Kyriaki ships in from California to take Treasure Chest

VINTON, La. - Kyriaki became the second Southern California invader to win a major stakes at Delta Downs on Saturday when she fought for a head win over Diva’s Diamond in the $200,000 Treasure Chest for fillies and mares. One race earlier, Exaggerator was a neck winner of the Grade 3, $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot.

The Treasure Chest was one of eight stakes supporting the Jackpot. The program was worth $2.3 million and ranked as the richest of the year at Delta.

Kyriaki ($7.60) stalked the pace in fourth and then came after Diva’s Diamond in the stretch. The winner covered the mile on a muddy track in 1:40.50.

Mario Gutierrez was aboard Kyriaki for trainer Peter Eurton. The winner is owned by Ciaglia Racing and Dominic Savides.

In other stakes action, Nubaldo Bling ($8.20) darted to a 5 3/4-length win over Powder Keg in the $75,000 Sam’s Town. The win came one start after Nubaldo Bling put up a Beyer Speed Figure of 102 capturing an allowance at Retama Park. Gerardo Mora rode Nubaldo Bling, who covered the seven furlongs run around two turns in 1:26.57. Nubaldo Bling races for Bronce-Plamat Stables and MTZ Racing.

Valenzuela makes comeback in Jackpot

Jockey Patrick Valenzuela had his first mount in a race since January 2014 in the Jackpot and finished eighth aboard Memories of Winter.

“It felt great to be back,” Valenzuela said. “It was the first time [Memories of Winter] had dirt in his face, and he got jostled a bit in the first turn and it took a toll on him.”

Valenzuela plans to be based at Fair Grounds.

* An all-stakes pick four on races 4-7 returned $375.60. The winning numbers were 10-7-3-9. The pool was $252,165. It had been guaranteed at $200,000.

* Handle on the 11-race card from all sources Saturday at Delta Downs was $3,380,115. Of that amount, $125,345 was bet on-track.