Rogue Candy, ridden by Humberto Vital, wins the Desaix Stakes by a neck on Friday at Delta Downs.

© Hodges Photography

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

VINTON, LA–AUGUST 29, 2025– Rogue Candy scored his first stakes victory with a minor upset in the $33,300 Desaix Stakes at Delta Downs on Friday evening, holding off Gold Hearted Eagle and Ms Apollitical Tres.

Rogue Candy stopped the clock in 17.785 seconds for 350 yards, earning a 90 speed index under jockey Humberto Vital, who notched his third win of the night. Sent off at 7/1, Rogue Candy returned $16.00 to win and banked the $21,000 winner’s share of the purse.

Breaking from post four, Rogue Candy broke in slightly before dueling and finishing best late to prevail by a neck. The victory improved his record to two wins, two seconds, and one third from six starts with $58,472 earned. Earlier this season, he finished fourth in the Louisiana Bred Laddie Futurity (G2).

The connections of Rogue Candy accept the Desaix Stakes winning trophy at Delta Downs on Friday. © Hodges Photography

The Louisiana-bred son of Heza Fast Rogue is out of Fly Candy Lady, by Spit Curl Jess. He was bred by Brock Broussard and purchased for $13,000 at the 2024 LQHBA Yearling Sale. Trainer Gilberto Gonzalez saddled Rogue Candy for owner Guerras Racing Stables.

Runner-up Gold Hearted Eagle closed strong in the final yards but came up just short, finishing a neck behind the winner. The Louisiana-bred son of Gold Heart Eagle V is out of First Prize Bonnie, by Pyc Paint Your Wagon. He was bred by Kenneth Fletcher and sold for $10,000 at the 2024 LQHBA Yearling Sale.

Racing for owner/trainer Jose Barron, the colt was ridden by Noe Castaneda. He has now started five times, recording two wins, one second, and one third with earnings of $35,750.

Ms Apollitical Tres dueled early from the inside post before being outfinished late, settling for third another half-length behind. The $235,000 Heritage Place Yearling Sale purchase is owned by Rogue Equine LLC and trained by Kenneth Roberts, Sr.

Ubaldo Luna was aboard the Oklahoma-bred filly by Apollitical Jess. She is out of Miss Perrys Tres, by Tres Seis, and was bred by Flag Ranch LLC. From five starts, she has earned $13,566 and was a finalist in the Firecracker Futurity (G2) earlier this season.

Summertime Dynasty, Puro Venenoo, San Vandido, Jet Outta Heere, Kissin James, Famously Innocent, and Lm President Cartel completed the order of finish.

*******************

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.