He’s best known as a former NFL quarterback who nearly beat Tom Brady in Super Bowl XXXVIII. But Jake Delhomme, who starred for the Carolina Panthers, is also a passionate horse owner who, along with his father Jerry and his brother Jeff, operates Set-Hut Stable LLC. The Delhomme clan focuses on Louisiana-breds and this year they have come up with one of the best ever. Touchuponastar (Star Guitar) is 11-for-14 lifetime and will run this weekend at Fair Grounds, either against open company in Saturday’s $500,000 GII New Orleans Classic or against state-breds the next day in the Star Guitar S.
To talk about Touchuponastar, his love affair with racing and even a bit about his NFL career, Delhomme joined this week’s TDN Writers’ Room podcast presented by Keeneland. He was this week’s Green GroupGuest of the Week.
Former NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme could call an audible and instead run in Sunday’s restricted Star Guitar Stakes
New Orleans, La (March 20, 2024) – The winner of 11 of 14 career starts, the Louisiana-bred Touchuponastar has been installed as Mike Diliberto’s 3-1 morning line favorite over the top four finishers from the Mineshaft (G3) and five others for Saturday’s nine furlong $500,000 New Orleans Classic (G2) presented by Relyne GI by Hagyard.
Purchased for just $14,000 as a yearling, Touchuponastar has only run against open company twice in his career – finishing a game second behind Frosted Grace in the Steve Sexton Mile (G3) at Lone Star in May 2023 and later winning the Delta Mile at Delta Downs in November. The 5-year-old gelded son of Star Guitar has won seven Louisiana-breds stakes and has banked over $700,000 along the way.
Owned by Set-Hut Stables of former NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme, Touchuponastar is trained by his brother Jeff. He is also entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Star Guitar Stakes presented by Brittlyn Stables. Restricted to Louisiana-breds four-year-olds and up, the Star Guitar will be run at 1 1/16 miles. Should he choose that route, Touchuponastar is expected to be an odds-on favorite over the upstart Jack Hammer and five others.
“I honestly haven’t made a concrete decision yet,” Delhomme said in regards to which race Touchuponastar will run in. “All I will say is that the horse is doing extremely well at the moment.”
Jockey Tim Thornton, who has been aboard for every one of his races sans the career debut, would partner with Touchuponastar once again on Saturday and the duo will break from post three.
Claimed in August at Saratoga for $35,000, Jordan Wycoff’s Money Supply finished second in his first try for the new barn, but he’s since rattled off five consecutive wins, including the locally run Claiming Crown Jewel on Dec. 2 and most recently the Mineshaft (G3), also at Fair Grounds.
Sent off at odds of 9-1 over a track rated as sloppy in the Mineshaft, Money Supply rated mid-pack behind the hot pace set by the favored Best Actor. All in midway through the far turn, the Joe Sharp-trainee sustained his bid all the way to the wire, edging the suborn pacesetter by a head to earn his first career graded stakes win. Tyler Gaffalione, who was aboard for the Mineshaft score, has the return call and the duo will break from post five at 9-2 in the morning line.
Sent off as the 3-5 favorite in the Mineshaft, Steve Moger’s Best Actor did all the dirty work, battling through a rigorous opening half mile of 46.97. He shook off the pesky presser Dubyuhnell on the far turn and dug in gamely, only to lose the narrow decision.
“He’s doing great,” trainer Brad Cox said. “He always lets you know when he’s ready to run. We missed a little time with him when we first got down here. He was doing really well when he ran in the Mineshaft and we like what we’ve seen from him since. A little bit deeper race, a little more pace this time around, but he’s doing well. If he gets the right set-up. I’m not sure if he’ll make the lead but he’ll be close. Flavien (Prat) knows him well from riding down here and in New York. I expect him to run big.”
The 5-year-old son of Flatter won the Smarty Jones (G3) as a 3-year-old and he placed in both the Indiana Derby (G3) and Oklahoma Derby (G3) that same season for trainer Brad Cox. Flavien Prat, who has been aboard Best Actor in his last three starts, gets the call from post nine aboard the 7-2 second choice in the morning line.
