Against all odds, Accelerize, a relatively inexperienced 4-year-old, defied expectations at the Louisiana Stakes (G3) on January 17th at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, showcasing a stunning display of grit and determination. This victory wasn't just a win; it was a testament to the potential that lies within a horse, even when facing seasoned competitors.
Racing for Spendthrift Farm and Repole Stable, Accelerize, a son of Omaha Beach, entered the race with only three previous starts. The Louisiana Stakes marked his seasonal debut, his first time competing in a stakes race, and the longest race of his career—a true baptism by fire!
From the outset, Accelerize took the lead, setting a swift pace with fractions of :23.93 for the quarter-mile and :47.14 for the half-mile. He was challenged by longshot Tarantino, but the real test came from Just a Touch, the race favorite. This grade 1-placed son of Justify, rallied strongly, briefly taking the lead in the stretch. But here's where Accelerize's heart truly shone: he found another gear, regrouped, and surged ahead, ultimately winning by a neck in a final time of 1:43.43 for the 1 1/16-mile distance.
The victory was particularly sweet for trainer Todd Pletcher, marking his first win in the Louisiana Stakes, and denying Brad Cox, Just a Touch's trainer, his sixth win in the race since 2019.
But the excitement didn't stop there!
Earlier in the day, the veteran Kupuna, a 7-year-old son of Hard Spun, secured his first stakes win since 2024 in the $100,000 Colonel E. R. Bradley Stakes. After starting from ninth place, Kupuna demonstrated an impressive late surge, ultimately winning by 1 1/4 lengths over the 3-2 favorite, Lagynos. This win came on the heels of a second-place finish in the Buddy Diliberto Memorial Stakes. Kupuna, trained by Norm Casse and ridden by Luis Saez, completed the race in 1:42.37 on firm turf.
Adding to the day's triumphs, Medoro, a twice-grade 1-placed grade 3 winner, successfully made the trip to New Orleans and captured the $100,000 Marie G. Krantz Memorial Stakes. This 5-year-old daughter of Honor Code, trained by Peter Eurton and ridden by Jose Ortiz, rallied from fifth place to win by three-quarters of a length, completing the 1 1/16-mile race for older fillies and mares in 1:42.17 on firm turf.
Finally, Usually Wrong, a 5-year-old son of Lookin At Lucky, kicked off 2026 with a record-setting victory in the $100,000 Duncan F. Kenner Stakes. This homebred for BG Stables and Selman Shaby, trained by Robertino Diodoro and ridden by Isaac Castillo, dominated the 5 1/2-furlong race, setting a new course record of 1:01.63 on firm turf.
It's fascinating to see how these horses, with their unique backgrounds and strengths, come together to create such thrilling races. What do you think contributed most to Accelerize's victory? Was it his raw talent, the strategic race plan, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts in the comments!
