On January 31, Defondo scored by over three lengths in a six-furlong maiden special weight for trainer Dallas Stewart and jockey Brian Hernandez. The son of El Corredor earned an 81 Beyer Speed Figure and is now pointing for a first level allowance run at 1 mile and 70 yards on the dirt on Thursday, February 26 at Fair Grounds. Defondo means “long distance runner” in Spanish. Can Defondo live up to his name?

“We’re gonna stretch out next time,” said WPT EVP Jeff Lifson. “He could end up being best as a sprinter/miler, but now is the time to see if he he can show the same talent going two turns that he did sprinting on Saturday. It’s the season to dream big with a talented, professional -three-year-old.”

The following day flashy chestnut Aftermarketspoiler took command and never looked back, scoring by 2 1/4 lengths in her first try on the turf for trainer Mike Stidham. The daugher of After Market is definitely bred for the green and took a very nice move forward after two tries on the dirt.

The turf definitely moved her up, and the softer competition helped as well,” said Stidham. “This filly is still quite green and learning what it’s all about.”

Last but not least, the aptly named Louisiana-bred Cajun Spirit broke his maiden at first asking yesterday for Dallas Stewart. Off as the favorite in the dirt sprint, he chased the pace before swinging wide at the top of the stretch and drawing away under Francisco Torres. Up next for the son of Bernstein could be the $100,000 Pelican Stakes for statebreds run at 7 1/2 furlongs on the dirt on Saturday, March 7 at Delta Downs.

Aftermarketspoiler and Cajun Spirit: