The $200,000 Jean Lafitte Stakes is a major local prep for the Delta Jackpot Stakes (G3), the first Louisiana points-scoring race in the new Road to the Kentucky Derby system. A full field of 10 three-year-olds contested this 1 mile trip over the Vinton oval, with Sanford (G2) winner Bern Identity sent off as the 1-2 favorite off his third place finish in the Hopeful (G2). In to challenge him included 7-2 second choice Show Some Magic, 5th in the Hopeful, and 10-1 Mylute, fifth in the Arlington Washington Futurity (G3).
17-1 Manewal and 23-1 Mr. Bandini's Band battled for the lead through fractions of 23.15 and 47.95 over the fast track while stalked by 11-1 fourth choice Ive Struck a Nerve. On the far turn Ive Struck a Nerve moved up to take the lead through 3/4 in 1:13.74. Bern Identity, 5th early, came out 4 wide and cruised to the lead easily, drawing away to win by 3 lengths over Mylute in 1:39.47. It was another 4 lengths back to Mr. Bandini's Band third.
