Thursday evening at Delta Downs will see twenty Louisiana-Bred 3-year-old colts and geldings square off in two trials for the Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby (RG1).

© Delta Downs

By Louanne Wainscott, StallioneSearch

VINTON, LA–JUNE 17, 2026–Thursday evening at Delta Downs, the spotlight shines brightly on Louisiana’s top sophomore talent as twenty Louisiana-Bred 3-year-old colts and geldings square off in two trial heats for the Restricted Grade 1, $75,000-added Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby.

The eight-race program will feature the Derby trials as the marquee events in races six and seven, with contenders running 400 yards in pursuit of one of ten coveted spots in the July 11 final. With several proven stakes performers and Grade 1 finalists returning to action, the trials promise an exciting preview of Louisiana’s next championship event.

The top money earner in the field, San Lorenzo Bossman, headlines the second trial in race seven as the 2-1 morning-line favorite. The colt enters off a solid effort against allowance company on May 16, when he was beaten by a neck for third after a competitive stretch battle. A three-time winner, San Lorenzo Bossman established himself among Louisiana’s elite juveniles last season by qualifying for the Grade 1 $1 million Louisiana Bred Futurity and finishing fourth, missing third by a neck. Through his career, he has earned $81,705.

Owned by Rogelio Marquez, Jr., the son of Apolitical Blood out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Runawa Renee, the colt was bred in Louisiana by Robicheaux Ranch, Inc. Marquez purchased the colt for $75,000 at the LQHBA Yearling Sale. Trainer Juan C. Garcia will saddle the standout runner from post six, with regular rider Leonardo Rodriguez retaining the mount.

The first trial appears equally competitive, with stablemate San Lorenzo Chicken, the 2-1 morning-line favorite in race six, leading. The gelding has already proven his quality this season, earning a berth in the $100,000 Mardi Gras Derby and finishing a determined second despite trouble during the run. As a juvenile, he also qualified for the Grade 1 $1 million Louisiana Bred Futurity after overcoming adversity when he was taken up after skimming the rail. He has banked $61,895 in earnings.

San Lorenzo Chicken is a son of One Sweet Jess, out of the Toast To Dash mare A Special Toast, and was bred in Louisiana by Tate Farms. Like his stablemate, he races for Rogelio Marquez, Jr., and is conditioned by Juan C. Garcia. Leonardo Rodriguez will guide the gelding from post ten on the outside as he seeks another trip to a major Louisiana-Bred final.

Thursday's Derby trials open a weekend dedicated to Louisiana-Bred racing at Delta Downs, where the state's top horses will continue their pursuit of championship honors. With proven stakes performers, Grade 1 finalists, and rising stars vying for advancement, every stride will matter as the field battles for a place in the July 11 finale.

Only the ten fastest qualifiers from the two trial heats will return to contest the Restricted Grade 1, $75,000-added Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the summer's most competitive Louisiana-Bred events.

The races at Delta Downs can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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