Jessapilottrain Leads Espinosa Trainees in Laddie Stakes Sweep at Delta Downs

VINTON, LA—MAY 24, 2025— Jessapilottrain broke fast and never looked back Saturday evening at Delta Downs, capturing the $40,000 Laddie Stakes with authority and leading a 1-3 finish for trainer Jose Espinosa and owner Party Tyme Racing.

Contested over a muddy (sealed) 330-yard strip, the race was open to accredited Louisiana-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings who failed to qualify for the Laddie Futurity finals.

Jessapilottrain, piloted by Daniel Sandoval-Granado, surged out of the gate from post one and repelled all challengers to stop the timer in 16.988 seconds, earning an 87 speed index and a winner’s purse of $24,000.

The brown colt by world champion sire Freighttrain B out of Miss Jess Lady Pilot by Mr Jess Perry was bred in Louisiana by Grant Farms LLC, who have long been recognized for producing standout runners in the region.

Jessapilottrain is a $24,000 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate. The win marked a major early milestone in his young career and showcased Espinosa’s skill with precocious juveniles.

Mysterious Eagle V, a gray gelding by second-crop sire Gold Heart Eagle V out of Mysterious Night by Valiant Hero, produced a powerful late rally under Ricardo Hernandez Jr. to secure second, finishing just 1½ lengths behind the winner.

Trained by Leonel Hernandez for owner JC Ranch LLC, the homebred product of J/R Robicheaux and Spanish Moss QH earned $8,000 for his effort. He sold for $24,000 in the LQHBA Yearling Sale.

Third place went to Gold Broiler Z, also by Gold Heart Eagle V and trained by Espinosa for Party Tyme Racing. Bred by Slash Z Quarter Horses, the bay gelding drifted outward but showed determination under Manuel Gutierrez to earn $4,400 for his connections, completing a banner showing for the Espinosa barn. He was an $82,000 LQHBA purchase for Party Tyme Racing.

Completing the order of finish were 4. Ten Plus, 5. Payasito Dream, 6. Mr Reuter Too, 7. Eyesa War Eagle, 8. Call Me a Train, and 9. Jessa Red Train. The Rhino was scratched.

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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 USA TODAY 10 Best readers, Delta Downs features a six-furlong oval track, 15,000 square feet of casino space, and over 1,500 of the most popular slot machines. Amenities include two restaurants, chart-topping entertainment at the Delta Event Center, and the FanDuel Sportsbook. For more information about the season, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com.

Delta Downs is located on Delta Downs Drive in Vinton, Louisiana. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7; from Texas, take Exit 4.

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