Jet Black Magic tries to turn tables in Azalea
Jet Black Magic will attempt to turn the tables on Smittys Cougar when they meet Friday night in the $100,000 Azalea at Delta Downs. The 7 1/2-furlong race will be run around two turns and is restricted to 3-year-old fillies bred in Louisiana.
Jet Black Magic won the Grade 3, $400,000 Delta Downs Princess in November and subsequently was favored in the track’s $125,000 Premier Night Starlet. However, she was unable to catch Smittys Cougar, who wired the field from the rail, a post she drew again for the Azalea.
Azalea, Race 8
KEY CONTENDERS
Jet Black Magic, by Hold Me Back
Last 3 Beyers: 67-73-72
◗ She had anything but clear sailing in the Premier Night Starlet, where she rallied from eighth for second, beaten three lengths by Smittys Cougar. Jet Black Magic was forced to check as she was launching her bid into the final turn, losing momentum at a key point. She still mounted a second run in the seven-furlong race, which was contested at a two-turn configuration at Delta.
◗ Jet Black Magic picks up a bit more ground Friday, which should serve her well since trainer Bret Calhoun has said he prefers at least a mile for the filly. She won the Delta Princess at the one-mile distance Nov. 21.
◗ Colby Hernandez will ride Jet Black Magic, a late-running filly who will break from post 7 for owner Carl Moore.
Smittys Cougar, by Half Ours
Last 3 Beyers: 73-69-58
◗ She has won her last two starts by a combined 12 3/4 lengths, both in statebred stakes. Prior to the Premier Night Starlet, she won the $95,000 fillies’ division of the Louisiana Futurity at Fair Grounds.
◗ Smittys Cougar is out of the mare Smitty’s Sunshine, a seven-time stakes winner who earned $532,219.
◗ Richard Eramia has the mount for Roger G. Smith and trainer Ron Faucheux.