Delta Downs Jackpot (Grade 3) Preview

Racing Dudes Pick: #1 Prime Engine

Racing Dudes Vale Pick: #5 Saratoga Heater

Projected Order of Finish:

#1 Prime Engine – Two races…two blow out victories!  Yes those races were at Emerald Downs, but I love this ones front running style…especially when it comes to him running at Delta Downs.  With the transfer to Hollendorfer and the morning line odds at 8-1 it looks like he might be the perfect play and fit for this race.

#10 Ocho Ocho Ocho – This one might end up being a super star.  Like Prime Engine he is two for two in his young career with both wins coming at Santa Anita.  The only question mark left for him is the stretch out, as both of his races have been sprints.  However, his pedigree suggests he’ll stretch out pretty well.

#3 Mr. Z – He shows up in every big 2 year old race, so why not one more?  He’s the morning line favorite, but I do think he’s beatable.  I expect him to do his best running when the distances get longer, and I’m not sure this track will play to his liking.  Expect him to show up and give it a solid try though.

#5 Saratoga Heater – At 15-1 this one is worth a big time look, but I do expect those odds to go down.  He’s two out of three against New York bred company so far, with his last race being a huge effort to win by four in a stakes races.  His natural speed will be a big help, and he’s shown he likes a sloppy track which could be good with rain forecasted for this race.  Must use horse…logical long shot.

#4 Conquest Tsunami – Winner of five out of six lifetime starts with his only loss coming in a Grade 1 race.  He did rebound off that race to finish first in an ungraded race at Churchill Downs last time out, so this is yet another that is a must use in all exotic wagers.  Much like the first four I have mentioned…in with a big shot.

#6 Golden Actor – Anytime you can get a win over the track at Delta Downs it puts you at an advantage, and that’s exactly what Golden Actor has.  He won the local prep for this race by nearly five lengths after breaking his maiden at Gulfstream West.  I don’t think he measures up to the top ones in here talent wise, but the prep over the track gives him hope.

#9 Far Right – Has always been a part of things in each of his five races, but has only found the winners circle once.  However, he’s been beaten by some nice horses the last two times out.  Maybe a superfecta crasher….

#8 Wake Up Nick – Yet ANOTHER that you can’t totally throw out.  In fact, having him ranked 8th in this group shows you just how strong the field is for this race. All this horse has done is win FIVE in a row before finishing second last time out in a 200k Cal Bred Stakes on Breeders Cup Saturday.  Hard to toss that kind of form aside.

#7 Red Button – FINALLY…a horse I don’t think has much of a chance to win this race.  Looks like more of a turf/synthetic type to me.

#2 Dekabrist – The form is going backwards on this one in big way…not giving him any shot.