Fair Grounds – Sunday, March 3, 2019
The start of Mardi Gras week is marked with a typical Sunday card at Fair Grounds. Card features a
statebred allowance that surely has a stakes horse or two in its midst. Enjoy!
Race 1: 5-4-8
Fancy Pants Jean takes a fractional step up off a big win and more importantly makes first start off the
Asmussen claim. 4 maintenance works between starts. Based on placement, looks like barn wants to
turn a quick buck. Paper Doll keeps threatening, Hernandez stays. Hannah Banana, a check getter, cuts
back in distance which will enhance closing kick.
Race 2: 2-5-4-3
Deal Fever meets no world beaters in debut. Union Rags, sprinting on the grass first out seems counter
intuititive, but his breeding towers over this field, and the trainer / jock combo are always to be
respected. S.D. tries to speed pop field and just may. On paper, certainly has best speed. Cajun Music
tough off closing 3 rd in turf debut (which was a total form reversal). Thinking last was not a fluke. Rock
the Jukebox, sneaky good turf breeding top and botton, needed last, improves.
Race 3: 5-3-7
Lodi Street – game finish in last against many of these. This is his third off the layoff, should be ready for
best. Bridgmohan stays. Citali breaks badly every other race, so this is ‘clean’ break day. Also, 1 st out
for Asmussen – looks tough off last two. Flat Out East, hard not to notice last – big win, good figure for
the class, and 3 rd place finisher came back to win. Lots to like.
Race 4: 3-4-8
Berties Galaxy – claimed off ‘should’ve been a winner’ debut. Comes back protected for new
connections, a barn hitting on all cylinders. Jock switch works too. Malasong, 1 st time starter from Stall
gets Hernandez. Consistent if not glamourous work pattern, think there’s more speed there than we
see. Speaking of speed, Saint William will try to take them all the way, and off his last, he just may.
Race 5: 7-5-2
In a race loaded with speed, and horses who have shown some real potential – will take the one with
the best draw. Fat Clemenza – draws outside all the other speed, Hernandez sits a bit, and goes late in
first race off the layoff. Aw Shucks can revert to stalking tactics (will have to) and effectively get past
fading speed. Inspector Eddie – may be best, but will have to shake free. Comes in off two professional
wins, improving figures, hard not to like.
Race 6: 8-5-6
Feeling like this staying on the grass is a longshot, will go with second time starter Lady of Luxury – who
ran well first out in a ‘rained off’ race. Has come back and worked really well for this for crafty barn.
Coexistence looks super tough on the cutback in distance. Daaherachel – first back off a 6 month layoff,
has shown best speed, tries to clear (there should be some company) should get a piece.
Race 7: 1-3-8
Thinking Boyfriend Material saves ground, tips out and gets the money. Geroux stays, really good work
in preparation for this. Hunker Down, big win in last at Delta, looks formidable. Ukuru – light bulb
candidate – took 10 starts to break maiden – but it was an impressive win. Maiden races have some
quality to them.
Race 8: 12-7-3
Another that is likely rained off the grass, thinking Trivista is well meant – regardless of surface. Top
connections, top first out sire, good works. Wins first out. Attorney Tim benefits from first out and
stretch out. Will be tough, either surface. Grove Daddy – consistent figures, working consistently for
first out since Dec. Smart barn.
Race 9: 6-7-2
Bottom claimer to end the day, where on paper it’s down to two – McIlhenny and Flying Rosie. Think
they finish in this order again here. Jock switch on McIlhenny makes a difference as should be ridden
more conservatively early. Flying Rosie burned money last two – vies for favoritism with top pick –should be there. Weavemeawinr should get the show.