Sloppy (sealed) main track and off the turf. Three wire jobs as early-pressing types held the edge.

Shaun Bridgmohan booted home a pair.

A couple of sharp debut winners on the Monday card. Impressionist went coast to coast in the 2^nd race, and the Stidham trainee was running over a route of ground in a race originally scheduled for the turf. She is bred for turf as well.

In the 7^th race, Bravo Whiskey rallied to post a six-length tally for Neil Howard. The Smart Strike 2yo covered six furlongs in 1:12.32.

Auspicious made her return a winning one in the 6^th for Briggy/Asmussen. The daughter of Indian Charlie looked like a future stakes performer to start her career before tailing off and going to the shelf.

On the analysis front, I got home best bet top Sizzle Me ($6.20). I also tabbed the $224.60 pick three beginning with the opening race, along with a pair of exactas later in the day.

Fair Grounds Preview – Dec 17th

A 9-race program will be run at the Fair Grounds on Thursday. There is a 70% chance of rain with highs in the upper 50’s. Pick 6 carryover of $940.

I made Jose Riquelme my rider to watch on Monday, and he booted home a winner in the opening race. The aggressive pilot has four more mounts today, and he has decent shots with Zava Jack in the 3rd and Farasino in the 7th.

A few quick starting trainers have entrants on Thursday. Victor Arceneaux sends out Miss Johanna in the 2^nd race, and fellow hot conditioner Edward Johnston has Ladyzarbridge in the same event. Steve Margolis has Country Day in the 8^th race.

My daily full cards from Fair Grounds are available through Today’s Racing Digest (free sign up), and I will be posting a daily free pick on their site as well. Click here to view my Thursday free selection (9th race) from Fair Grounds.

Daily results and video from Fair Grounds can be found here.

For daily free picks and racing news, visit HorseRacingNation.

Image: Newscom

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

After the final four races were called off on Saturday, the entire Sunday card was scrapped due to ongoing bad weather and unsafe track conditions. Click here to read the story.

Results and video for the Dec 12^th card have been posted on Horse Racing Nation, so please check it out if you are interested in viewing the seven Louisiana Champions Day stakes races that were run on Saturday.

Hustling jockey Jose Riquelme has four mounts at Fair Grounds on Monday.

Fair Grounds Preview – Dec 14th

A 9-race program will be run at the Fair Grounds on Monday, and the weather is still on the iffy side. There is a 60% chance of thundershowers with highs in the 70’s.

Today’s rider to watch is Jose Riquelme. I am familiar with his aggressive tactics from Louisiana Downs, and he is riding well with limited chances at Fair Grounds. He has four mounts on Monday, starting with College Bound Kate in the first race.

My trainer of the day is Victor Arceneaux. All of his runners have been live to date, and on Monday he sends out 5-2 fav Just Alex in the opening race.

My daily full cards from Fair Grounds are available through Today’s Racing Digest (free sign up), and I will be posting a daily free pick on their site as well. Click here to view my Monday free selection (5th race) from Fair Grounds.

My MySpace free selection of the day is the 1^st race from Fair Grounds.

My Horse Racing Nation free selection of the day is the 3rd race from Fair Grounds.

Daily results and video from Fair Grounds can be found here.

Image: Stacy Edwards

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Sloppy main track, and card was halted after the 8^th race due to poor weather conditions. The remaining four Louisiana Champions Day races will be run on Dec 19^th.  Early-pressing types nabbed four of the five thoroughbred races.

As mentioned above, the remaining four Louisiana Champions Day races (Turf, Ladies Sprint, Classic, Sprint) will be run as part of the Dec 19^th Santa Super Saturday card, which already has five stakes races on the docket. Should be a great day of racing…weather permitting!

Robby Albarado booted home a pair.

QH Classic: I was all over this quarter horse affair as my four analyzed contenders made up the superfecta. Blue Louisiana Jolla ($19.40) was the winner for Mayo/Potts.

QH Derby: 2-1 fav Toast to Streakin settled for the show behind 7-1 winner Jes a Game. Ransom rode the winner for Kenneth Roberts.

QH Juvenile: 3^rd and final quarter horse event was captured by win machine Game Show Special. $7.80 was not a bad win mutual considering he was scoring for the 8^th time in ten starts. Vazquez booted home the son of Game Patriot for trainer Robert Dimitt.

Champions Day Starter Handicap: Twilight Ross ($3.20) lived up to his low odds with a sharp tally under Robby Albarado. Keith Bourgeois was the winning conditioner.

Vickies In Town, shown here at Louisiana Downs, ran a huge race to finish 2nd behind Superior Storm in Saturday's Louisiana Champions Day Ladies.

Champions Day Ladies: Superior Storm reportedly did not love the wet footing, but she was classy enough to pull off a prominent throughout tally over 56-1 Vickies in Town. That’s two straight for Albarado, and Richard Jackson saddled the winner.

Champions Day Juvenile: Thoroughbred chalk fest continues with even money entry running 1-2. Red Rally bested stablemate Devilish Due by a little more than three lengths, and ‘Cisco Torres was the winning pilot for Merrill Scherer.

