Tha Duke, ridden by Noe Castaneda, wins the $50,000 Mid City Stakes on Saturday at Delta Downs.

© Hodges Photography

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

VINTON, LA–AUGUST 30, 2025–Tha Duke ended a stakes drought stretching back to 2023 with a powerful late rally to capture the $50,000 Mid City Stakes on Saturday night at Delta Downs.

Pk Pure Rogue, the post-time favorite, blasted from the gates and led the field early but could not hold off the determined finish of Tha Duke, who surged past to win by a length and a half. Leaving Coyame chased gamely in third, finishing three-quarters of a length behind the runner-up.

Tha Duke stopped the clock in 21.547 seconds for 440 yards, earning a 108 speed index under jockey Noe Castaneda. The victory was worth $30,000 for owners Ashton Elder and Miguel Romero Jr.

The connections of Tha Duke accept the $50,000 Mid City Stakes winning trophy at Delta Downs on Saturday.
© Hodges Photography

Bred in Louisiana by his owners, Tha Duke is a son of Rc Me Leaving You and out of the Jess Louisiana Blue mare Precious Perry Girl. Trained by Leonel Hernandez, the victory marked his 10th career win from 20 starts, lifting his bankroll to $536,548.

This season, Tha Duke has started three times, including a runner-up finish in the Sam Houston Classic Stakes (G2). The Mid City was his first winning stakes score since 2023, adding to a résumé that includes wins in the Louisiana Classic Stakes (G2) and the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity (G1).

Though winless in stakes since 2023, Tha Duke was a finalist last year in the Go Man Go Handicap (G1), Opelousas Stakes (G3), Los Alamitos Championship Challenge (G3) and Miss Polly Classic Stakes (G3).

Pk Pure Rogue, who settled for second after setting the pace, is trained by Guadalupe Tristan for owners Barraza Brothers and Sons Racing LLC. Rodrigo Vallejo had the call aboard the bay gelding.

Bred by Phatt Kat Ranch, the son of Heza Fast Rogue is out of the Agouti mare Kinky Boots. His was a $9,200 purchase at the 2021 LQHBA Yearling Sale.

The veteran campaigner has compiled 11 wins, nine seconds and four thirds in 32 starts with $348,135 in earnings.  Pk Pure Rogue has enjoyed a banner 2025 season with victories in the Louisiana Classic Stakes (G2), BOCO Overnight Stakes and Miss Polly Classic (G3), along with a runner-up finish in the HDJ Butler Stakes and a fourth in the Sam Houston Classic (G2).

Third-place finisher Leaving Coyame earned his first black-type in the Mid City. The 3-year-old is trained by Luis Martinez Jr. for breeder-owner Carlos Gerardo Levario and was ridden by Kevin Camacho. He is a son of Coronas Leaving You out of the Mr Eye Opener mare Dressed to Kill. From 16 starts, he has four wins, one second and three thirds with $65,305 in earnings.

Completing the order of finish were Lil Too Dirty, Five Bar Jess Cartel, Big Red Train, One Sweet Boss, Rogues Fast Prize and Run for the Prize. Iveseenwhatyoucando was scratched.

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