News Late-Charging Mississippi Delta Scores in G3 Intercontinental June 8, 2017 News Late-Charging Mississippi Delta Scores in G3 Intercontinental June 8, 2017 By: Jared Welch twitterfacebooklinkedinemail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article ELMONT, NY – A late charge by the Mike Rutherford and Terry Green-owned mare Mississippi Delta was strong enough to help her prevail by a head to win the Grade 3, $250,000 Intercontinental. The 5-year-old daughter by Giant’s Causeway withstood a challenge to her outside from Conquest Babayaga in the final strides but had enough to outlast her foe. The finish line couldn’t come fast enough for winning trainer Mark Casse. “That was interesting, because the filly that was flying on in (Conquest Babayaga) was my old filly that we sold in the Conquest dispersal.” he said from the winners’ circle. “I felt like I was afraid the Preakness was going happen. Chad got us in the Preakness; we got him this time. When she’s on her game, she’s on the bridle. I said to (son and assistant) Norman about the 1/4 pole, ‘He’s got horse. She’s going to run good.’ She looked good today.” Jockey Jose Lezcano rated Mississippi Delta down the backside to sixth amid the field of 10, while front-running Portmagee set fractions of :22.80, :45.38, and 1:08.72. Mississippi Delta was urged from the two path at the 1/2-mile and put under a four-wide drive turning for home. Conquest Babayaga, settled early by Joel Rosario, was taken seven-wide before urged to catch the leaders in the stretch. Down the center of the course, the Uncle Mo filly ran out of ground and was forced to settle for the runner-up spot. Mississippi Delta’s winning effort against this field, covering the seven furlongs on the firm Widener turf in 1:20.05, was far different from her last, a fourth-place finish in the Grade 2 Distaff Turf Mile at Churchill Downs. “I got a very good trip,” Lezcano said. “She broke good, and we were exactly where I wanted to be. Last time, she got very soft turf. I know she’s a nice filly and she’s better than what she showed last time. Today, the grass was perfect for her, and she ran her race.” Mississippi Delta’s win was her seventh from 19 career starts, and was sent off at odds of 6-1. New Subscriber Bonus: Access our Top 10 Wagering Angles in Racing to see exactly what we look for when opening up the past performances. In addition to Conquest Babayaga, trainer Chad Brown saddled Take These Chains, an Irish-bred bringing three straight victories from as many starts. Jockey Javier Castellano, who teamed with Brown to win this race last year with Zindaya, kept her in mid-pack before setting her loose, but the 4-year-old filly by Fastnet Rock weakened through the stretch as the 3-5 favorite. “I didn’t have much excuse today,” Castellano said. “I was in a good spot but, unfortunately, she didn’t fire today. I don’t know for what reason, but she didn’t show up today.” Portmagee preserved a third-place finish over Fair Point, while Lady Valeur, Outsider Art, Rapid Rhythm, Take These Chains, Josdesanimaux, and Perfect Pic rounded out the field. Mississippi Delta returned $15.20, $6, and $4.70. Conquest Babayaga brought back $9.10 and $5.60, while Portmagee paid $4.70 to show. NYRA
Kentucky Downs and Del Mar Picks & Previews | Blinkers Off 683 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for this weekend’s… Read More
Kentucky Downs Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 565 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
College Football Picks & NFL Tips | Dudes Who Bet Sports 205 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More
Pacific Classic 2024 Picks and Rapid-Fire | Blinkers Off 682 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for Saturday’s $1… Read More
Del Mar Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 564 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
Kentucky Downs Picks | Turf Sprint Stakes 2024 [Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint] Aaron previews the 2024 Turf Sprint Stakes (G2) at Kentucky… Read More
Kentucky Downs FREE Win Picks | September 7, 2024 Get our FREE win picks at Kentucky Downs on September… Read More
Del Mar FREE Win Picks | September 7, 2024 Get our FREE win picks at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club… Read More
Kentucky Downs Exacta Picks & Plays | Turf Cup Stakes 2024 [Breeders’ Cup Turf] Dr. Miranda gives her exacta picks & plays from the… Read More
Rocket Picks 🚀: Del Mar, Kentucky Downs, & Gulfstream Park for September 7, 2024 Let’s kick off another big day of horse racing with… Read More