Tha Duke Prevails In $80,000 Louisiana Classic Stakes at Delta Downs

Tha Duke, under jockey Arturo Alvarez, drives to victory in the $80,000 Louisiana Classic Stakes by a neck Saturday night at Delta Downs.

© Coady Photography

VINTON, LA–JULY 15, 2023–Making his first start against older horses multiple graded stakes winner Tha Duke rallied as the post time favorite to win the $80,000 Louisiana Classic Stakes by a neck Saturday night at Delta Downs.

Tha Duke broke in under jockey Arturo Alvarez, then looked beat at the half-way mark before rallying best late to complete the 440 yards in :21.825 seconds, equaling a 96 speed index into a 5 mph headwind. It was the seventh career win in 11 starts for the son of multiple stakes sire Rc Me Leaving You.

Trainer Raul Rodriguez conditions the homebred Louisiana-bred 3-year-old gelding for owner-breeders Ashton Elder and Miguel Romero, Jr.

Winning owner Pete Samardo and trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr. accept the Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Oak stakes trophy. © Coady Photography

Winner of the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity(RG1) last season, Tha Duke has qualified for the Dash For Cash Futurity(G2) and the Heritage Place Derby(G2). The $48,000 winner's purse tonight boosted his bankroll to $458,610.

Runner-up Into The Grey earned $16,000 for this second-place effort. Jockey David Alvarez rode the son of multiple stakes sire Sir Runaway Dash for owner Rogelio Marquez, Jr. and trainer Jesus Marquez. Phatt Kat Ranch bred the gray gelding from the Chicks A Blazin mare Sass That Chick. The 4-year-old has earned $81,990.

Jrs Coronas Toast, a 4-year-old son of multiple stakes sire Coronas Leaving You, finished a head back in the blanket-finish to earn $8,800 for third. Paul Rigdon conditions the bay gelding for himself, Gyth Rigdon, Juan Fernando and Gerardo Gonzalez. Julien R Stevens III bred the $158,614 multiple graded-placed gelding from the Egos Toast To Dash by Toast To Dash.

Lightemupwithcharm, Gt N Boos Runaway, One Sweet Boss, Mr Crawfish and Lrh Grant James completed the field.

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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.