Jeltrin Gives Trainer Delgado First Graded Stakes Win

On Aug. 11, 2017, Venezuelan native Alexis Delgado saddled his first winner in North America when the then 2-year-old Surprising Twist crossed the wire 1 1/2 lengths ahead of her competition in a maiden claiming race at Gulfstream Park.

Less than two years later, Delgado has quite literally raised the stakes. 

Delgado watched in awe March 2 as 3-year-old filly Jeltrin wowed the Gulfstream crowd with her 51-1 upset performance in the Davona Dale Stakes (G2) and moved into second on the 2019 Road to the Kentucky Oaks points leaderboard—giving Delgado his first graded stakes win.

Besting six other talented fillies including champion 2-year-old Jaywalk, Delgado could do nothing but heap praise upon his talented trainee. 

"It was a good day," Delgado said. "She ran spectacular! She is so smart and does well at everything she tries."

Bred in Kentucky by C. Kidder, N. Cole, J. K. Griggs, and Linda Griggs, Jeltrin is only the fourth foal out of the winning Successful Appeal mare Song to the Moon. The filly was purchased by Juan C. Sanchez (C&J Stable) from Gainesway's consignment to the 2017 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for the modest price of $7,000. Pinhooked by C&J Stable to the 2018 the Ocala Breeders' Sales April Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training, the filly failed to attract significant attention from buyers in the ring and was an RNA on a final bid of $27,000.

On the recommendation of fellow Venezuelan and jockey, Andry Blanco, who consigns at Ocala regularly as ABG Warrior Racing Stable, Delgado decided to purchase Jeltrin privately in the name of his own operation, ADR Racing Stable.

"(Blanco) told me she was a great talent," Delgado said. "He said she was very good. One of the best he had worked that year."  

The filly broke her maiden on second asking at 2 at Gulfstream Park West. She raced only once more at the claiming level in 2018 before stepping up to black-type in her Jan. 5  sophomore debut in the Glitter Woman Stakes at Gulfstream, where she finished fourth. The filly followed that effort with another fourth in the Feb. 2  Forward Gal Stakes (G3). Despite the losses, Delgado remained undeterred about his intentions to bump the filly up in class for the Davona Dale. 

"Our goal was always the Davona Dale," Delgado said. "We worked for three months and her two previous races were always part of looking forward toward the Davona Dale."

A daughter of Gainesway's Tapizar —sire of last year's Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner and champion Monomoy Girl—Jeltrin picked up 50 points for her winning effort in the Davona Dale on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks. Having previously earned one point for her fourth-place effort in the Forward Gal, the one-time RNA and virtually unknown longshot now sits firmly in second place on the Oaks leaderboard, nine points behind top contender Serengeti Empress and 16 points ahead of third-place Jaywalk. 

"I had the opportunity to train many horses in my country," Delgado said. "But Jeltrin is the smartest that I've ever seen. Every day she does it better. She is magical." 

"My dream after I fulfilled my goals in Venezuela, was to come to train here in the United States, to measure myself against the best. I came here two years ago and worked hard to prove my ability with horses. I love my profession and it has been my life for the past five years. I'm living my dream together with my family and friends." 

With close to two months left until the 145th running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1), Delgado said he has no definitive target race in mind for Jeltrin, but said that the Oaks will remain the long-term goal. 

"She was evaluated by the vet on Sunday and she came out perfect," Delgado said. "We haven't decided where she will run next, only time will tell. We will make the decision on her next race based on Jeltrin and my experience with her.

"She will continue on this route and if she continues like this, we will arrive at the Oaks."