The Grade 3 $1,000,000 Delta Jackpot

The fine folks at Delta Downs in Vinton, Louisiana certainly know what they are doing when it comes to their showcase races. Not only do they offer the second-richest two-year-old race in the country two weeks after the richest one (The Breeders' Cup Juvenile), they had the forethought to move post time to the afternoon rather than run under the lights, as is their custom. Therefore, you give some of the top horsemen in the land options as to what to do at the end of the year and you all but guarantee the winner of the Grade 3 $1,000,000 Delta Jackpot a spot in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby in May. Just look at the trainers who are sending horses to Louisiana for the Jackpot: Bob Baffert, Anthony Dutrow, Mark Casse, Kelly Breen, and Bruce Levine all have horses running at Delta Downs. Here is the analysis for the Grade 3 $1,000,000 Delta Jackpot:

I think that there might not be enough speed to challenge #6 Bug Juice in this race. He might just go to the front and never look back. His 91 Beyer Speed Figure from his last race at Finger Lakes is the best figure in the field and his work over the surface at Delta on November 17 was a three-furlong bullet. There is a lot to like with this gelding, including A.P. Indy on the Sire side, Javier Castellano in the saddle and an 8-1 morning-line. #4 Rush Now scored a win at the distance of 1 1/16 miles last time out in the Dover Stakes at Delaware Park. The Sire is two-time Breeders' Cup Classic winner, Tiznow. Robby Albarado rides and he also threw a recent bullet workout into the mix at Delaware on November 14. #9 Sweet Ducky won back-to-back minor stakes races at Monmouth Park this fall. His only non-victory came over the only wet track he has faced. In keeping with the apparent theme here, his last workout was also a bullet at Delta Downs on November 13. Jersey Joe Bravo joins the Garden State import for a try in the Bayou. Finally, I will wrap up the top four with #2 Classic Legacy. Yes, I know that Blue Laser (also in the field) beat him in the Grade 3 Grey Stakes at Woodbine (which was the race that produced Mine That Bird for his two-year-old championship season in Canada). I just happen to think that the Baffert trainee can make up the 3/4 of a length he was behind in the Grey. I also tend to favor the riding skills of Joe Talamo over Shaun Bridgmohan. Here is the play for the Grade 3 Delta Jackpot:

$5 WPS #6
$1 EX BOX 2-4-6-8-9
TOTAL- $35

Remember, They Are Off accepts no responsibility for any wagers placed in conjunction with these selections. They are merely suggestions. Tune in again next week for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!