Here is the complete field for the New Orleans Classic from the rail out (with jockey, trainer and morning line odds): 1. Red Route One, a career earner of over $1.2 million; (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen, 6-1); 2. Gasoline, a four-time winner who got his first graded stakes placing in the Mineshaft last out (John Velazquez, Todd Pletcher, 8-1 ML); 3. Touchuponastar (Timothy Thornton, Jeff Delhomme, 3-1); 4. Black Belt, winner of a second-level optional claiming allowance last out at Gulfstream (Brian Hernandez, Jr., Peter Walder, 10-1); 5. Money Supply (Tyler Gaffalione, Joe Sharp, 9-2) 6. Happy American, a G3 winner who finished 3rd in the Stephen Foster (G1) last year (Corey Lanerie, Neil Pessin, 30-1); 7. Super Cortino (Arg), a group 1 winner in his native Chile who was last seen finishing up the track in the 2023 Dubai World Cup (G1) (Irad Ortiz, Jr., Ignacio Correas IV, 12-1); 8. Velocitor, a recent upset winner of a second-level optional claiming allowance at Fair Grounds (David Cohen, Gary Scherer, 10-1); 9. Best Actor (Flavien Prat, Brad Cox, 7-2); and 10. Lure Him In, recently second behind Black Belt in a second-level optional claiming allowance at Gulfstream (Edwin Gonzales, Saffie Joseph, Jr., 10-1)
With a post time of 4:04 p.m. CT, the New Orleans Classic (G2) presented by Relyne GI by Hagyard is scheduled as the 9th of 12 races and is one of eight stakes on Saturday’s “Louisiana Derby Day” card. With $3 million in purses up for grabs, the program also features the TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) and the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) presented by Fasig-Tipton — 100-50-25-15-10 points races on the Road to the 150th Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve and the Longines Kentucky Oaks. First post is noon CT.
Touchuponastar wins the Louisiana Premier Championship at Delta Downs. Coady Photography.
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted its richest program of the season on Saturday evening as the 21st edition of Louisiana Premier Night took center stage. The 11-race program featured 10 stakes races and over $900,000 in total purse money for Louisiana-bred horses.
The featured race on the program was the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship and it was won for the second straight year by Set Hut, LLC (Jake Delhomme)’s Touchuponastar under jockey Tim Thornton. The Jeff Delhomme trainee defeated five rivals in the 1 1/16-mile affair over a muddy sealed racetrack. Touchuponastar is now five-for-five at Delta Downs and has won three stakes races this season.
After breaking sharply from post position three, Touchuponastar went to the lead and dictated the pace throughout, covering the opening quarter mile in 24.35 seconds and the half mile in 49.61. He hit the ¾ mile timer in 1:14.08 and had yet to be asked for his best run by Thornton. In the upper-stretch he drew clear from Play Mo, who had been chasing the leader since the start and wound up second. The winning margin was 6-3/4 lengths on the wire. Wise Verdict rounded out the top three finishers another 1-1/4 lengths behind the runner-up. Touchuponastar covered the distance in a time of 1:45.03.
“This horse is all class; I’m thankful to be on him”, Thornton said in the winner’s circle. “He makes it look easy. He just keeps getting better and better and that’s what makes him so special.”
Overall, Touchuponastar has won 11 of his 14 career starts. He earned $90,000 on Saturday night which raised his lifetime bankroll to $708,100.
“We are blessed to have him,” said owner Jake Delhomme after the race. “There was no pace in the race so Timmy just loped him along. This horse takes his racetrack with him, but he really likes Delta Downs.”
Bred in Louisiana by Coteau Grove Farms, Touchuponastar is a 5-year-old bay gelding by all-time Louisiana-bred earner Star Guitar. He is out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic. Touchuponastar was sold for just $15,000 in Texas as a yearling in 2020.
Fans made Touchuponastar the lowest of favorites at odds of 1-9. He paid $2.10 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Play Mo returned $4.80 to place and $2.40 to show. Wise Verdict was worth $3 to show.
All eyes were on Louisiana millionaire and 1-9 wagering favorite Free Like a Girl in the $125,000 Distaff but 23-1 longshot Wholelottamo had other ideas.
The race unfolded as it appeared it would on paper with Free Like a Girl stalking the early pace set by Vale Male, who covered the opening quarter mile in 23.34 seconds and the half mile in 47.91. As the field of eight fillies and mares entered the second turn of the one-mile affair, Free Like a Girl under jockey Vicente Del Cid used a quick turn of foot to go by the leader and open a four-length lead at the top of the lane after going three quarters of a mile in 1:13.27.
Another win for Free Like a Girl looked to be in the cards before Wholelottamo and jockey C. J. McMahon launched a furious rally from far behind to run down the accomplished mare and win by ¾ of a length at the wire. Thetruthisthetruth finished another 5-3/4 lengths behind the runner-up. The final time for Wholelottamo was 1:41.20.
The win by Wholelottamo was the sixth of her 28-race career. She earned $75,000 for her connections of owner Thompson Racing LLC (Stephen Thompson) and trainer Jayde Gelner. Overall, she has taken home $383,865 during her career.
