Ivan James, First Fancy Prize clash in rich Firecracker Futurity

Ivan James will have to defeat the filly First Fancy Prize to take down his second major stakes of the year Saturday night in the Grade 2, $318,120 Firecracker Futurity for Quarter Horses. The 350-yard race is the richest open-company offering of the meet at Delta Downs in Vinton, La.

Ivan James won the Grade 2, $621,100 Sam Houston Futurity in April, while First Fancy Prize was the fastest qualifier for the Firecracker. They are part of a 10-horse field that includes the undefeated stakes winner Not Perry Pretty.

KEY CONTENDERS

Ivan James

◗ He was voted Sam Houston’s horse of the meet after going 2 for 2 in Texas. Ivan James was a two-length winner of his debut April 4, when he set the fastest qualifying time for the Sam Houston Futurity. He came back and won the finale by 1 1/4 lengths April 25.

◗ Ivan James made his third career start in trials for the Firecracker and finished second by a neck on a sloppy track June 13 at Delta. It was his first start in about six weeks, and he was edged by Not Perry Pretty.

◗ Raul Ramirez Jr. has the mount from post 10 for trainer Rodolfo Sanchez.

First Fancy Prize

◗ She is undefeated, having won her debut in an April 3 trial at Remington Park, then dominating by 2 1/2 lengths in her Firecracker trial June 13. First Fancy Prize ran in the first of eight trials.

◗ John Hamilton rode First Fancy Prize in her trial, one of three horses he qualified for the Firecracker. He will again be aboard the filly Saturday for trainer Michael Taylor.