Pancho's Karma one to catch in Lafitte

VINTON, La. - Pancho's Karma, the fastest qualifier in three trials held March 21, is the likely favorite for Saturday night's Jean Lafitte Futurity at Delta Downs. The Lafitte, which is worth $101,430, is the showcase event of this meeting and the country's first stakes of the year for 2-year-olds.

In winning his trial by six expanding lengths, Pancho's Karma came within 0.47 of a second of the track record for four furlongs, stepping the distance in 46.67 seconds. Jockey C.J. Woodley sent Pancho's Karma clear just after the start and won with something in reserve. Woodley has taken the return call and will break from post 5 in the field of 10.

Pancho's Karma's owner, Cannon Creek Farm, has sold a half interest in the horse to Bill Heiligbrodt since the Lafitte trials.

While he did not run as fast, Uriah's Beginning was impressive in winning the second trial. Owned and trained by Floyd Pitzer, Uriah's Beginning won by 4 1/2 lengths in a time of 47.02 after stalking the early pace. Steve Bourque will once again ride.

Another who merits respect is Kate's Halo. Owned and bred by John Dietz, Katie's Halo won the third and final qualifier by a length in a time of 48.61 while leading almost every step of the way. Trainer Robert Jenkins will give the mount to Logan Cormier.

Completing the field are City Mistress, Mario Reyes up; Crowning Step, Kim McIntosh; Knight of the Mt., Jerri Nichols; Skinnydippingtime, Joseph Calais; Experiencethepower, Sylvester Carmouche; K. O. Spirit, J. T. Weatherly; and Amazing Glace, Chris Conway.

The Lafitte will be run as the sixth race on the program with post time scheduled for 8:35 p.m. Central.