Power Of The Smile, under jockey Ubaldo Luna, was a 5¾-length winner in the $35,000 Virgil Bond Stakes at Delta Downs Saturday night.

© Hodges Photography

By StallioneSearch

DELTA DOWNS, LA–JUNE 7, 2025—Power Of The Smile delivered a commanding performance in Friday’s $35,000 Virgil Bond Stakes at Delta Downs, sprinting to a decisive 5¾-length victory in the 870-yard event for three-year-olds and upward.

The gray gelding stopped the clock in 46.221 seconds, a 92 speed index over a fast track, turning in one of the most dominant efforts of the evening.

The winning connections of Power Of The Smile accept the Virgil Bond Stakes trophy at Delta Downs Saturday night.
© Hodges Photography

Bred and owned by Jumonville Farms of Louisiana, the four-year-old son of Power Jam (TB) out of Beyond The Smiles by Mr Jess Perry broke sharply under jockey Ubaldo Luna and never looked back.

Trained by Kenneth Weeks, Power Of The Smile displayed both early speed and late strength, proving far too much for his rivals in the stretch. A graduate of the 2022 LQHBA Yearling Sale, he passed through the ring for $18,000 RNA (reserve not attained), but has clearly proven his value on the racetrack.

A five-time winner in 15 starts, Power Of The Smile earned $21,000 to boost his earnings total to $87,645.

Finishing second was Blue Castle, a promising three-year-old sorrel gelding by Jess Louisiana Blue out of Queen Ofthe Catsle (TB) by Tale of the Cat-TB. Bred by J.E. and Bunny Jumonville, Blue Castle is owned by Wesley Goings and Trey Ellis.

He is trained by Trey Ellis and was ridden to the runner-up finish by jockey Francisco Garcia, Jr. The gelding was a $21,000 purchase at the 2025 Heirtage Place Winter Mixed Sale and showed determination in holding off others for place honors. Two race back he ran in the LQHBA Louisiana Million Invitational Stakes.

Veteran runner Mr Secret Lee took third, finishing 1½ lengths behind Blue Castle. The seven-year-old bay gelding, also by Jess Louisiana Blue, is out of Miss Secret Lee-TB by Lycius-TB.

Bred by Arkofa Farm, Mr Secret Lee is owned by John Sargent and trained by O. Orozco. L. Constantin was in the irons for the effort. The gelding was originally a $2,300 RNA at the 2019 LQHBA Yearling Sale and continues to compete at a high level.

Rounding out the field were Iveseenwhatyourcando and Imperial Train. 

Delta Downs will race live again on Wednesday, as the track cards an eight-race program. The action kicks off at 6:15 p.m. with a first post time of 6:15 p.m.(CDT). 

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