Sarahs Patriot Takes Second Straight Virgil Bond Stakes At Delta Downs

Sarahs Patriot (#5), under jockey Benito Baca, defends her title in the $35,000 Virgil Bond Stakes at Delta Downs Saturday night.

© Coady Photography

VINTON, LA–JUNE 10, 2023–Delta Downs hosted the $35,000 Virgil Bond Stakes on Saturday night and the result was the same as it was last year as Sarahs Patriot prevailed in the 870-yard event for 3-year-olds and up.

The Gilbert Matthews owned and Phillip Calais, Jr. trained 5-year-old mare has now won five of 20 starts during her career and has finished in the top two nine consecutive times.

Breaking from post five in a field of seven, Sarahs Patriot was in contention throughout the race and had to do her best running late. She took the lead just a few yards before the finish line and held off Louie B Quick, who made a late surge to get into second, finishing just a neck behind the winner.

The winning connections of Sarahs Patriot accept the Virgil Bond Stakes trophy Saturday at Delta Downs.
© Coady Photography

Jess Louisiana Boo caught a wide trip and dead heated with Freakin Patriot Dash in third another ¾ of a length behind the top pair.

Sarahs Patriot covered the distance of the Virgil Bond in a time of 47.145 seconds. That time equaled a speed index of 82.

Bred in Louisiana by Perform Stables, Inc., Sarahs Patriot is a bay mare by Game Patriot, out of the Into Mischief mare Sarahsintomischief.

Runner-up Louie B Quick races for owner-trainer Paul Rigdon. Jockey Gilbert Ortiz rode the Brimmerton 4-year-old out of Louisiana Lace by Cuvee (TB). The Virgil Bond was the first black type placing for the $81,237 earner bred by Jim and Natalie Montgomery

Freakin Patriot Dash and Jess Louisiana Boo dead-heated for third and each earned $2,975 for their effort.

Joe Huitron trains Freakin Patriot Dash for owner Ariel Gutierrez. Robert Touchet bred the 8-year-old Game Patriot gelding from the Streak And Dash mare Freakin Dash. Arnulfo Gutierrez had the riding call aboard the $214,669 stakes winner.

Jess Louisiana Boo races for owner-breeder Paul Daigle and is also trained by Phillip Calais, Jr. Arturo Alvarez rode the 8-year-old Jess Louisiana Blue gelding out of La Boo Con by Sir Alibi. Also a stakes winner Jess Louisiana Boo has earned $84,375.

Set off at odds of 2-1, Sarahs Patriot paid $6.60 to win, $4 to place and $2.60 to show. Louie B Quick returned $4 to place and $2.60 to show. Jess Louisiana Boo, who is also trained by Calais, was worth $2.60 to show while Freakin Patriot Dash paid $2.60 to show.

Masons Jet Black, Gbh Run Toni and Sweater Tlc completed the field.

Delta Downs will continue its Quarter Horse season next Wednesday through Saturday. First post time each night is at 6:10 pm. Next week’s action includes trials for the Firecracker Derby on Friday night and trials for the Firecracker Futurity on Saturday.

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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.