The Louisiana Stakes delivered a thrilling performance, marking a significant milestone for Accelerize and his connections. On January 17th, at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, this 4-year-old racehorse, owned by Spendthrift Farm and Repole Stable, embarked on a journey filled with firsts.
In his fourth career start, Accelerize, sired by the renowned Omaha Beach, made a bold statement. He not only debuted in the season and stakes but also tackled the longest race of his young career. With Flavien Prat in the saddle, Accelerize showcased his talent, leading from the start and maintaining a fast pace. Despite the challenge posed by the race favorite, Just a Touch, a grade 1-placed son of Justify, Accelerize held strong. In a neck-and-neck battle, he emerged victorious, crossing the finish line first in the 1 1/16-mile race for older horses.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Accelerize's trainer, Todd Pletcher, achieved his first Louisiana Stakes win, denying Brad Cox, Just a Touch's trainer, his sixth victory in the race since 2019. This result sparked excitement among racing enthusiasts, as it showcased the potential of a rising star in Accelerize.
The day's excitement didn't end there. Veteran racehorse Kupuna, a 7-year-old son of Hard Spun, secured his first stakes win since 2024, beating the odds-on favorite Lagynos by 1 1/4 lengths in the $100,000 Colonel E. R. Bradley Stakes. Kupuna's performance was a testament to his resilience, as he had finished second in the Buddy Diliberto Memorial Stakes just a month prior. Trained by Norm Casse for Flying P Stable, Kupuna's win was a highlight of the day.
Another standout performance came from Medoro, a grade 3 winner and two-time grade 1-placed filly in Southern California. She shipped to New Orleans and demonstrated her class, rallying from fifth to win the $100,000 Marie G. Krantz Memorial Stakes by three-quarters of a length. Trained by Peter Eurton and ridden by Jose Ortiz, Medoro's victory showcased her adaptability and talent.
And this is the part most racing fans love: Usually Wrong, a 5-year-old son of Lookin At Lucky, continued his winning streak from 2025, where he captured two stakes sprinting on the turf at Lone Star Park. In 2026, he opened the season with a bang, setting a new course record in the $100,000 Duncan F. Kenner Stakes. Trained by Robertino Diodoro and ridden by Isaac Castillo, Usually Wrong's performance left spectators in awe.
The Louisiana Stakes and its supporting races offered a thrilling display of talent and strategy, leaving racing enthusiasts eager for more. But the question remains: Can Accelerize continue his winning streak, or will he face tougher challenges ahead? The racing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this young horse's promising career.
