Fair Grounds – Sunday, March 17, 2019
Typical Sunday card as Fair Grounds begins preparation for next weekend’s La. Derby, A couple of tough maiden races on the grass highlight the card. Happy St. Pat’s to all!
Race 1: 5-6-4
Cookies are Good will be tough at the level and loves this track. Top barn claimed back – always a positive – indicates they believe there’s $$ to be made. Lots to like. Point Hope steps up but has been competitive at the level previously. Looks tough. Maligator, consistent sort speed figure and form-wise. Gets his piece.
Race 2: 5-1-6
Antartic up in class (minimally) off the back to back wins. 2 works off the open lengths win in last, 3 in row well within reach (especially because there is not a lot of speed signed on). Miracle Mountain saves all the ground from the rail – comes off traffic trouble – needs to avoid trouble today – 2nd in last against similar. Murry Spur comes out of same race as MM – but lost ground the wide way. Finished close, needs a little improvement, represents tote value.
Race 3: 7-2-6
Don Guillermo repeat of his last gets the job done. Figures have improved every start. Graham exercises a bit more patience, and he runs past them all in the lane. Kubo Cat major points for consistency. Hits the board again, may win. Whatafind completes the tri on the stretchout.
Race 4: 7-8-9
Pugilist – never off the board on the turf. Keeps that streak in tact with a win today. 3 strong breezes coming into the race, retains edge. Smart barn. Maid for Mischief – represents value, look back to back to back wins on grass – and the level – and should be formidable in second off the layoff. Brenda’s Fever also hails from the Cox barn – could certainly repeat.
Race 5: 2-7-6
Hunker Down recent form and class of races towers over this field. Comeback win in November gets him in the race – and that was the ‘steal one’ drop in. Trouble is, he was claimed and has been protected since. Should take this off quick turnaround. Outback Jack in career form, makes a race of it. Has wired the field in his last two – strategy seems obvious. Will be tough to catch. Gone Lucky returns to a sprint, only needs a fast track to be competitive.
Race 6: 9-6-7
Betty Joy’s Star – small barn attracts big name rider (always interesting when that happens). With normal 2nd out improvement –debut wide trip, green in the lane – can be right there. Temple of Roses only need to go back to latest turf start to see how formidable she looks in here. Another small barn attracting a top rider. Baby Sugar may prove tough in return to grass.
Race 7 3-4-2
Geauxcro looks ultra-tough here – most consistent form, third off the layoff (often best) been tough at the class in last two. Grand Omega steps off big maiden breaker. Seems to have found best stride as a 6yr. old – light bulb? Whatelse Igot Todo also looks tough off recent races. Will appreciate getting back to 6 furlongs , saves ground from the post.
Race 8: 2-9-3
Howard/Sam-Son combination is always one that sparks interest. Strikingly Lovely, a first timer with serious pedigree (especially grass). May ultimately want longer – but should be formidable first out. Nicholesluckycharm last work jumps off the page, and screams she will jump from the gate. Not necessarily turf bred, but should come out running for top barn. Broken Oath ships in off turf starts in Fl. Both starts somewhat competitive, might be enough v. these.
Race 9: 2-5-6
Jimjeff hard to look past his last, when shipping in at the level. Graham stays. Just misses in maidens often lead to next out wins, though the odds will be short. The Rayster looks like he may enjoy the stretch out – if ridden patiently. Last was better than it looked given the trouble. El Hombre jumped up with a big race in last (behind Jimjeff) can repeat the effort, off very decent maintenance work.