Underpressure ready to kick off 2019

Underpressure has risen to the top of his Louisiana-bred division and will attempt to maintain his status Saturday night, when he takes on a full field of challengers in the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship at Delta Downs.

The Championship, a 1 1/16mile race for 4-year-olds and up, is one of six stakes on the card. The races are all restricted to horses bred in Louisiana, and purses for the 12-race program, which includes four starter races, total $900,000.

Underpressure won the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic Fair Grounds in his last start. He leads a 10-horse field at Delta that includes Givemeaminit, winner of the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint; Magic Vow, winner of the Louisiana Champions Day Turf; and Afleet Ascent, a multiple stakes-placed runner invading from Southern California for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

KEY CONTENDERS

Underpressure, by Birdstone Last 3 Beyers: 91-78-82

◗ He wrapped up his 4-yearold season in the Champions Day Classic, sweeping home by 3 1/2 lengths on Dec. 8.

“I thought he saved his best for last,” said Chris Richard, who rains Underpressure for Mallory Greiner. “It was probably his best race of the year. He’s been so consistent. He always tries hard. He doesn’t always win, but he always tries hard. It was a fantastic way to finish out the year.”

◗ Underpressure earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 91, and it’s the best last-race number in the Premier Night Championship.

◗ Underpressure, who was second in last year’s running when beaten a nose by Grade 2 winner Mobile Bay, has been freshened since Champions Day.

“We did the exact same thing we did last year,” Richard said. “We gave him the 60 days. It was just a good break for him because he had a long campaign. We freshened him up. He’s training forwardly, working very good, and we anticipate a good race from him.”

◗ Corey Lanerie has the mount from post 4.

“I think it’s important he gets in the race early, gets position,” Richard said. “We’ll leave it up to Corey.” Givemeaminit, by Star Guitar Last 3 Beyers: 86-86-84

◗ He’s riding a two-race win streak, having captured an allowance sprint Jan. 5 at Fair Grounds one start after taking the Louisiana Champions Day Sprint. Earlier in his career, Givemeaminit was third in the Grade 1 Hopeful. He is looking for his first-two-turn win Saturday.

“We think he fits in the race, think he’s got a good shot to be one-two,” said Dallas Stewart, who trains Givemeaminit for Valene Farms. “He’s coming off two wins, but he’s got a challenge with the distance a little a bit. We’ll see how it goes. He’s an accomplished horse and we want to give him the opportunity.”

◗ Gerard Melancon has the mount from post 3.