Dalika Fittingly Wins Stall Memorial

NEW ORLEANS, LA – In a scene that would fit perfectly into a Hollywood movie, the Al Stall Jr.-trained Dalika won Saturday’s race named for his late father, the $100,000 Albert M. Stall Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds.

Dalika’s hard-fought win came by 1 length over Temple City Terror after stalking the early pace that His Glory (seventh) set, but it wasn’t always a sure thing.

Following the race, the stewards posted the inquiry sign and James Graham, the rider of Joy Epifora (fourth), claimed foul against Dalika and jockey Miguel Mena, alleging interference at the 1/8 pole.

After the stewards’ review, no change was made to the original order of finish, giving Dalika her third (and perhaps most impactful) career stakes score.

Pass the Plate was third, sandwiched by a 1/2-length between Temple City Terror and Joy Epifora. Secret Message, Xanthique, and His Glory were close behind them as well.

Room to Finish failed to menace before completing the order of finish.

Amazima, Dreamalildreamofu, Mizzen Beau, and Tuned were all trainer scratches.

Dalika’s win was her third in her past 5 starts following last September’s One Dreamer Stakes at Kentucky Downs and last December’s local Blushing K. D. Stakes. The German-bred 5-year-old Pastorious mare’s record now stands at 18-6-4-0 with $398,005 earned for Bal Mar Equine.

Dalika returned $5.80 to win, $4.20 to place, and $3.20 to show. Temple City Terror brought back $7.40 to place and $4 to show. Pass the Plate paid $4 to show.