Fair Grounds – Sunday, January 20, 2019
Big day for New Orleans sports fans, and the track turf sprints share billing as the ‘feature’ – which as always, they are competitive. Threw caution to the wind in picking some price horses. Let’s make some $$$.
Race 1: 7-3-4
The opener is an ultra-competitive turf sprint, and we are going to go with a bit of a price, Keep Talking returns from a layoff off good works (the bullet on 1/3 jumps off the page). Consistent, runs well fresh, sits the outside stalking trip. Think Corot continues to improve, will be formidable off last. Clouded Judgement – really like to work off the last, stalks, finishes.
Race 2: 7-6-5
In a paceless race where most who have raced have shown little, He’s a Climber should pick up the pieces from Cairo Holiday, who will shake free from Lethal Levy who tries to go wire to wire. He’s a Climber comes in off a nice work for the new connections, pays immediate dividends.
Race 3: 10-11-5
In a virtual toss up – putting Resilient Rick on top. Ultra-consistent, loves the grass, sits mid-pack and get up late. Theoryintopractice, loves this course, successful at the condition multiple times, gets first jump on RR, but loses more ground into first turn. Ghurair looks to improve off last for Asmussen, and will.
Race 4: 1-6-4
Lil Kylie most recent form is the best, speed figures stand way above any in the race, breaks maiden today. Lady Date, improves off her last, and has shown the ability to actually pass horses. Speak Riley, the race is devoid of speed, so she’ll take them as far as she can.
Race 5: 6-8-2
Prices! Another tough turf sprint, where the main speed sits widest in the gate. So given all the go-go expected out of the gate, we will go with Trappezoid to pick up everybody late. Only turf start was at the class at Keeneland, probably tougher than these – and finished well. Turf should have some give and favor finishers. I’m a Patriot – freshened up off the poor performance where raced up into pace on a demanding course. Reverts to finishing tactics in return. Works solid. Chaos Theory – second start off freshening, looks tough off last.
Race 6: 9-1-6
Feeling here is that although the firsters will dominate, top barns, Asmussen, Maker, Flint, and Bradley are all represented by debut horses. Meister Missy, not a work to talk about, but gets best stalking post from a really good first out barn. For second, going to go with the rail horse, who has shown speed in her works – Aloha Betty. Needs to break and go. Irish Hustle continues to improve.
Race 7: 1-10-7
Stidham. Cypress Point – returns to favored surface, stretches out after showing really speed in turf sprint. Tough trip in last. Holly Molly Dolly – finally gets grass, smart work coming in, and retains Geroux. Illuminator – eased in debut, where favored. Should get the grass they wanted. Cost $700K as a 2yr. old in training – would like to have seen a stronger work off the non-race….
Race 8: 12-3-5
Lodi Street, when they’re inexpensive, and they run as consistently as he does – it’s worth taking note. Has performed successfully on multiple tracks, works should have him ready. Worrisome that he went to the bench off the claim….Cha Mono, another who gets points for consistency – runs frequently get pieces, Santana sticks. Citali, will be coming.