August 27th Louisiana Downs Recap
Both surfaces seemed to play fair. The handicapping is tougher when the track plays fair, but it is nice to see that horses with various running styles have a fighting chance.
Great to see Francisco Torres return from Sunday’s spill. He picked himself up, dusted himself off, and pulled off the hat trick…way to go ‘Cisco!
I ran into injured jockey Pat Valenzuela today, and his shoulder is still sore from the aforementioned spill. He will have another x-ray in short order. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery PVal!
My top Western Pine ($10) won …read more

Friday (1-2-09) Fair Grounds recap
Edge to early/pressing types for most of the day. Off the pace types nabbed the final two main track races carded. Stalkers and closers ruled the weeds once again.
Corey Lanerie booted home a pair, and Shaun Bridgmohan/Steve Asmussen teamed up for two wins on the card.
Parker Run (race 7) showed surprising speed in his turf sprint comeback. He ended up a solid 3rd after battling with fav Nereus (4th) from the outset. Expect him to revert to patient tactics next time.
Cya Later Bert (race 9) rallied for the show from the negative rail …read more

Friday (11-21-08) Fair Grounds recap
A trio of wire jobs on the main as early/pressing types enjoyed a productive day. Turf course played fair with a wire job (5.5f sprint), stalker (8.5f), and off the pace type (flat mile) accounting for the three wins.
Hat trick for Lonnie Meche. Another winner for Theriot/Autrey. Bret Calhoun saddled two winners on the card.
Pick 6 paid on 3, so there is a small carryover of $649.
Saturday (11-22-08) Fair Grounds preview
Saturday’s 10-race card includes a pair of juvenile stakes races, the $60k Old Hickory Stakes (race 7) for males, and the $60k …read more

Sunday (11-16-08) Fair Grounds recap
Fast main track played fair on Sunday. Stalkers fared best on the turf.
Francisco Torres pulled off a four-bagger to take the lead in the rider standings after the first week. Theriot/Autrey teamed up for another winner, making it four for the week. For the 2nd straight day, Graham/Amoss hooked up for a winner.
Other notable week one stats: Sam David Jr. is off to a 2-2 start. Apprentice rider Dustin Dugas found the winners’ circle in Sunday’s opener. Sturges Ducoing saddled a pair of winners for the week that was, and note that Torres rode both. …read more

Fair Grounds recap (11-15-08)

Fast main track and off the turf on Saturday. In a virtual replay of opening day, early/pressing types held the advantage early, and the track played fair as the day wore on.
Leading rider Pat Valenzuela booted home a pair for the 2nd straight day, and he teamed up to win a stakes race with Bill Mott again as well. Theriot/Autrey teamed up for two winners on opening day and another on Saturday. They also finished 2nd twice today. The aforementioned Bill Mott saddled a pair of winners on opening day and another on Saturday. Two more wins …read more

Fair Grounds recap (11-14-08)
Sloppy main track and off the turf on opening day. Early/pressing types held the advantage early, and the track played fair as the day wore on.
PVal booted home a pair. Theriot/Autrey teamed up for two winners, and Bill Mott saddled a pair of winners on opening day.
Fair Grounds preview (11-15-08)
Saturday’s 10-race card includes the grassy $60k Mr. Sulu Stakes. Windy weather is expected with a high of 60, and a string of sunny days is in the forecast through next weekend.
Race 2: Theriot/Autrey won two races together on opening day, and they …read more