Stormdriver scores upset in Louisiana Premier Night Championship

Stormdriver rallied for a 1 1/4- length win over One King’s Man in Saturday night's $200,000 Premier Night Championship at Delta Downs. The 1 1/16- race was the main event on a $1 million card that featured six stakes restricted to horses bred in Louisiana. It was another half-length back in third to 3-5 favorite The Pickett Factor.

Stormdriver ($14.80) settled just off the pace in fourth as The Pickett Factor was part of a three-horse battle for the lead through fractions of 22.57 seconds for the opening quarter and 47.22 for the half-mile. The Pickett Factor took over after that point, as Stormdriver advanced, launched his bid into the stretch, and went on to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:45.67.

“After about three-eighths of a mile, I really was confident,” winning trainer Patrick Devereux Jr., said of the race shape Saturday.

Diego Saenz was aboard Stormdriver for Fruition Racing. Stormdriver is a son of Discreet Cat.

Saenz also was aboard Heitai, who won the $100,000 Sprint for the third consecutive year. The was making his first start for trainer Eduardo Ramirez, and he gave the former assistant to Karl Broberg his first win in a stakes race. Ramirez said Heitai could run next at Fair Grounds.

Heitai ($3.80) set fractions of 22.40 for the opening quarter and 45.70 for the half-mile on Saturday before winning the five- furlong race in 58.16 seconds. Heitai won by 2 1/4 lengths for owner-breeder Rowell Enterprises. He is a son of Fusaichi Pegasus.

In other races on the program:

Forest Lake ($13.80) was up for a head win over Private Promise in the $150,000 Distaff. Hector Santiago was aboard for Set-Hut and trainer Jerry Delhomme. Forest Lake is a daughter of Forestry who was bred by Set-Hut and Jake Delhomme.

Icy Gentleman ($23.40) took the field wire-to-wire in the $125,000 Prince for 3-year-olds, for a three a quarter length win. Jorge Guzman was aboard for trainer H.B. Johnson, Jr. Icy Gentleman is a son of Yankee Gentleman who was bred by his owner, Ironwater Farms Joint Venture.

Smittys Cougar ($6.80) was a three-length winner over Jet Black Magic in the $125,000 Starlet for 3-year-old fillies. Richard Eramia rode Smittys Cougar for trainer Ron Faucheux. Roger G. Smith owns the daughter of Half Ours.

Diamond Cutter ($20.80) was a 2 1/2-length winner of the $100,000 Matron. Gerardo Mora was aboard for World War IV Racing and trainer Pamela Simpson. Diamond Cutter is by Salute the Sarge.