Vinton may be off the beaten path, but the road to Churchill Downs runs through this small Lake Area town Saturday.

Some of the biggest names in thoroughbred racing, and promising horses as well, have come to run in the 12th annual Delta Downs Jackpot.

The $1 million dollar 11⁄16-mile race could become a stepping stone for a number of the 12 entered 2-year-olds, two of which are also eligibles.

With a $600,000 paycheck and 10 points toward a possible starting spot in May’s Kentucky Derby on the line, Delta Downs has become an important part of the race to Churchill Downs.

“This seems to be growing and growing every year,” said track announcer and spokesman Don Stevens. “We are really excited about this group of horses and this year’s Jackpot.

“Of course it is hard to tell with 2-year-olds, but on paper and with what this group as already done, this has the potential to be our best field ever.”

Nine horses have used the Jackpot as a launching point for making the Derby over the past 11 years. That included three from the 2012 race.

“This race has become an important part of the 2-year-old season,” Stevens said. “We have seen more and more interest over the years.”

The 11-race event, which is highlighted by the Jackpot, at first was more about the money, but it has become important enough that Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas among others have sent horses to Vinton.

Lukas himself even has come this year for the race, bringing favorite Mr. Z along with him. While he has had other horses entered at Delta Downs, this is the first time he will saddle a horse there himself.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the race in person,” said Lukas, who admitted it is the money that first got his attention, but being a part of the Derby chase is a big plus.

“It is a point race now,” said Lukas, who noted that the points awarded are the same as the Breeders’ Cup.

“But for me it is the money that gets your attention. They put up a million dollars for a mile race, that’s impressive. So in that order it is money and then the points.”

It is something Stevens knows comes with the territory.

“When you offer a million dollars you get their attention,” Stevens said. “That sure put us on the map, but what has made this important is how well some of the horses have done in the future and how well the racing is run.”

It is the points that make the Grade III race even more important to the racing world.

“The fact that Churchill Downs recognizes this race can’t be overlooked,” Lukas said. “Being a part of that system makes the race more important.”

That’s why he brings Mr. Z in as a favorite. The horse had an opening line of 5-2 and will be coming out of the No. 3 gate.

“He is consistent and has good experience,” Lukas said. “Being a seasoned horse is a big thing when it comes to racing at new tracks.”

Paco Lopez will ride the horse which finished fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Golden Actor, which won the Jean Lafitte, is in the No. 6 gate and stated as the second favorite at 7-2. Conquest Tsunami is third at 4-1 and will started from the fourth spot.

“This is, from top to bottom, a very competitive field,” Stevens said.

One thing that looms is the forecast of rain for the day.

“We are hoping for a clear day and a fast track,” Stevens said.(Rick Hickman/American Press)