Jackpot attracts overflow

The Grade 3, $1 million Delta Jackpot drew 19 horses when pre-entries for the 1 1/16-mile stakes for 2-year-olds were taken on Wednesday. The race will be limited to 10 starters because it is run over a six-furlong track. The Jackpot will be held Dec. 7.

Final entries for the race are Dec. 4.

The undefeated Golden Yank, who won the $150,000 Jean Lafitte at Delta in November, is assured a spot in the starting gate by virtue of his win in that local prep for the race. The next starting preference is for horses who have finished first, second, or third in graded races, and there were six of them pre-entered Wednesday.

Slew's Tiznow and Old Man Buck were second and third in the Grade 1 Breeders' Futurity; Z Humor was third in the Grade 1 Champagne; Sky Cape was third in the Grade 2 Best Pal; and St. Joe and Briarwood Circle each have placed in a Grade 3.

The third preference is earnings. Old Man Buck and Golden Yank ranked first and second in that category as of Wednesday morning.

Trainer Ken McPeek, who won last year's Jackpot with Birdbirdistheword, led all trainers with four pre-entries, including Old Man Buck.