A thrilling day at the races unfolded on January 17th, where Accelerize, a relatively inexperienced 4-year-old, stole the show at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. This was a day of firsts for Accelerize, and he rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion.
In the Louisiana Stakes (G3), Accelerize, owned by Spendthrift Farm and Repole Stable, made his much-anticipated seasonal debut, marking his fourth career start. He not only faced the challenge of a new season but also the pressure of his first stakes race and the longest start of his young career. And what a start it was! Accelerize demonstrated his prowess by taking an early lead and maintaining it despite the fast pace. But the real drama unfolded in the stretch when Just a Touch, the race favorite, posed a serious threat. In a heart-pounding finish, Accelerize dug deep and held on to win by a neck, leaving Just a Touch just a touch behind.
The race was a tactical battle, with Flavien Prat guiding Accelerize to a quarter-mile in 23.93 seconds and a half-mile in 47.14, fending off longshot Tarantino. Just a Touch, a highly regarded son of Justify, raced wide but stayed in contention. He made a bold move in the stretch, briefly taking the lead, but Accelerize had more to give. He fought back, showcasing his determination, and powered to the finish line in a swift 1:43.43 on the fast track.
This victory was significant for Accelerize's trainer, Todd Pletcher, who secured his inaugural win in the Louisiana Stakes, thwarting Brad Cox, the trainer of Just a Touch, who had dominated the race since 2019.
But the excitement didn't end there! The day was filled with remarkable performances:
- Kupuna, a seasoned 7-year-old, relished his return to the track, claiming his first stakes win since 2024 in the $100,000 Colonel E. R. Bradley Stakes. He stormed from ninth to win by 1 1/4 lengths over the favorite, Lagynos, in a thrilling comeback.
- Medoro, a grade 3 winner and two-time grade 1-placed filly, showcased her versatility by shipping to New Orleans and dominating the $100,000 Marie G. Krantz Memorial Stakes. She rallied from fifth to win by three-quarters of a length, proving her class.
- Usually Wrong, a 5-year-old with a penchant for turf sprints, kicked off 2026 in style. He set a new course record in the $100,000 Duncan F. Kenner Stakes, winning by an impressive 2 3/4 lengths. Trained by Robertino Diodoro, Usually Wrong demonstrated his speed and talent, leaving his rivals in his wake.
And there you have it, a day of racing that had it all: thrilling finishes, tactical battles, and a showcase of raw talent. But here's where it gets controversial—was Accelerize's victory a fluke, or is he the real deal? Will he continue to dominate, or will Just a Touch have his revenge? The racing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this equine rivalry. What do you think? Share your predictions in the comments below!
