1st (108) at MNR (5.5F Dirt, SOC); 8/3/25 – 1st (105) at MNR (6F Dirt, SOC); 7/16/25 – 1st (114) at MNR (5.5F Dirt, STR).
Analysis: Hot streak with four wins in 2025; figures rising (avg. 112). Shipper from East; wide post a concern, but Cohen adds value.
Post Position 8: Gloriette (5YO Mare, Munnings – Julerette)
Trainer: Ronny Morris (13% win rate).
Jockey: Timothy Thornton (16% win rate).
Recent Finishes: Limited recent data; older results show placings in low-level races.
Analysis: Potential closer; wide draw hurts on bullring. Longshot.
Post Position 9: Sassi Strutter (5YO Mare, Sassicaia – She’s Prado’s Idol)
Trainer: Lee Thomas (15% win rate; LA specialist).
Jockey: Thomas L. Pompell (14% win rate).
Recent Finishes: 11/29/25 – 8th (95) at FG (5.5F Turf, Pan Zareta LS); 8/16/25 – 1st (124) at EVD (5F Dirt, AOC); 8/1/25 – 1st (124) at EVD (5.5F Dirt, ALW); 7/3/25 – 3rd (99) at EVD (5F Turf, ALW); 5/29/25 – 2nd (114) at EVD (5F Dirt, ALW); 5/2/25 – 6th (99) at EVD (5.5F Dirt, Creole Lady S.).
Analysis: Back-to-back wins mid-2025 with career-high 124 figures. Turf flop last out; dirt return boosts chances despite wide post.
Post Position 10: Jumpin Judy (6YO Mare, Street Boss – Stage Direction)
Trainer: Antonio Alberto (12% win rate).
Jockey: Vicente Del-Cid (13% win rate).
Recent Finishes: 11/21/25 – 1st (130) at DED (5F Dirt, AOC); 8/16/25 – 2nd (121) at EVD (5F Dirt, AOC); 7/3/25 – 2nd (105) at EVD (5F Turf, ALW); 5/29/25 – 4th (110) at EVD (5F Dirt, ALW); 1/3/25 – 3rd (115) at DED (5F Dirt, Orleans S.).
Analysis: Peak form with win at this track/distance last out (career-best 130). Wide post a challenge, but closing kick could capitalize on pace.
Series History
The Orleans Stakes has been run annually since the early 2000s, often won by LA-bred speedsters (e.g., Makeup in 2025). Favorites win ~40%; average winning Beyer ~115. Last year’s winner wired from post 4.