Bred in Louisiana by Cloyce C. Clark, Jr., Wholelottamo is a 5-year-old mare by Mo Tom, out of the A. P. Jet mare Jet’s Tradition. She was purchased as a yearling for $17,000 in 2020.
Wholelottamo paid $48.20 to win, $6.20 to place and $3.60 to show. Free Like a Girl was worth $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Thetruthisthetruth returned $3.20 to show.
The Mark Casse trainee Bron and Brow ($3.40) returned to Delta Downs and defended his title in the $100,000 Sprint this year under jockey Reylu Gutierrez. The Gary Barber-owned gelding used a dazzling late kick to slip through at the rail late and win the five-furlong dash going away. It was the seventh win from 17 career starts for Bron and Brow.
Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall, Bron and Brow is a 5-year-old gelding by Gormley, out of the Changeintheweather mare Changing Vista. He was a $200,000 purchase as a 2-year-old in 2021.
TAV Enterprises, LLC’s El Dinero ($6) used a strong late kick to get by Good and Stout and win the $100,000 Prince on Saturday under jockey Juan Vargas. The Patrick Devereux, Jr. trainee has now won three stakes races during his seven-race career. The dark bay or brown runner broke his maiden last August in the D. S. ‘Shine’ Young Futurity at Evangeline Downs.
Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock & Hume Wornall, El Dinero is a 3-year-old gelding by El Deal, out of the Forestry mare Money for Makeup. He was purchased for $36,000 as a 2-year-old in 2023.
Longshot Lightofmaine ($34) held off a late charge by Magnolia Avenue to capture this year’s $100,000 Starlet under jockey Jansen Melancon. The W. Bret Calhoun trainee has now won three of six career starts for owners Maury Harrington and Christopher Harrington. The Starlet was her first stakes tally.
Bred in Louisiana by Baronne Farms LLC, Lightofmaine is a 3-year-old filly by Tapwrit, out of the Deputy Minister mare Pontiana. She was purchased for $45,000 at the Keeneland September Sale in 2022.
Charlie T ($17.80), under jockey Carlos Lozada, proved best in the $100,000 Matron on Louisiana Premier Night. The Lee M. Thomas trainee held off several challengers in the five-furlong test and reported home ¾ of a length in front of runner-up Blessed Assurance. It was the seventh win for the homebred and she earned $60,000 for the effort.
Charlie T is a 5-year-old mare by My Pal Charlie, out of the Roger That mare That Real World. She was bred in Louisiana by her owner Elite Thoroughbred Racing LLC (Michelle Rodriguez).
Muchmorethanready ($3) was an easy winner in this year’s $60,000 Ladies Starter under jockey Juan Vargas. The Juan Larrosa trainee came from far behind to win by 9-¾ lengths going away for owner Laurence Jones and Evans Thoroughbred Racing, LLC. The win was her fifth from 16 career starts and her fourth in the last five trips to the starting gate.
Bred in Louisiana by T & G Farm of KY LLC, Muchmorethanready is a 4-year-old filly by Tom’s Ready, out of the Street Sense mare Astarte. She was originally sold for $20,000 at the Keeneland September sale in 2021 and was claimed by her current connections for $5,000 in November at Delta Downs.
Heza Pickle ($16.40) was victorious in the $60,000 Gentlemen Starter under jockey Corey Lanerie. The property of Terrell Jarrett, Jr. and Lara Racing Stables, LLC (Jorge Lara) used a strong late kick to gain his fifth career win from 20 overall starts. The Jorge Lara trainee was claimed for $7,500 at Delta Downs earlier this season.
Bred in Louisiana by Gerald L. Averett, Jr., Heza Pickle is a 5-year-old gelding by Yellow Meadow, out of the Planet Earth mare I Love Pickles.
The $50,000 Bon Temps Starter was won by Larry J. Romero’s Myfriendsawinner ($7) under jockey Vicente Del Cid. The Jonas B. Gibson trainee won the five-furlong sprint by three lengths over Commercial Flash. It was her eighth win from 17 career starts.
Bred in Louisiana by Penny Scarberry, Myfriendsawinner is a 6-year-old mare by Silent Pleasure, out of the Musket Man mare My Girl Max.
The closest finish of the night came in the nightcap, the $50,000 Ragin Cajun Starter when Sharp Charlie ($7.20) nosed out Double Barrel Man in a dramatic finish of the five-furlong sprint. Sharp Charlie was ridden by Joel Dominguez, who got a leg up from trainer Jorge Lara. The winner is owned by Terrell Jarrett, Jr. and Lara Racing Stable.
Sharp Charlie is a 6-year-old gelding by My Pal Charlie, out of the Rodeo mare Chic Jolie. He was bred in Louisiana by Michelle Rodriguez.
