Heavy Favorite Konnan Cartel Remains Undefeated In 2023 After Winning Delta Downs LA Bred Derby[RG3]

Konnan Cartel, ridden by Victor Urieta, Jr., wins the $141,742 Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby [RG3] by 1 1/4-lengths on Saturday.

© Coady Photography

VINTON, LA–JULY 15, 2023–With a crowded start in the middle, Konnan Cartel took advantage on the inside rail for his victory in the $141,742 Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby [RG3] on Saturday.

After a slight misstep out of the gates, jockey Victor Urieta, Jr corrected Konnan Cartel to take the lead for a 1 1/4-length victory over Moonin Rusty in :19.848 seconds, clocking a 92 speed index on the fast track. As fastest qualifier from the trials the heavy favorite’s 400-yard victory paid $2.40 to the win.

The $72,317 winner’s share of the purse ups Konnan Cartel’s lifetime earnings to $245,044. Trained by Josue Ponce, the son of Five Bar Cartel has lit the board nine of 12 starts with six wins. The three-year-old gelding is 3 and 0 for 2023 after winning tonight’s derby, his trial heat and the Vinton Stakes earlier in May.

''We got him at the beginning of the year, said Ponce. ''We knew that he was fast as a two-year-old, but he was small. This year he has really matured and has a lot of heart. For me, he’s one of the few horses I train that does everything right.''

The winning connections of Konnan Cartel accept the $141,742 Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby [RG3] winning trophy on Saturday. © Coady Photography

According to his owner Dania Castellanos, Konnan Cartel will be headed to Evangeline Downs next. ''I am so nervous, I want to cry” she said, “he’s the best horse for me, he’s my baby and I am so happy.''

Luis Castellanos bred Konnan Cartel out of Jet Black Chiraq by Jet Black Patriot. 

Moonin Rusty, ridden by Juan Garcia, Jr., got caught in the mash up out of the gates but broke clean closing in fast towards the wire for second a 1/2-length ahead of Pk Pure Rogue. The son of Moonin The Eagle has a record or 2-3-1 from seven starts and $58,488 in the bank.

Trainer Dwayne Breaux conditioned Moonin For Rusty. The Gene Cox homebred gelding is out of Princess Lil Bit by Coronas Leaving You.

Pk Pure Rogue, with Ubaldo Luna in the captains seat, made a solid effort for third. Trainer Dustin Rhodes saddled the three-year-old son of Heza Fast Rogue. The three-time winner has $90,635 in career earnings.

Breeder Phatt Kat Ranch sold Pk Pure Rogue to his owner Jose Rodriguez for $9,200 in the 2021 LQHBA Yearling Sale. He is out of Kinky Boots by Agouti.

The remaining order of finish is Turn The Eagle Lose, Five Bar Jess Cartel, Giannirusso, King Air and Mp Dont Look. Splishsplash Piloto was scratched by his trainer. 

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