By Christie DeBernardis
California runners have been very successful when shipping to Louisiana for the $1 million GIII Delta Downs Jackpot with three of the past four winners coming from the Golden State, including two-time Breeders' Cup winner Goldencents (Into Mischief) and GI Preakness S. victor Exaggerator (Curlin). Karl Watson, Mike Pegram and Paul Weitman's Hot Sean (Flatter) hopes to add his name to that list and provide Hall of Famer Bob Baffert with his first win in this lucrative test Saturday. Second behind favored stablemate Cairo Healer (Giant's Causeway) when unveiled at Del Mar Aug. 28, the $550,000 KEESEP buy graduated next out at Santa Anita Oct. 1 and won a one-mile optional claimer there last time Oct. 27.
Breaking his maiden at Gulfstream July 16, Peacock Racing's Gunnevera (Dialed In) came charging late to capture the GII Saratoga Special S. at odds of 9-1 Aug. 14. The chestnut looks to make amends after a non-factor fifth last time behind subsequent GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Classic Empire (Pioneerof the Nile) in Keeneland's GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity S. Oct. 8.
Mark Casse saddles a pair of interesting contenders in “TDN Rising Star” Thirstforlife (Stay Thirsty) and Our Stormin Norman (Blame). Third behind next out GI Del Mar Futurity winner Klimt (Quality Road) in the GII Best Pal S. Aug. 13, Thirstforlife was a disappointing fifth in the GIII Iroquois S. Sept. 17, but rebounded to wire a Keeneland allowance last time Oct. 20. Live Oak Plantation's Our Stormin Norman broke through last time on the Keeneland main track Oct. 23 after three failed attempts on turf.
Keith Desormeaux, who rode Exaggerator to victory in last year's Jackpot, gets the call on “TDN Rising Star” J Boys Echo (Mineshaft). Tardy at the break, the bay closed strongly into a slow pace to be second in his career bow sprinting at Churchill Downs Oct. 2 for trainer Dale Romans. Off slowly again next out in a 1 1/16-mile Keeneland test Oct. 27, the Albaugh Family Stables runner was squeezed out when attempting to split horses in the lane, but came charging through up the rail to romp by 5 1/2 lengths.
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