Pilot Point Train, ridden by Humberto Vital, led from gate to wire to capture his first career stakes victory in Saturday's $40,000 Louisiana Starter Stakes at Delta Downs.

© Hodges Photography

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch.com

VINTON, LA –JULY 11, 2026–Pilot Point Train continued his outstanding 2026 campaign Saturday night, leading from gate to wire to capture his first career stakes victory in the $40,000 Louisiana Starter Stakes for accredited Louisiana-breds at Delta Downs.

Breaking first from the gates under Humberto Vital, Pilot Point Train never gave his rivals a chance, opening up early and drawing off to a 1 1/4-length victory over The Star In Me in the 300-yard stakes for 3-year-olds and older.

The winning connections of Pilot Point Train accept the Louisiana Starter Stakes trophy at Delta Downs on Saturday. © Hodges Photography

The 4-year-old gelding stopped the timer in 15.301 seconds while earning a 96 speed index. His winning effort returned $3.20 to win as the 3-5 post-time favorite.

The son of Freighttrain B was bred in Louisiana by Grant Farms LLC out of the First To Shine mare Lady Pilot Point. Owned by Felipe Amaro and trained by Leonard Phillips Jr., the gelding was purchased for $7,500 at the 2024 Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale.

The victory marked his fourth win of the season and improved his lifetime record to six wins, three seconds and two thirds from 15 starts with earnings of $84,630.

The Star In Me finished second after making a solid late bid but could not threaten the winner. The 3-year-old gelding by Mr Piloto was bred in Louisiana by Grant Farms LLC out of the Feature Mr Jess mare Jess A Special Star.

Owned by Amy Castillo and trained by Andre Brooks, The Star In Me was ridden by Luis Flores Garcia. A $22,000 graduate of the 2024 LQHBA Yearling Sale, he has compiled a record of two wins, two seconds and two thirds from 13 starts with earnings of $40,098.

Shakin N My Boots closed willingly to finish third. The 5-year-old mare is by Eagle Deluxe. She was bred in Louisiana by Jeffery Locklear from the Finance The Cat TB mare Rump Shakin.

Racing for Shari and Benny Lee Allphin and trained by Dustin Rhodes, Shakin N My Boots was ridden by Bobby Ransom. A $7,000 purchase at the 2022 LQHBA Yearling Sale, she owns six wins from 27 starts with earnings of $63,328.

Ms Apolitical Ivory finished fourth and Seperate Parish completed the order of finish.

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