Delta Jackpot, Princess top $4M stakes schedule

The Grade 3, $1 million Delta Jackpot for 2-year-olds on Dec. 7 is the richest of 37 stakes worth $4 million scheduled for the Delta Downs meet that opens on Oct. 19. The Vinton, La., track, which is beginning its season about two weeks earlier than last year, will race 93 dates through March 29, 2008.

The Jackpot, at 1 1/16 miles, will be featured on a Friday night card of four stakes worth a cumulative $1.4 million. The second-richest offering on the program will be the $300,000 Delta Princess, a one-mile race for 2-year-old fillies.

The preps for the Jackpot and Delta Princess will be run on Nov. 9, during Delta Jackpot Preview Night. The $150,000 Jean Lafitte for 2-year-olds at a mile should produce starters for the Jackpot. The $100,000 My Trusty Cat for 2-year-old fillies at seven furlongs, a two-turn race, is the prep for the Princess. Last year, the Jackpot was won by Birdbirdistheword and the Princess by Miss Atlantic City.

Louisiana Premier Night, a program of 10 stakes for Louisiana-breds worth a cumulative $1 million, will be run on Feb. 2. The second-richest night of the meet, the program is led by the $200,000 Championship, a 1o1/16-mile race for 4-year-olds and up won last meet by Costa Rising.

The $100,000 Gulf Coast Classic for 4-year-olds up at 1 1/16 miles will be run on March 21.