A not so typical Sunday card as Fair Grounds closes with a 13-race program. A couple of LA bred stakes anchor the action. It’s been fun Fair Grounds….
Race 1: 9-1-2
Monarchos Prayer fractional step uo off the Delta win. Previous two starts here were with better – a repeat of either (or the win) makes her tough here. Sits, waits from this post and finishes. Paper Doll has run consistently through the meet – jock switch does the trick? A Toast to Gertie comes in off a win, but Saenz stays on MP – the difference?
Race 2: 5-6-7
Blingonthewing is interesting coming off a series of grass races – while her dirt record is actually stronger. Turf to dirt angle at play here. Should be formidable off the claim and drop by top barn. 3 works since last help. Philly was once a classier animal as evidenced by the two win earnings at FG. Comes in from Delta – can go or sit and stalk – gets points for versatility. Dance Caller – dead game in last, then threw a bullet work for good measure. Not a lot of speed signed on. Will be tough.
Race 3: 6-5-4
Peace Treaty Pat – closing day special!! Big drop in hopes of taking the pot and losing the horse?? Should be double tough on the cutback, nice work last week. Takes this. Mike’s Song – 4f breeze two works back hints at ability. Don’t take barn lightly with firsters. Don’t Tell Stacy – best form of those who have run. If ridden a little more patiently, does that do it?
Race 4: 1-6-4
Optimal sits the trip – literally – speed will leave rail open at top of stretch. Finished closely behind Cube in last two – offers value. Cube wins soon – today? Makes first move into speed, and should be there at the finish. On the Muscle takes the drop for smart barn, should improve off two 5f works to prepare.
Race 5: 5-1-7
Underpressure – looks to repeat against the same types. Price will be short. Last looks really good, extra 1/16th helps. Gladyousawme race is devoid of early speed, so should find himself alone on the lead. Regaining top form, strong jockey switch. Mageez consistent trier against these. Gets another check.
Race 6: 8-7-6
Homefieldadvantage looks to turn the tables on Ruffina. Like her win last out – a lot, as 2nd placer came back to win. In the win she laid closer – finished strongly. Employs same strategy here and gets first jump on Ruffina. She looks very tough – especially off same class 2nd. 3 works, 1 bullet since last. Geroux stays. Cause Me Grief steps up off January win (why wasn’t she wheeled back sooner??) – last two works – good. Move up by Asmussen inspires confidence.
Race 7: 9-10-11
Three tough posts coming: Juneberris Sound – gets a tepid vote off being competitive with better. This posts favors his stalking style, drops in for the win. Ricky Dale will get 1st jump on JS – who may find him tough to catch. Also sits and waits, a toss up. King Sniper – because someone has to be 3rd. Likes checks.
Race 8: 4-12-3
Briar Jumper – in a race with ample speed, think he reverts to finishing style. Coming in off nice 3f breeze – think Lanerie saves ground and finds a path. Cardinal Coach Mac – would be the win pick if not for the post. Going to be tough to navigate a trip from here with other speed inside. Aizhai should break and go, has the advantage of the being the inside speed. Improves off the drop and second off the layoff.
Race 9: 1-8-10
Audobon Alex will appreciate the stretch out off the debut, and the more patient ride Lanerie offers. With expected improvement off debut. Mia O Maya likes second, may appreciate the ‘cutback’ to one turn, should sit the trip. Have No Fear – smart barn, top rider, improves.
Race 10: 5-9-8
Tough MdSpWt race – going with the ‘fresh’ face, Rousell enters Taber, off a 6 month layoff, with a series of speedy works. 2nd only start, bred for grass, stalks and pounces. Daaherachel goes to the front, but has company – should improve 2nd off the layoff – hoping there’s enough speed to keep her company early, otherwise she may be gone. Boca Bloom always respect Howard/Farish – even when Howard is having a tough meet. Bred for grass, bred to be quick.
Race 11: 9-4-12
Doesn’t look like Howard wants to take Victory Lane back to Keeneland, at least not as a maiden. Takes necessary/needed drop – should be closer to slower fractions and finish. Flat mile may hurt, but should get there under Graham. Blackard, look tough first time out, off a series of half mile breezes. Smart barn, Lanerie, and bred to be quick on top. If history serves, Jackfruit will break slowly again and that will set up a rail run. Off the layoff, and two competitive races.
Race 12: 2-7-10
Going with the very expensive firster, Oxburger. Bred for the turf, has the connections coming from a barn that wins first out. Hasn’t missed a work over a 3 month period, some of which are quite good. Lanerie saves ground, works a trip. Firewater Jake – keeps improving. Think a more patient ride the switch to Geroux is in the offing. Time Flies By always finds trouble, usually at the break, and is always competitive – will be again. Murill rides back. Tough race.
Race 13: 2-3-1
Da Van Geaux finds a field he can beat, gets the patient ride needed. Speedactus comes in from Delta off a series of competitive starts would’ve preferred a ‘name’ rider…Cheap Shot gets a grounds saving trip 3rd, again.