Owner Appreciation Cup
Delta Downs, 2-29-20, 1 mile
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, $70,000

UNDERPRESSURE
Birdstone-Charming Colleen
Breeder: James McIngvale
Owner: Mallory Greiner
Trainer: Chris Richard
Jockey: Gerard Melancon

2nd
Treasure Trove
Tapizar-Cashmere
Breeder: John Fradkin & Diane Fradkin (KY)
Owner: Bayou Bengal Racing Stable
Trainer: Thomas M. Amoss
Jockey: Diego Saenz

3rd
Paddock Pick
Graydar-Fiery Pulpit
Breeder: Taylor Brothers Properties LLC, Pollock Farms, Patrick H. Payne, et al (KY)
Owner: Claiming Game Racing
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: C.J. McMahon

 

Underpressure’s victory in the Owner Appreciation Cup came in come-from-behind style as his used his deadly late kick to run down pacesetter Treasure Trove in the stretch. The Chris Richard trainee, who was ridden by Gerard Melancon, hit the finish line 1-1/4 lengths to the good of Treasure Trove with Paddock Pick finishing another 2-1/4 lengths back in third. The final time for Underpressure was 1:38.79.

 

The win by Underpressure came with some drama after the race. Treasure Trove’s jockey Diego Saenz claimed foul against the winner for drifting in front of his mount in mid-stretch. The stewards took several minutes to review video of the race before disallowing the claim and keeping the order of finish intact.

 

Underpressure has now won 13-of-36 races and the $48,000 prize on Saturday night raised his career bankroll to $741,382. The 6-year-old Louisiana-bred son of Birdstone, out of the Charismatic mare Charming Colleen, won all three of his starts at Delta Downs this meet, each with Melancon in the saddle. The biggest score came in the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship on February 8, which was the richest race of the season.