Gantry takes another shot at Delaunay in Thanksgiving Handicap

The times keep changing, but the names remain the same.

Delaunay and Gantry, Gantry and Delaunay.

They’ve met four times at Fair Grounds and have combined to win eight of the nine open dirt-sprint stakes at the track over the last three seasons. Gantry won the Thanksgiving Handicap in 2011, Delaunay won it in 2012, Gantry captured the 2013 edition, and the two are part of the field Thursday for the $60,000 Thanksgiving. So is another Fair Grounds notable, 2012 New Orleans Handicap winner Nates Mineshaft.

Nine were entered in the six-furlong Thanksgiving, but Heitai, who raced Sunday at Fair Grounds, will be scratched.

It’s likely that one of the big three – Delaunay, Gantry, or Nates Mineshaft – will come out on top. Lemon Drop Dream had a good last season at Fair Grounds, but Delaunay handled him at his peak, and Lemon Drop Dream enters the Thanksgiving below top form. Take It Like a Man ran big at Keeneland last out but will be tested for class.

The rivalry between Delaunay and Gantry has been one-sided, with Delaunay in front in all five lifetime meetings, including one matchup at Louisiana Downs in 2012. The two horses are aging, but the pecking order probably remains the same.

KEY CONTENDERS

Delaunay (Last 3 Beyers: 94-102-99)

◗ He has won 4 of 5 Fair Grounds starts, his lone loss coming in the 2014 Duncan F. Kenner, where the speedy Heitai shook loose on the lead.

◗ He has been away since Aug. 2 but easily won the Gaudin last winter while returning from a longer layoff and has posted two sharp workouts since shipping to New Orleans. “He’s training very similar to last year,” said trainer Tom Amoss. “It’s safe to say we have a quiet confidence.”

◗ Delaunay’s form got a boost without the horse racing. In June, Delaunay finished a close second to Work All Week, who subsequently won the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

◗ Delaunay is well drawn in post 8 under James Graham. “I like being outside,” Amoss said. “He has good tactical speed. It allows James to look over and see what’s happening.”

Gantry (Last 3 Beyers: 82-88-101)

◗ Another Fair Grounds specialist, he has four wins and four seconds from his eight local starts.

◗ Gantry seeks his third Thanksgiving victory, though when he won in 2011 and 2013, Delaunay didn’t start in the race.

◗ He hasn’t raced since June 21, but the layoff has come by design, and Gantry’s light workout pattern is not a negative sign. “After his last race, we planned on training him right into this one,” said trainer Ron Faucheux. “He does so well fresh. I think he’s going to run his race.”

Nates Mineshaft (Last 3 Beyers: 93-91-50)

◗ A perfect 5 for 5 at Fair Grounds, he set a track record for 1 1/8 miles while romping in the 2012 New Orleans Handicap. “He knows where he is,” trainer Anne Smith said of Nates Mineshaft’s return to Fair Grounds.

◗ Retired at one point, Nates Mineshaft returned to racing this year and in two starts showed he can be effective as a sprinter.

◗ His rail draw might prove problematic if Nates Mineshaft is not quick enough to make the lead.