Fair Grounds news and analysis for March 15th

Saturday (3-14-09) Fair Grounds recap

Sloppy track and yielding turf. Talented 3yo miss Rachel Alexandra was the only wire job winner on the day.

Four bagger for Robby Albarado. Hat trick for trainer Steve Asmussen, and Shaun Bridgmohan rode two. Jamie Theriot booted home a pair.

Everyone is buzzing about Friesan Fire’s romping win in the Louisiana Derby (G2), but it should be noted that filly Rachel Alexandra ran just as fast in her FG Oaks (G2) wire job, and she earned stronger pace figs.

Other highlights included Proudinsky’s repeat win in the grassy Mervyn Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap (G2), and the enigmatic Macho Again was along in time to snatch the New Orleans Handicap (G2) away from longtime pacesetter Secret Getaway.

Sunday (3-15-09) Fair Grounds preview

Weather: Showers (60% chance). High 69.

We are probably looking an another wet track, and the turf races will likely be transferred. There is a Pick 6 carryover of $9,676.

Race 5: Gratified (4-1) could sit the right trip behind an expected contested early pace. Afternoon Deelites is a 20% wet track sire, and Mark Guidry is 2-6 with this type of returnee. He sports a best of 93 gate bullet for this. Salty Sid (5-2) could be the speed of the speed under Albarado. He ran his foes into the ground in maiden breaker on Feb 24th (replay below).

Race 9: Henry’s Teddybear (8-1) showed late interest from 12-hole in local bow. Barn is a profitable 17% with 2nd timers, and B. J.’s Mark is a 24% odd track sire. Jesus Castanon rides again, and he’s enjoying a solid meet. Really Did Bam (5-2) is the fav and one to catch for Torres/Ducoing.

Photo Credit: newscom.com