Delta Downs has three weeks left in its 2023-24 season, which wraps up on February 24. First post time each night for the remainder of the season is at 5:15 pm.
For more information about racing at Delta Downs visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation, is the premier racing and gaming entertainment venue in Vinton, LA. Named “America’s Best Horse Racing Track” by readers of USA TODAY 10Best for 2023, Delta Downs features a six-furlong oval track, 15,000 square feet of casino space and more than 1,500 of the most popular slot machines. Amenities include two restaurants, chart-topping entertainment at the Delta Event Center and the FanDuel Sportsbook.
Touchuponastar Turns Back Tumbarumba for Consecutive Classic
Touchuponastar with jockey Timothy Thornton aboard pulls away to win the 32nd running of the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.
The top three finishers in the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic were bred by Coteau Grove Farms
New Orleans, La (Dec. 9, 2023) – Set-Hut’s phenom Touchuponastar set the pace and turned back Tumbarumba’s far-turn bid to win his second $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The 4-year-old son of Star Guitar out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic was bred by Coteau Grove, along with the second and third-place finishers, Tumbarumba and Cosmic Train.
When the top two Classic finishers went eyeball to eyeball in the far turn, it was only a matter of a few strides before Touchuponastar put Tumbarumba away and quickly took an insurmountable 3-length advantage. Tumbarumba never stopped trying to re-engage, making up ground late.
Trained by Jeff Delhomme and guided by jockey Tim Thornton, Touchuponastar finished 1 1/4 lengths in front of Tumbarumba and covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.12.
“He’s all class,” Thornton said. “I knew when he got away clean in the first jump that they were going to have to run today to beat him. I was in-hand waiting. He’s such a great horse, they’ve done such a great job with him. It’s a joy to ride him.”
With a lifetime record of 13-10-2-1 and $618,100 in purses, the question remains could former NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme’s Touchuponastar step out of Louisiana and take on top stakes routers.
“The Louisiana breeders program is so great over here,” trainer Jeff Delhomme said. “It gives us the opportunity to run for the money. We don’t need to chase the money. We can stay right here. Would we like another chance next year in the Steve Sexton? Yes. Maybe try him this year in the New Orleans Classic? Yes. I don’t think we need to go far to take on better competition but I think all these Louisiana-breds are giving us all we can handle right now.”
On hand in the winner’s circle, Keith and Ginger Myers of Coteau Grove Farms were able to witness a few of the best of their breeding program run first, second, and third in the Classic.
“What’s special is where we are,” Keith Myers said. “We’re here at home in Louisiana. We’re very close to Jake (Delhomme), and we see the Delhommes as our family. Having success together makes it more special. To have three who were bred at the farm run one, two, three–it’s quite rewarding. Touchuponastar was big and athletic (as a yearling), but I don’t remember having thoughts that this was going to be the one. Really it was a little bit of a surprise.”
Mangum Cuts Back, Surges Late to Win $100,000 Sprint
Mangum wins the 2023 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint. Hodges Photo.
After winning the Classic with Touchuponastar earlier in the card, Jake Delhomme’s Set-Hut stepped back into the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots winner’s circle as Mangum surged late through traffic to surprise Bron and Brow in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint.
Finishing 1/2 lengths back, Bron and Brow survived a steward’s review to secure place honors. Trained by Jeff Delhomme, Mangum covered the six furlongs in 1:10.83.
“Jake (brother Delhomme) studied the Form last night,” Jeff said. “And the best numbers he threw were sprinting at Evangeline and Delta so we took a chance (running in the Sprint) and it worked out. We’ve got the entire family here. Winning big races on a day like this is like a dream come true.”
Winner of the Jacob V. Morreale going 1 mile 70 yards over opening weekend, Mangum was guided by Corey Lanerie in both stakes scores.
“Hats off to the entire team,” Lanerie said. “They had this horse ready. He was a lot better than the last time I rode him. We took a lot of dirt early and I was running out of goggles. We had to find somewhere to go. I was rerouting. We found a hole and luckily we had the horse to do it. It’s fun when you get there in time because a lot of times you don’t.”
In the mix against a full field of 14, bettors backed Mangum to the tune of 9-2.
With the Sprint score, the rising 3-year-old now boasts a 12-7-1-3 lifetime record totaling $315,360 in purse earnings.
According to Design Behemah Star Shines on Turf
Behemah Star with J. A. Guerrero aboard captures the 32nd running of the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Turf at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Amanda Hodges Weir
With little early speed signed on for the 33rd running of the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Turf, Behemah Star stole to the front ahead of the far turn and turned back Who Took the Money in the final stages to win by 1 1/4 lengths.
