Mighty Merlin best in Triple Sec

Mighty Merlin overtook 3-5 favorite Slam Bam by a neck at the wire to win the $40,000 Triple Sec for 3-year-olds Saturday night at Delta Downs in Vinton, La. It was another length and three-quarters back in third to Amplitude.

Mighty Merlin($12.40) settled in fifth early in the five furlong race while Slam Bam set fractions of 21.66 seconds for the opening quarter and 46.15 for the half-mile mark. Slam Bam appeared clear in the stretch, but Mighty Merlin closed with a rush to cover the distance over a fast track in 59.20 seconds.

Kerwin Clark rode the winner for trainer Keith Bourgeois. The Triple Sec was the second stakes win for Mighty Merlin, who earlier this meet won the $50,000 Juvenile at Delta. He earned $24,000 for his win Saturday night, which improved his record to three wins from seven starts and earnings of $75,555.