Haddad Homebreds Finish 1-2 In Grade 3 Firecracker Derby
© Coady Photography
With a solid rally under jockey Francisco Calderon, Santander completed the 400 yards in :19.502 seconds, equaling a 97 speed index. It was the third career win in nine starts for the Oklahoma-bred son of world champion sire FDD Dynasty.
Haddad bred the bay colt from the Feature Mr Jess mare In A Feature Girl. It was the first career stakes victory for the $134,823 earner.
Runner-up Anasttasia, also bred-and-owned by Haddad, is conditioned by champion trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr. John Hamilton rode the daughter of champion sire The Louisiana Cartel from multiple grade 1 producing First Down Dash mare Las Alamitos.
© Coady Photography
Haddad also owns her sire, The Louisiana Cartel who stands at Louisiana Center For Equine Reproduction in Opelousas.
Parti Wagon, a son of leading sire Pyc Paint Your Wagon, finished three-quarters off the leaders to earn $18,962 for owner Blaine Beene. Nason Eschete trains the brown gelding with Rolando Pina getting the riding call. Parti Wagon is an Indiana-bred from the Okey Dokey Dale mare Sheisassheis.
Sent to the gate at odds of 3-1, Santander paid $8.80 to win, $4.40 to place and $2.80 to show. Anasttasia was worth $6.40 to place and $3.80 to show. Parti Wagon returned $2.80 to show.
Diamond G Bee, Fm In A Zatanaz Too, Boldt, Unstopable Moment, Sallvatore and Iam Pascual Cartel completed the field. Fastest qualifier Mia Jet In was scratched.
Delta Downs will continue its holiday week stakes activity on Thursday night with the $308,863 Firecracker Futurity (G2) for 2-year-olds squaring off at 350 yards. The fastest qualifier for the event is A Painted Dynasty, from the barn of Josue Ponce.
For more information about the new season visit the track's website at deltadownsracing.com.
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.