Trainer Shane Wilson had cross-entered Brittlyn Stable’s son of Star Guitar in the Classic, but opted for the Turf.
“This was the total plan,” Wilson said. “We entered in both races. Earlier in the week I got beat on the turf when speed went to the front and we tried to be tactical but they didn’t come back to us. I handicapped this race and didn’t see any speed in here so we decided to go in this spot. (Behemah Star) had run once on the turf and he was forward to run second. We wanted to do something similar again today. It worked out.”
Ridden by jockey Jose Guerrero, Behemah Star pressed the pace through the first two calls and covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.76.
“The plan was to get him out aggressively from the gate,” Guerrero said. “It worked pretty well. I was able to get in a perfect spot behind the inside horse and he slowed down so I slowed down with him, saving energy, and when we got to the 3/8ths pole he exploded and finished it off in front from there.”
Behemah Star rewarded his backers to the tune of 18-1. With a career record of 19-5-5-4, Behmah Star’s first turf tally upped his bank to $309,821.
Ova Charged Survives Photo for Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint Three-peat
Ova Charged with jockey J. A. Guerrero aboard gets a head in front of Basalt Street to win the17th running of the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.
Employing her signature stalking speed, Ova Charged beat Basalt Street by a thin lip to take her third $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint in a row. Stablemate Spirited Beauty ran third. Together with Behemah Star’s Turf win, Brittlyn Stable added two on the day for a record 17 Louisiana Champions Day victories in 33 years of running
By the ubiquitous stallion Star Guitar, the Shane Wilson trainee ran the 6 furlongs in 1:10.67. At 7-5 under jockey Jose Guerrero, Ova Charged has now won 9 times in 12 tries with one place-finish, racking up $428,780 in purses along the way.
After the race trainer Shane Wilson said, “She was coming off the layoff and we’re trying to get her ready for this date. We skipped the race opening day because I didn’t think she was ready….We hoped her talent and guts would get us there and it worked out. She got a little heavy (tired) at the end but she got there. If you want to win races in Louisiana, then breed to Star Guitar. He’s had more starters and winners today than any other stallion. If you want to be in these big races, then breed to Star Guitar. The credit goes to Miss Evelyn (Benoit). Instead of standing him in Kentucky she kept him here for the local people so we have a chance to have horses like this.”
Free Like a Girl Wires the $100,000 Distaff
Free Like A Girl with jockey Vicente Del-Cid wins the 32nd running of the Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Distaff at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.
Leading the pack of fillies at every call, Gerald Bruno Jr., Chasey Deville Pomier, and Jerry Caroom’s Free Like a Girl proved much the best wiring the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Distaff field on Saturday. Holding off all advances, the 4-year-old daughter of El Deal rolled down the homestretch as A G’s Charlotte scrambled to get second, a distant 4 3/4 lengths back.
Trainer Chasey Pomier had entered the versatile 4-year-old in both the Distaff and the Sprint, and just like ahead of her score last out in the Doris Hebert, it was a last-minute decision.
With Vicente Del-Cid back in the irons, Free Like a Girl covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.49.
“We made the decision to run in the Distaff instead of the Ladies Sprint this morning. It’s what we needed to do for her.” said Chasey Pomier, trainer and part-owner. “We thought about the route race last year but ended up going in the Sprint (second to Ova Charged). She’s matured (since then) and we thought she could go the distance today. Going right to the lead was not in my plan but it worked. I take it race by race. She’s going to tell me when she wants to go.”
The recently minted millionaire added $60,000 to bump her bankroll to $1,066,578 and her career record to a hard-knocking 32-15-8-4. The fans knew, making Free Like a Girl the 8-5 favorite.
Good and Stout Just Good Enough in $100,000 Juvenile
Good And Stout with jockey C. J. McMahon gets a nose in front of El Dinero to win the 32nd running of the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Amanda Hodges Weir
C.J. McMahon’s first win at the meet came on the center stage as he guided Whispering Oaks Farm’s Good and Stout to the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile winner’s circle on Saturday at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
Going 6 furlongs in 1:12.22, the son of Coal Front held off the late rail rally of El Dinero by a nose. Trained by Carol Castille, Good and Stout’s freshman grade card tallies up to 5-2-1-1 along with $101,000 in the piggy bank. Prescient backers were paid $4.80 on each dollar wagered.
Owner and trainer, Carrol Castille, said of his of Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile winner Good and Stout, “We breed a bunch but we buy some at the sales too, kind of a mixture of both. He was a nice looking individual. We like him a lot. Got lucky and were able to buy the right one. Louisiana-breds dominate our stable and we like to run at home. This colt has been great from day one. He’s very smart, does everything right and he’s a really nice horse to be around. We had a little misfortune at Delta. That DQ was tough, but it’s horse racing and you just have to roll with it. He showed his talent and we got some redemption today, that’s all that matters. I think this horse will want to go further. He’s still learning and developing.
