Morning line favorite Conair Cartel, with jockey Victor M. Urieta, Jr. aboard, headlines the Louisiana Bred Laddie Futurity trials at Delta Downs, bringing proven stakes form into the 330-yard seventh trial.

© Ann Switalski Photography

By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott
 

VINTON, LA–April 28, 2026—One hundred and two Louisiana-bred two-year-old colts and geldings will take center stage Friday night at Delta Downs, as twelve trial heats at 330 yards will determine the finalists for the RG2 $75,000-added Louisiana Bred Laddie Futurity set for May 23. The first post is scheduled for 4:45 PM, with a full evening of high-speed action expected as juveniles vie for one of the coveted qualifying spots.

The spotlight falls on Conair Cartel, who is set to compete in the seventh trial heat as the 9-5 morning line favorite and one of the most accomplished runners in the field. The gelding broke his maiden in the trials of the G2 $431,000 Mardi Gras Futurity before returning in the final to finish a strong second, narrowly missing victory after being caught late. With a record of 2-1-1-0 and earnings of $77,538, he brings both experience and proven class into the trials.

Sired by Five Bar Cartel and out of the Rakin in the Cash mare Miss Classy Perry, Conair Cartel was bred in Louisiana by Dennis Mills Partners, LLC. Trainer Santiago Villaseca will saddle the gelding from post position nine, with jockey Victor M. Urieta, Jr. returning to guide him as he looks to stamp himself as a leading contender for the final.

Earlier on the card, Sharpest Image will headline the opening trial as the 2-1 morning line favorite. The colt enters as a $44,540 earner and a proven stakes competitor after qualifying to the G2 $431,000 Mardi Gras Futurity, where he finished third in the final behind Conair Cartel following a strong late rally. His experience against top company gives him a major edge in a field that includes many first-time starters.

Owned by Vicente Arreola, who purchased him for $16,000 at the LQHBA Yearling Sale, Sharpest Image is by Gold Heart Eagle V and out of the Game Patriot mare Non Stop Patriot. Trainer Victor Oviedo will send him from post four with Angel A. Fierro aboard, as the colt looks poised to deliver another strong performance.

While a large portion of the field will be making their career debuts, several runners throughout the trials bring proven speed figures and winning experience into the night. The combination of seasoned competitors and first-time starters creates an unpredictable and competitive atmosphere, where early speed and a clean break from the gate will be critical.

With twelve races set to unfold under the lights, the focus will be on posting one of the ten fastest qualifying times, regardless of finishing position within each heat. As the gates open, the stakes are clear: only the quickest will advance, setting the stage for a thrilling run toward the Louisiana Bred Laddie Futurity final.

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

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