The Pickett Factor romps in Gold Cup

The Pickett Factor was an authoritative winner over older rivals Saturday night at Delta Downs, where he stormed home by 5 3/4 lengths in the $100,000 Gold Cup. Galveston Harbor finished second, while it was another two lengths back to One King’s Man.

The Gold Cup, a mile race for 3-year-olds and up bred in Louisiana, is expected to produce starters for next month’s Louisiana Champions Day program at Fair Grounds.

The Pickett Factor ($5.60) dueled for much of the Gold Cup, setting fractions of 23.09 seconds for the opening quarter, 47.31 for the half-mile, and 1:12.44 for six furlongs. The Pickett Factor pulled away from his rivals in the stretch, while covering the distance over a fast track in 1:38.58.

Luis Quinonez rode The Pickett Factor for Melissa Cantacuzene and trainer Ralph Irwin.

The Pickett Factor was making his first start since finishing fourth in the Grade 2, $400,000 Super Derby on Sept. 12 at Louisiana Downs. He has now won 5 of 7 starts and $208,640. The Pickett Factor is a son of Gold Tribute and was bred by E. O. Pickett.