Accommodate Eva Flies Late in Lassie
Jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. makes a late charge to capture the 32nd running of the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.
Flying down the center of the track late, Valene Farm’s Accommodate Eva nailed Clearly a Test to win the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Lassie by 3/4 lengths. After routing in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies, trainer Dallas Stewart’s decision to cut back the freshman daughter proved wise.
Under Brian Hernandez Jr., Accommodate Eva was sent postward at 4-1 and covered the six furlongs in 1:11.98. With a 6-2-0-1 record, the daughter of Munnings, maiden win came at Keeneland against open company. Accommodate Eva’s freshman earnings tally $126,230.
After the race Dallas Stewart, trainer of Lassie winner Accommodate Eva, said “I love the filly. She trains great all the time. Murray Valene picked her out as a yearling. We think she’s got everything in front of her, we think she’ll be a two-turn horse, and she’s going to be very nice.”
Coming off convincing stakes victories, including one against open company, Touchuponastar did exactly as expected back in against fellow Louisiana-breds, dominating the Dec. 9 Louisiana Champions Day Classic Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. With Tim Thornton aboard, the 4-year-old Star Guitar gelding led gate to wire, taking the $145,500 feature by a geared-down 1 1/4 lengths in 1:50.12 for 1 1/8 miles over a fast surface.
Touchuponastar, sent off at 1/5, also won this race last year, clinching Louisiana’s champion 3-year-old colt or gelding honors. Jeff Delhomme trains the regional sensation for his brother, former New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, and father, Jerry Delhomme, who race as Set-Hut. Jerry Delhomme trains Cosmic Train and all runners were individual betting interests.
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted a pair of $100,000 stakes races on Friday night. The Delta Mile featured of field of nine 3-year-olds and up competing at eight furlongs and the Treasure Chest was a one-mile test for fillies and mares, also for 3-year-olds and up.
The Delta Mile showcased the talents of Set Hut LLC’s Touchuponastar, who was challenged early by Five Star General. The pair hooked up in a spirited speed dual while setting snappy fractional times of 22.88 seconds for the opening quarter mile, 46.33 for the half mile, and 1:11.17 for three quarters. As the field hit the top of the homestretch, Five Star General gave way as Touchuponastar began to open a lead inside the sixteenth pole, but it wasn’t over yet.
In the final strides Miles D, under leading jockey Vicente Del Cid, rallied stoutly and took aim at Touchuponastar and his pilot Tim Thornton. But it wasn’t to be as the rally came up ¾ of a length short under the wire. Five Star General held onto third, another ¾ of a length behind the runner-up. The final time for the Delta Mile was 1:38.19, which was accomplished over a fast racetrack.
The win by Touchuponastar, who is conditioned by Jeff Delhomme, was his second of the season as he also scored a win in the $100,000 Gold Cup on opening weekend. Overall, the bay runner has won nine of 12 career starts and has earned $528,100 after taking home the $60,000 first place prize on Friday night. Most of his bankroll has been earned while facing Louisiana-bred horses but the Delta Mile was an open-bred stakes event.
Bred in Louisiana by Coteau Grove Farms, Touchuponastar is a 4-year-old gelding by Star Guitar, out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic. He was purchased at sale for just $15,000 as a yearling in Texas.
Sent off as the heavy favorite by the betting public, Touchuponastar paid $2.60 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Miles D was worth $3.20 to place and $2.40 to show. Five Star General returned $3 to show.
Just like the Delta Mile, the Treasure Chest was won by an odds-on favorite. Jerry Caroom’s Adaline Julia won the race under jockey Harry Hernandez while make her route debut for trainer Robertino Diodoro.
The Treasure Chest field was narrowed to five horses after the scratching of Fannie and Freddie. At the break Yuki went to the front and challenged Adaline Julia for the pace setting duties as the pair traveled the opening quarter mile in 23.72 seconds. As they approached the half-mile mark of the race Yuki began to back up and would eventually finish a distant last.
Meanwhile, Adaline Julia recorded a half-mile split time of 48.09 before she was joined on the lead by Tiz a Macho Girl. That pair ran together through ¾ of a mile in 1:12.54 before hitting the top of the homestretch. In the lane Adaline Julia was put to the test but prevailed over Tiz a Macho Girl in a time of 1:39.36. Tiz a Macho Girl hit the finish line a neck behind the winner while Clay’s Moon Stone was another 3-1/2 lengths back in third.
