LITTLE MISS CURLIN PROVES BEST IN THE MAGNOLIA STAKES AT DELTA DOWNS
THE PATRICK DEVEREAUX, JR. TRAINEE SNARES SEVENTH WIN FROM 10 STARTS -
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs began its 2026-27 Thoroughbred season on Friday night with a nine-race program that included the $100,000 Magnolia Stakes for Louisiana-bred fillies and mares competing at seven furlongs. The morning-line favorite for the event was Norman Stables, LLC’s Secret Faith, who was attempting to win the race for the second year in a row.
Secret Faith got a good trip in the Magnolia, as she stalked the early leader Gangster Flash for the opening quarter and half mile. As the field turned for home in the two-turn, seven-furlong affair, Secret Faith was roused to the lead before she was confronted by a late rally from Little Miss Curlin, who had spent her time in mid-pack before gaining momentum last under jockey Colby Hernandez.
In the final strides, Little Miss Curlin was able to get by her rival and charge on to the win going away by 2-3/4 lengths at the finish. Secret Faith settled for second, another 1-1/4 lengths in front of third-place finisher Mo for Us. Little Miss Curlin, who is owned by Coteau Grove Farms LLC and trained by Patrick Devereaux, Jr. covered the seven panels in a time of 1:26.63 while running on a fast racetrack.
The victory marked Little Miss Curlin’s seventh from 10 trips to the starting gate. She earned $60,000 for the effort and her career bankroll now stands at $428,902.
Bred in Louisiana by her owner, Little Miss Curlin is a 3-year-old filly by Charlatan, out of the Curlin mare Mylady Curlin.
Bet down late and sent off the favorite at odds of 6-5, Little Miss Curlin paid $4.60 to win, $2.60 to place and $2.20 to show. Secret Faith was worth $2.20 to place and $2.20 to show. Mo for Us returned $2.80 to show.
Delta Downs will put a cap on opening weekend of the new season Saturday night with another nine-race program. The featured race on the card is the $100,000 Gold Cup for Louisiana-breds going seven furlongs. The Gold Cup field includes heavy favorite and multi-millionaire Touchuponastar. First post time is scheduled for 4:40pm.
For more information about racing at Delta Downs this season, including a detailed schedule and stakes dates, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information throughout the season with our social media accounts. The Facebook page is found at ‘Delta Downs Racing’, and the track’s X handle is @deltaracing.