Delta Downs: Amazing Saint rallies to win Bonne Chance Stakes

Jockey Gerard Melancon closed out his roller-coaster Delta Downs meet with a stakes win Saturday night, when he guided Amazing Saint to a 3 1/4-length win in the $60,000 Bonne Chance. The one-mile race for fillies and mares was one of two stakes on the closing-night card. Wicked Vow upset the $60,000 Au Revoir, winning by two lengths and returning $40.20.

Melancon, 44, started his Delta meet with a bang last fall, when he won the Grade 3, $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot aboard Sabercat on Nov. 19. He also led the standings into January, until going down in a spill in which he broke his collarbone and 10 ribs. Melancon was injured Jan. 13 and did not return to action until March 3.

In the Bonne Chance, Amazing Saint ($5.20) stalked the pace and rallied to cover the one-mile for fillies and mares in 1:39.46. Sweettalkin Hottie was second, while it was another 2 1/4 lengths back in third to See the Stream.

The win was Amazing Saint’s fifth in her last six starts. Overall, she has won 8 of 26 starts and $156,382. Brent Delahoussaye trains Amazing Saint for William Whitley.

In the Au Revoir, Wicked Vow closed well to cover the mile in 1:39.93. Billy Patin rode the winner for Shawna Gifford and trainer Ronald Matthieu.