Caliente Operator Remains Undefeated after winning the the $50,000 Flying Breed Stakes
VINTON, LA–JULY 13, 2024–Caliente Operator keeps his 2024 win streak going with a victory in the $50,000 Flying Breed Stakes at Delta Downs on Saturday.
Caliente Operator, piloted by Eleazar Hernandez, goes off at 5/2 odds, paying $7.80 to win. The son of Corona Caliente clocked a 102 speed index on the sloppy 220-yard track in :11.776 seconds, finishing a 1/2-length ahead of Tuckers Prize and Onemorewildtrain.
Tuckers Prize, ridden by Ubaldo Luna and Onemorewildtrain, with Guadalupe Lucio Jr in the irons, crossed the wire in a dead-heat for second. The two older horses clocked a 97 speed index in 11.868 seconds.
Trainer Santiago Riojas Jr saddled Caliente Operator for owner Jose Antonio De La Rosa, who purchased him for $3,800 in the 2018 LQHBA Fall Mixed Sale. The seven-year-old gelding has lit the board 16 of 21 starts with seven career wins.
The $30,000 earnings from the Flying Breed Stakes increase his bankroll to $146,407. Caliente Operator also won the G.C.F.A. Duthman Stakes, placed fourth in the King William Stakes [G3], and was a finalist in the Mid City Stakes [G3] last year.
Riojas's brother was with him in the winner's circle and commented, "We tried not to race him as much since he's an older horse so that he can stay consistent and sound in good condition. He is so easy to take care of; we don't struggle with him. He has no bad habits."
When asked where he's headed next, Riojas said, "We are not sure yet, but probably New Orleans or Retama Park."
Ocie Lee Charles Jr bred Caliente Operator in Louisiana out of A Dashing Operator by Dashing Val.
17-time winner Tuckers Prize has earned $342,915 from 49 starts for his owner/trainer, Preston Jourdan. The $2,700 LQHBA Yearling Sale repurchase is a Grade 3 winner sired by Fast Prize Dash. Kirby and Phillip Bruchhaus bred the eight-year-old gelding in Louisiana out of Bb Secrets Game by Game Patriot.
Onemorewildtrain has lit the board 10 of 15 starts with five career wins and $134,914 in earnings for owner Jose Carlos Lopez. Leonel Hernandez conditions the $11,000 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate. Riley Blanchet bred the four-year-old gelding out of One More Card by Carters Cartel.
Tf Jess A Eagle, Mp Thornado, India De La Nieve, Mighty Pocket Rockey, Geaux Party Geaux, Konnan Carte, and Jeg Fascination complete the order of finish.
For more information about the season, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com.
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About Delta Downs
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation, is the premier racing and gaming entertainment venue in Vinton, LA. Named "America’s Best Horse Racing Track" by readers of USA TODAY 10 Best, Delta Downs features a six-furlong oval track, 15,000 square feet of casino space, and more than 1,500 of the most popular slot machines. Amenities include two restaurants, chart-topping entertainment at the Delta Event Center, and the FanDuel Sportsbook. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7; from Texas, take Exit 4.