Patriotic Trump Rallies to Win $188,160 Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby (RG3)

Gene Cox's homebred Patriotic Trump, under jockey uan Garcia, Jr., winning the $188,160 Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby (RG3) on Saturday night.

© Coady Photography

VINTON, LA – JULY 16, 2022 – Patriotic Trump rallied from the middle of the track to win the $188,160 Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby (RG3) on Saturday night.

Patriotic Trump ($13.60) pulled away by three-quarters of a length at the wire and covered 400 yards in :19.987 for an 87 speed index.

Juan Garcia, Jr. had the riding call in the final.

"He didn't leave real well today, but made a big run on the end," said Garcia. "After running second in the Mardi Gras Derby, I was glad that he could get it done today."

LQHBA Executive Director Bruce Salard (left) presents the winning connections of Patriotic Trump the Delta Downs QH Derby stakes trophy on Saturday. © Coady Photography

Juan Cano trains the Jet Black Patriot gelding for owner and breeder Gene Cox. Patriotic Trump is out of Princess Lil Bit, by Coronas Leaving You.

Patriotic Trump earned $94,080 in the victory, bringing his lifetime earnings to $130,808. In nine career efforts, he has two wins and three second place finishes, and has made several stakes appearances prior to winning the first of his career on Saturday.

Patriotic Trump broke his maiden at Delta a year ago and competed in the Louisiana Juvenile later that summer. As a 3-year-old, he was the second-place finisher in the Mardi Gras Derby at Louisiana Downs. He was fourth in his Derby trial, one of four held on June 23.

Second place finisher Flying Adelia and Ubaldo Luna flew from the outside to put a nose in front of Blessher Sweet Heart.

Flying Adelia is trained by Kenneth Roberts, Sr. Margaret McKerley owns and bred the Apollitical Blood filly in Louisiana, out of the Strawfly Special mare Flying Marguerita.

In December, Flying Adelia was the upset winner of the $50,000 LQHBA Louisiana Million Invitational at Evangeline. She returned in an allowance race in May before finishing fourth in her trial as the eighth fastest qualifier.

Flying Adelia also competed in the Louisiana Juvenile Stakes at Delta last summer. She is two for ten lifetime with $77,308 earned.

Seventh fastest qualifier Blessher Sweet Heart held on for third place. Joel Huitron trains the Jet Black Patriot filly for owner Fausto Mendoza; Guadalupe Lucio Jr. was in the irons. Blessher Sweet Heart was bred by Stevie and Margo Romero, out of Reckless Fast Dash, by Heza Fast Dash.

Prior to the Derby trial, Blessher Sweet Heart was last seen winning the $40,000 Vinton Stakes at Delta Downs at 17-1. Her three career wins have all come at Delta and she has earned $75,836 in 12 starts.

Completing the field were Louisiana Tequila, Mr Perfect Tlc, Greatest of All Time, Shesa Knockoutcartel, Tdz Heza Streakin and Jla Double Down Dash. An Incredible Moment was scratched.
 

Additional reporting by Martha Claussen.

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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.