Jet Black Magic returns to Delta Downs for Starlet Stakes

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Jet Black Magic is back at Delta Downs. She is returning to the site of her most significant victory Saturday night for the $125,000 Starlet.

The Starlet is one of six stakes on the $1 million Louisiana Premier Night program. The card is the second-richest of the meet behind Jackpot Day in November, when Jet Black Magic captured the Grade 3, $400,000 Delta Downs Princess.

Jet Black Magic has made one start since, finishing third in the $150,000 Silverbulletday on Jan. 16 at Fair Grounds. The effort could have sent her to that track’s Grade 3, $200,000 Rachel Alexandra, but at this time, it’s not the right course for Jet Black Magic, said trainer Bret Calhoun.

“Physically, she’s a tall, rangy filly that really hasn’t developed into a mature filly at this point in time,” Calhoun said. “I think she’s got all the pieces. She’s just not there yet. We’re not giving up on her being a top 3-year-old filly.”

Calhoun said part of the Starlet’s appeal was the opportunity to move into a restricted stakes. It’s the first time Jet Black Magic will run in a race for Louisiana-breds.

“She’s already run well at this track, and it’s a nice purse,” said Calhoun, who trains Jet Black Magic for Carl Moore and has given the mount to Colby Hernandez.

The Starlet, a seven-furlong race run around two turns, is restricted to 3-year-old fillies bred in Louisiana.

Other stakes on the night include the $200,000 Championship, led by The Pickett Factor, and the $100,000 Sprint, in which Heitai will make his first start for trainer Eduardo Ramirez, a former assistant to trainer Karl Broberg.

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will have drawings for college scholarships as part of the festivities Saturday night at Delta. First post is 5:40 p.m. Central.