Ocho Ocho Ocho wins Delta Downs $1 Million Jackpot

VINTON, La. (AP) Mike Smith kept Ocho Ocho Ocho inside on the final turn to beat D. Wayne Lukas-trained favorite Mr. Z by a neck Saturday in the Delta Downs $1 Million Jackpot.

Ocho Ocho Ocho, trained by James Cassidy, ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.47 and paid $7.20, $4.40 and $3.

Mr. Z returned $4.20 and $3.20 while Far Right paid $9.20 to show in the field of 10 2-year-olds.

The top four finishers in the Grade III race earn points in the Kentucky Derby series, with the winner earning 10 points, second place 4 points, third place 2 points and fourth place 1 point. Saratoga Heater finished fourth.

Far Right's jockey, Corey Lanerie, contested the finish, saying Smith had committed jockey's interference, but after a brief inquiry, the finish stood.

Ocho Ocho Ocho won his third race since Oct. 14.