Tunica Girl can add to Broberg's lead

It has been horses like Tunica Girl who have helped push Karl Broberg to the top of the North American training charts in 2014. She’s won three of her last six starts and should go postward as the favorite Friday night in the $65,000 Lookout Stakes at Delta Downs.

The Lookout is restricted to Louisiana-bred fillies and mares who have not won a stakes. Eight have been entered in the 7 1/2-furlong race, with Glamoride and Unlimited Lil Lady also expected to be leading contenders.

According to Equibase, Broberg had won 315 races through Tuesday to rank as North America’s leading trainer in wins in 2014. He had a 26-win lead over runner-up Steve Asmussen.

Both men are residents of Arlington, Texas. Asmussen is a multiple title winner, while Broberg, 44, is seeking his first crown just five years into a training career that has gained momentum at Delta. Broberg has won the last three training titles at the track and had a clear lead in the current standings as of Tuesday.

“We purchased a small farm adjacent to Delta that’s enabled us to have more horses, give them a break ... and swim them, things we can’t do at the track,” Broberg said. “That’s one thing that’s really helped us get over the top.”

KEY CONTENDERS

Tunica Girl (Last 3 Beyers: 81-77-74)

◗ She won her Delta debut last out, when she wired the field in a $20,000 optional claimer on Oct. 23. She earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 81.

“She just continues to surprise us,” Broberg said. “She just goes out there and runs a big race every time.”

◗ Tunica Girl was a $700 yearling purchase, noted Broberg. She has earned $122,510.

◗ Diego Saenz has the mount from post 4.

“She’ll be forwardly placed,” Broberg said. “She doesn’t have to be on the lead, but she’ll be forwardly placed.”

Glamoride (Last 3 Beyers: 54-71-68)

◗ She ran arguably the best race of her career two starts ago at Delta, when she won a second-level allowance for Louisiana-breds at a mile with a career-high Beyer of 71.