Paint Me Onis, ridden by Bobby Ransom, is the 3-1 morning-line favorite for Saturday's $50,000 HDJ Butler Stakes at Delta Downs.

© Ann Switalski Photography

By Louanne Wainscott, StallioneSearch

VINTON, LA–JUNE 17, 2026–The Saturday evening program at Delta Downs will offer plenty of excitement as a nine-race card builds toward the featured eighth race, the $50,000 HDJ Butler Stakes. Scheduled for approximately 9:10 p.m., the 400-yard contest will bring together a talented field of nine Louisiana-bred runners, ages three and up, setting the stage for one of the evening's most competitive stakes races.

Paint Me Onis, a proven stakes performer, leads the field as the 3-1 morning-line favorite and continues to establish himself among the top Louisiana-bred sprinters. The four-year-old gelding opened his 2026 campaign with a victory over optional claiming company before shipping to Sam Houston, where he turned in a solid effort, finishing third in the Grade 2 $75,000 Sam Houston Classic Stakes.

His consistency extends beyond this season. During his sophomore campaign, Paint Me Onis was among the standout Louisiana-bred derby runners, winning the Mardi Gras Derby and finishing second in the Grade 3 Louisiana Champions Day Derby. Those performances have helped him earn $145,149 for owner Mary Stratton.

Bred in Louisiana by Scott Jeane, Paint Me Onis is a son of Paint Me Perry, out of the Heza Fast Dash mare Rl Toni Lynn. Trainer Joseph D. Manucy will send the gelding from post five, with veteran jockey Bobby Ransom aboard, as he looks to add another stakes victory to an already impressive résumé.

While Paint Me Onis enters as the slight favorite, the depth of the field ensures no easy task. Several accomplished Louisiana-breds will line up to claim the prestigious stakes prize, creating a highly competitive matchup over the 400-yard distance, where every step will matter.

With a strong group of proven runners set to square off, the $50,000 HDJ Butler Stakes promises a thrilling conclusion to the evening's stakes action. Fans and bettors alike can look forward to a fast-paced battle as Louisiana's finest sprinters take center stage under the lights at Delta Downs.

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

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