The win was the fifth of Adaline Julia’s nine-race career and her second in stakes company. She earned $60,000 for the effort and now has a bankroll of $360,135.
Adaline Julia is a 4-year-old bay filly by Oxbow, out of the Orientate mare Daedal. She was bred in Kentucky by Ikhana Farm.
– NONEYA UPSETS FREE LIKE A GIRL TO WIN THE $100,000 MAGNOLIA STAKES –
Touchuponastar wins the $100,000 Gold Cup at Delta Downs. Coady Photography.
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs opened the 2023-24 Thoroughbred race season on Friday night with a nine-race program that featured a pair of $100,000 stakes races. Fans were treated to the Gold Cup and the Magnolia Stakes. Both events were for Louisiana-bred runners going seven furlongs. The Magnolia featured fillies and mares.
The Gold Cup featured heavily favored Touchuponastar, who was gunning for third win in as many starts at Delta Downs. His last appearance in Vinton resulted in a rousing victory in the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship back in February.
Touchuponastar did not disappoint by coming through with a 5 ½-length victory and it could have been even more. After breaking sharply under jockey Tim Thornton, the eventual winner cruised to an easy lead and carved out fractional times of 23.75 seconds for the opening quarter mile and 47.61 for the half-mile. As the field of eight made the turn for home Thornton shook the reins and his mount responded, going on to a dominant win over Big Chopper while Autumns Strong Man finished another 3-3/4 lengths behind the runner-up.
The final time for Touchuponastar, who is trained by Jeff Delhomme, was 1:24.64. Each race on the program was contest over a fast track and with near perfect weather conditions.
Touchuponastar has now won eight of 11 career starts and has banked a total of $468,100 for his owner, Set-Hut LLC (Jake Delhomme). His win in the Gold Cup was worth $60,000.
Bred in Louisiana by Coteau Grove Farms, Touchuponastar is a 4-year-old bay gelding by Star Guitar, out of the Quiet American mare Touch Magic.
Leaving the starting gate at odds of 1-5, Touchuponastar paid $2.60 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Big Chopper returned $3.40 to place and $2.60 to show. Longshot Autumns Strong Man was worth $11 to show.
Noneya wins the $100,000 Magnolia Stakes at Delta Down. Coady Photography.
All eyes were on Free Like a Girl in the $100,000 Magnolia Stakes as the 4-year-old filly was attempting to the race for the second year in a row and become a millionaire at the same time. But it wasn’t to be as Noneya pulled the upset under jockey Vicente Del Cid, who was riding for owner/trainer Ronnie Ward. Free Like a Girl made a late bid but came up short finishing third behind the winner and Norah G who wound up second.
As the seven-furlong race for Louisiana-bred fillies and mares began it was Norah G who showed early speed by setting fractional times of 23.71 seconds for the quarter mile and 48.21 for the half. Meanwhile, Noneya sat patiently off the leader while stalking the pace before digging in for a sustained rally turning for home.
At the wire Noneya was 2-1/4 lengths clear of Norah G while Free Like a girl was another ¾ of a length behind in third. The winner covered the distance in 1:25.97.
Noneya has now won six-of-18 career starts. Her $60,000 winner’s share in the Magnolia raised her lifetime bankroll to $202,340.
Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock & Hume Warnall, Noneya is a 5-year-old mare by Palace, out of the Quiet American mare American Placed.
Dispatched at odds of 6-1, Noneya paid $15 to win, $5.40 to place and $2.60 to show. Norah G was worth $4.80 to place and $2.80 to show. Free Like a Girl, who went off heavily favored at even money, returned $2.10 to show.
For more information about racing at Delta Downs this season, including a detailed schedule and stakes dates, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information throughout the season with our social media accounts. The Facebook page is found at ‘Delta Downs Racing’, and the track’s Twitter (X) handle is @deltaracing.
Louisiana Bred Touchuponastar, (Star Guitar-Touch Magic, by Lion Heart), became the fourth Star Guitar progeny to add Graded Stakes placing credentials to his name when he finished second in the Grade III Steve Sexton Mile at Lone Star Park on Memorial Day.
Touchuponastar broke from the far outside and hustled to get position out of the gate. Vying for the lead in the run down the backstretch Touchuponastar took the lead turning for home but could not resist the closing rush of the winner Frosted Grace. Earning a 110 Equibase Speed Figure for his effort Touchuponastar has now earned $408,100 having never been worse than third in ten career efforts.
Touchuponastar is owned by the Set-Hut LLC stable of Jake Delhomme, is trained by Jeff Delhomme and was bred by Coteau Grove Farms of Ginger and Keith Myers.
