Picks made for fast track and on turf.
Race 1
4: Muchmorethanready: Ran better than looked last out; should get the job done today
8: Two Jet: Respect for this first-time starter out of the Jake Delhomme Set Hut barn.
Race 2
2: Sweet Alyssa: Again going against the crowd here on a horse likely to be closing late.
4: Evergrande: Worked very fast last work and horse cost owner Don Adam over a million.
Race 3
9: Sense You Asked: Ran better than looked in start here; will love the two turns.
6: Cagliostro: First start was over summer but was very good; working well for return.
Race 4
1: Run Chata: Taking on the big pedigrees here with a long shot who is working well.
7: Mariah’s Appeal: Working extremely well for first start and bred to do well sprinting.
Race 5
2: Charlie’s Penny: Hoping Loveberry can get her off the rail and come rolling late.
3: Lake Lucerne: Ran very well in the Blushing KD and can repeat that effort here.
IF OFF TURF: 2-7
Race 6
8: Cushee: Gets blinkers after a green start and ran well to be third despite running in spots.
1: Lure’em In: Ran with speed in her first start and now has the rail and should be on engine.
Race 7
8: Kigali: Tough first out but did some running late in that race and has been working well.
5: City Nights: Of the two Asmussen horses, this one looks like the one ready to win first out.
Race 8
7: Greyes Creek: Has become consistent running his race at every track and distance.
8: Big Agenda: Will be closing again and his last few turf efforts are good enough to contend.
IF OFF TURF: 11-8
Race 9
2: Banishing: Just ran too good to ignore in last setting strong pace and going to win easily.
5: Determinedly: Ran well in the Gun Runner and drops down here to an allowance.
Race 10
10: Silver Bull: Got a good prep in last; should improve by many lengths here going longer.
1: Onasa: Seems to be the speed of this group and has the rail draw to help chances of a wire job.
Race 11
4: Evan Sing: Best bet of the day; runs well off a layoff; training well; style suits the course.
3: Boldor: Turf races are good enough with the closing style to make a run at a price here.
IF OFF TURF: 11-2
Race 12
6: Amber Cascade: Big win in last with big move to take control; may be getting better.
7: Forest Chimes: Visually impressive win in last but steps way up in class right away.
Race 13
2: Run Classic: Likes the shortening in distance and close to rail draw; in fine form.
9: Mr. Wireless: Looked like a winner before Happy American ran by him in last.
Race 14
3: Bromley: Is two for two and should appreciate the extra distance here; live at price.
5: Tapit’s Conquest: Has every right to improve here for Cox and has early zip to stay close.
Around the Track
A tremendous card of stakes races with three turf races carded among the six stakes races led by Race 14 — the Lecomte Stakes for 3-year-olds on the road to the Louisiana Derby. Among the stakes races is the Marie Krantz Memorial in Race 5 named in honor and memory of the former owner of the Fair Grounds and the old Jefferson Downs racetrack. Marie Krantz was a pioneer in forging a permanent place for horse racing in Louisiana during her professional career.
Best Bet
Our Best Bet today will be in Race 11 — No. 4 Evan Sing, on turf only watch for this one to come rolling in the stretch. Early on the card we’ll take a best bet on No. Sense You Asked in Race 3 along with a Race 4 long shot play on No. 1 Run Chatta.
Good luck and may they all come home safely.