Konnan Cartel Goes Gate-To-Wire In $40,000 Vinton Stakes at Delta Downs

Konnan Cartel, under jockey Nestor Duran, winning the $40,000 Vinton Stakes at Delta Downs Saturday.

© Coady Photography

VINTON, LA–MAY 27, 2023–Konnan Cartel raced to his first career stakes win Saturday night when he defeated Wild Train Fortune by three-quarters in the $40,000 Vinton Stakes at Delta Downs.

Under jockey Nestor Duran, Konnan Cartel went gate-to-wire to pick up the winner's purse valued at $24,000. The son of multiple stakes sire Five Bar Cartel stopped the clock in :19.915 seconds, a 91 speed index for the 400 yards.

Josue Ponce conditions the 3-year-old gelding for owner Dania Castellanos. Bred by Luis Armando Castellanos, Konnan Cartel is out of the Jet Black Patriot mare Jet Black Chiraq.

The winning connections of Konnan Cartel accept the Vinton Stakes trophy on Saturday at Delta Downs.
© Coady Photography

Third in Grade 1 Lee Berwick Futurity and fourth in the Grade 2 Laddie Futurity last year, Konnan Cartel has earned $166,727 in 10 starts.

Making her first start since winning the $104,708 Mardi Gras Oaks on April 1, Wild Train Fortune earned $8,000 for second. Champion trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr. saddled the Freighttrain B 3-year-old for owners Riley Blanchet and Rodney Verret. Blanchet bred the bay filly from the Carters Cartel mare Cartels Fortune. She has banked $85,749 in 10 starts.

One Dashing Dove finished 1-1/2 lengths off the leaders to earn $4,400 for third. Gerardo Rodriguez trains the One Dashing eagle 3-year-old for owner Cuadra Herradura LLC. Rolando Cabrera rode the Louisiana bred colt out of First Magic by First To Shine. Phil Guilbeau and Randy Morein bred the $76,390 earner.

Sent off at odds of 3-1, Konnan Cartel paid $8 to win, $4.20 to place and $3.20 to show. Wild Train Fortune was worth $4 to place and $3 to show. One Dashing Dove returned $3.60 to show.

Completing the field were Toast To Blue, Five Bar Jess and Blue Storm Comin. Rogue From The South was scratched.

Delta Downs will race again next week Wednesday through Saturday. The first race Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be at 6:10 pm. (CDT). There will be a special early post time on Saturday at 5 pm to accommodate at special event, as the track will host Exotic Animal races between live Quarter Horse races. Local jockeys will ride Camels and Zebras to entertain all the fans in attendance.

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About Delta Downs
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4. For more information about the season, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com.