Delta Jackpot field grows to six

The field for the inaugural $500,000 Delta Jackpot at Delta Downs in Vinton, La., on Saturday night has grown to six with the commitment of leading contender Cherokee's Boy, who was a troubled third to Toccet two races back in the Grade 3 Laurel Futurity.

The one-mile race, one of the richest offerings of the year for 2-year-olds, could also draw Outta Here, whose connections on Monday were trying to make travel arrangements to fly the colt from Southern California.

Delta Downs, a six-furlong track, is located about two hours east of Houston.

"As we speak, we're working on travel possibilities," said Bill Currin, who co-owns and trains Outta Here. If arrangements can be made, the colt, who has placed in three graded stakes, will be ridden by Louisiana native Kent Desormeaux.

Cherokee's Boy's competition as of Monday was Comic Truth and Mr. Decatur, who finished one-two in the local prep; Shawklit Man, who remained perfect in two starts with his win in the $75,000 MEC Mile at Remington Park on Dec. 1; Worker Man, second last out in the $150,000 Sam Houston Texan Juvenile; and Whippee.

Entries will be drawn Wednesday.

Cherokee's Boy arrived at Delta on Sunday following a 23-hour van ride from his Bowie Training Center base in Maryland. In his last out he finished third in the $275,000 Great State Juvenile at Sam Houston Race Park on Dec. 7, and from there flew back to Maryland.

Earlier this year, Cherokee's Boy won the $80,000 Tri-State Futurity by 21 3/4 lengths.