Cajun Delta Dawn, Dangerfield return home after stakes placings

Cajun Delta Dawn, the runner-up to Shane's Girlfriend in last Saturday’s Grade 3, $400,000 Delta Downs Princess in Vinton, La., has returned home to Gulfstream Park with plans for her next start to be determined, trainer David Fawkes said. Fawkes said discussions are being held with owner Curtis Mikkelsen.

"She came back home in great order,” said Fawkes, who had planned to send Cajun Delta Dawn back to the track either Wednesday or Thursday.

Cajun Delta Dawn is a three-time stakes winner at one turn, among her victories two legs of the Florida Sire Stakes series. She was making her second start at two turns in the Princess and ran into a blowout 13 1/4-length winner in Shane’s Girlfriend.

“We hooked a buzz saw, that’s all,” Fawkes said. “I’m very proud of our filly. I don’t have any problem running her two turns. She rated in behind horses so nice and did everything right. [Jockey] Juan [Leyva] told me at the same time she was rating, beautifully relaxed, she was still on the bit, still attentive. I was thrilled with the way she ran.”

Cajun Delta Dawn equaled her best career Beyer Speed Figure, a 74.

Cajun Delta Dawn is a Florida-bred by Kantharos, while Shane’s Girlfriend, bred in the same state, is by Adios Charlie. Shane’s Girlfriend is based in Southern California.

“It’s kind of cool to see Florida-breds run one-two,” said Fawkes.

Dangerfield back at Santa Anita

Dangerfield, third in the Grade 3, $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot last Saturday for Doug O’Neill, who also trains Shane’s Girlfriend, traveled with the Princess winner back to Santa Anita on Sunday.

O’Neill said plans are to be determined for Dangerfield, whom he hopes to develop into a candidate for the Kentucky Derby. Dangerfield earned two Derby eligibility points for his effort in the Jackpot.

“He didn’t break as sharp as he has in the past, and he kind of had to go around a lot of horses midrace to get in position,” O’Neill said. “I thought he ran really, really well. Flavien Prat, who rode him, said he showed a lot of heart to hang tough for third for what he had to go through to get in the position.”

Dangerfield, a stakes winner, races for the partnership of W.C. Racing and Zayat Stables.