Touchuponastar shines bright in EVD Classic. Coady Photography
TOUCHUPONASTAR DAZZLES IN THE $60,000 EVANGELINE CLASSIC
OPELOUSAS, LA – Touchuponastar was brilliant once again with an impressive score in the $60,000 EVD Classic on Saturday night. The race for 3-year-olds and upward was one of three stake races for Louisiana-bred runners on the Derby night card.
Away in good order under jockey Tim Thornton, Touchuponastar was allowed to settle into stride as Calculated sprinted to the lead. The early fractions were solid with an opening quarter-mile in 23.62 seconds and a half-mile in 47.21. As the field headed towards the far turn, it wasn’t a question of who was going to win, but by how wide of a margin. Touchuponastar steadily increased his lead on the turn while Highland Creek and Double Star chased the leader.
With six furlongs covered in 1:12.07, the Jeff Delhomme-trained Touchuponastar spurted away and widened the margin in the run to the wire. The winning margin was a convincing 9-1/4 lengths in the end, with Double Star second and Highland Creek another 1-3/4 lengths back in third. The finishing time for the mile distance was 1:37.87 over a track rated fast for the evening.
Owned by Set Hut LLC (Jake Delhomme), Touchuponastar is a winner for the seventh time in nine career starts. The winning share of $36,000 increased his lifetime earnings to $334,100.
The 4-year-old bay gelding was bred by Coteau Grove Farms and was sired by Star Guitar. He is out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic.
Heavily favored in the wagering, Touchuponastar returned $2.60 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show. Double Star paid $16.60 to place, $13.40 to show and Highland Creek paid $2.80 to show.
LONGSHOT MACHO BEANIE EDGES ALLNIGHT MOONLIGHT TO WIN RAGIN CAJUN
Macho Beanie Crosses the Wire Ahead of Allnight Moonlight to Win Ragin Cajun Stakes. Coady Photography
Macho Beanie made a bold bid on the far turn and pulled off a mild upset winning the $60,000 Ragin Cajun. A new addition to the stake calendar for 3-year-olds, the Ragin Cajun was narrowed down to a three-horse field after scratches.
Macho Beanie and jockey C.J. McMahon were last as the trio moved down the backside with Allnight Moonlight and Late September disputing the early lead. The Scott Gelner trainee made a bold bid outside of rivals midway on the turn and the three runners were separated by less than a length at the top of the stretch.
As they straightened away, Macho Beanie edged forward to challenge Allnight Moonlight as Late September backed out of the battle. Inside the final furlong Macho Beanie began to edge clear and hit the wire a neck to the good of Allnight Moonlight. It was 7-3/4 lengths back to Late September. The running time for the seven furlongs was hand timed in 1:23.50.
Owned by Oak Tree Stables LLC (Bennett Powell), Macho Beanie wins for the second time in four starts. The first stakes victory was worth $36,000 and increases his career bankroll to $94,000.
The 3-year-old bay colt was bred by Oak Tree Stables LLC,. Sired by Mucho Macho Man, he is out of the My Pal Charlie mare My Pal Beanie.
Macho Beanie went off as the longest odds in the short field and returned $8.40 to win and $3 to place. Allnight Moonlight returned $2.20 to place. No show wagering was offered on the Ragin Cajun.
BLACK SWORD TAKES FIRST RUNNING OF KING CREOLE
Black Sword Proves Best in King Creole Stakes. Coady Photography
Black Sword proved best in the inaugural running of the $60,000 King Creole under jockey Vicente Del-Cid. Away in good order, Black Sword settled in mid-pack as Bertie’s Galaxy and X Clown battled for the lead through an opening quarter-mile in 23.10 seconds and a half-mile in 46.35.
Black Sword made a four-wide bid at the top of the stretch and wrestled the lead away from a stubborn X Clown nearing the furlong pole. The Ronnie Averett runner pulled away from the field in the final yards and was four lengths clear at the wire. X Clown battled on for second, one length better than a late closing Big Chopper. The final time for the 5-1/2 furlongs for the field of 3-year-olds and upward was 1:04.30.
Owned by Treanor MD LLC (Leonard Treanor, MD), Black Sword is a winner for the seventh time from 24 career starts. The winning purse of $36,000 increases his lifetime earnings to $214,705.
Bred by Margie Averett, Black Sword is a 6-year-old dark bay or brown gelding. Sired by Awesome Sword, he is out of the Devil His Due mare Black Mariah.
Black Sword paid $6 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.40 to show. X Clown returned $6.60 to place, $3.40 to show and Big Chopper paid $2.40 to show.
Live racing resumes on Wednesday with a 5:30pm first post. The Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred season runs until August 12.
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