Red Rpg Holds Off Pyc Socialite in $25,000 Desaix Stakes at Delta Downs

Red Rpg turned back a determined late bid from Pyc Socialite to score a head victory in the $25,000 Desaix Stakes for 2-year-old Quarter Horses Friday night at Delta Downs.

The 12-1 outsider broke sharply from the inside and maintained a narrow advantage throughout the 350-yard event before stopping the timer in :17.794 over a fast track. The clocking earned the sorrel gelding a 91 speed index. The race carried a $25,000 guaranteed purse and distributed $26,100.

Jockey Jose Ariel Rodriguez guided Red Rpg to the victory for trainer Paul Leal and owner T. C. Flack. Red Rpg broke outward at the start but quickly showed speed and held off the rallying Pyc Socialite by a head at the wire.

The $15,000 winner's share increased Red Rpg's career earnings to $22,500 from four starts, with two victories. Bred in Oklahoma by Taos River Ranch LLC, Red Rpg is a son of first-crop sire Speed Dynasty from the Big Daddy Cartel mare Jq Jess A Cartel.

Red Rpg was a $10,500 purchase at the 2025 Heritage Place Yearling Sale.

Pyc Socialite rallied strongly and drifted inward late but came up a head short for owner Jesus Campa, trainer Jose Carrizales and jockey Randy Edison Jr. The runner-up earned $5,000, increasing his career bankroll to $20,480 from six starts. He has won twice and finished second once.

Bred by Jose G. Reyes, Pyc Socialite is a son of champion sire Pyc Paint Your Wagon from Snootie Socialite, by Favorite Cartel.

Channings Magic finished another head behind Pyc Socialite in third following a game effort under jockey Eddi Emanuel Martinez. The Luis R. Martinez Jr. trainee earned $3,850 for owners Eduardo Briceno and Andy Briceno, pushing her career earnings to $47,700. Her record now stands at two wins, two seconds, and three thirds from eight starts.

Arnold J. Trahan bred Channings Magic, a daughter of Ajs Fast Dash from the Mr Jess Perry mare Ms Wandas Magic. The filly was a $13,000 purchase at the 2025 LQHBA Yearling Sale.

The Desaix Stakes was restricted to 2-year-olds that competed in the Big Easy Futurity trials but failed to qualify for the final.

Completing the field behind the top three were Beastlee, Mr Mitch, Km Dynasty, Jerry Lynn, and favored Ragnar the Great. Jp Valiant Blue and Kissin What were scratched.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.