Champions Day Lassie: This one turned into a laugher as Speedacious ($11.20) lived up to her name with a romping wire job tally over Sheza Sexy A. P. and a wide Oh Whata Holiday. That was vintage Carlos Gonzalez, and Bret Calhoun saddled the fleet daughter of Yankee Gentleman.

On the analysis front, I tabbed the QH Classic trifecta, which came back $366.80 for a deuce. My 2^nd choices nabbed five of the eight races run on Saturday.

Fair Grounds Preview – Dec 13th

A 10-race program will be run at the Fair Grounds on Sunday, and let’s hope for some help from the weather gods. There is a 30% chance of isolated storms with a high temperature around 70.

Once again, let’s make Steve Margolis the trainer to watch. He continues to send out lives wires, and he has a trio entered on Sunday. Devilish Berti is entered for main track only purposes in the 4^th. Second time starter Brickyard Helen is 8-1 in the 7^th, and Bashful Bertie (blinkers on) is given a 12-1 chance in the 9^th race.

My daily full cards from Fair Grounds are available through Today’s Racing Digest (free sign up), and I will be posting a daily free pick on their site as well. Click here to view my Sunday free selection (2nd race) from Fair Grounds.

Daily results and video from Fair Grounds can be found here.

For daily free picks and racing news, visit HorseRacingNation.

Image: Stacy Edwards

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Before I preview the Champions Day card, let’s recap the action from Friday. Fast main track and off the turf. Five wire jobs on the ten race card.

Curt Bourque booted home a pair.

Distant Kentucky Oaks place finisher Stone Legacy finally broke through the entry level in today’s 5^th race. The Wayne Lukas charge rallied from last to power home as much the best under Robby Albarado.

As mentioned here yesterday, hot trainer Steve Margolis had a pair entered on Friday. On The Level missed by a head in the 7^th, and Northern Prince was also 2^nd best in the 8^th.

Touchdown Jesus, shown here at Louisiana Downs, got back in the winners' circle at Fair Grounds on Dec 11th

On the analysis front, I got home tops Bizzee Mizzee ($6.20) and Key Lee ($4.60). I also correctly tabbed the 6th race exacta ($64) and the $45.40 late double.

Fair Grounds Preview – Dec 12th

A 12-race program will be run at the Fair Grounds on Saturday, and the Louisiana Champions Day card features eleven stakes races, including a trio of Quarter Horse events to kick off the festivities. There is an 80% chance of rain with highs in the upper 50’s.

QH Classic: Heza Jodys Toast is the 9-5 morning line fav in the Saturday opener. He was an easy winner when last seen in July.

QH Derby: A full field of 12 will line up in the 2^nd, and Toast To Streakin is the tepid favorite.

QH Juvenile: Game Show Special is a solid threat to run his record to 8 for 10 lifetime.

Takin' The Bullet, shown here at Louisiana Downs, tries to upset Star Guitar in Saturday's Louisiana Champions Day Classic

Champions Day Starter Handicap: Twilight Ross and Brendyn Jo are coupled in the wagering, and the favored entry pack a strong 1-2 stretch punch.

Champions Day Ladies: All eyes will be on Superior Storm, and the 13 for 21 mare is tough to beat in the state bred ranks.

Champions Day Juvenile: Red Rally and Devilish Due are the tag team favs, with the former the stronger half of the entry.

Champions Day Lassie: Wide open affair with Shezacrazygirl the tepid 7-2 choice.

Champions Day Turf: The lone grass race of the day could easily be moved to the main if the expected rains hit. Desert Wheat will take action on either surface, but note that he is winless in four tries on a wet track.

Champions Day Ladies Sprint: Master Link had a rough trip as the fav in the local prep for this. She switches to Albarado, who booted her home to a sharp win on Champions Day last year.

Champions Day Classic: Six pack feature, and Star Guitar has scared away many rivals. The win machine goes for his 5^th straight triumph today.

Champions Day Sprint: Flashy Wise Cat is the one to beat if able to run back to sharp local comeback score on Nov 14^th.

My daily full cards from Fair Grounds are available through Today’s Racing Digest (free sign up), and I will be posting a daily free pick on their site as well. Click here to view my Saturday free selection (10^th race) from Fair Grounds.

My Horse Racing Nation free selection of the day is the 8^th race from Fair Grounds.

Daily results and video from Fair Grounds can be found here.

Images: Stacy Edwards

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Fast main track and off the turf. Early-pressing types performed best.

Corey Lanerie booted home a pair.

Stratos (5^th race) ran well to miss by a pair of noses for his new trainer Tom Amoss. Worth following.

Cajun Prize just missed to veteran win type King of Speed in the originally scheduled for the turf 6^th. Note that he is 2 for 2 over the local weeds and can score on grass next time.

On the analysis front, I got home $19 top Hitnotiq, and I correctly tabbed the $336.80 2nd race trifecta.

Fair Grounds Preview – Dec 11th

A 10-race program will be run at the Fair Grounds on Friday, and three turf races are scheduled. There is a 60% chance of showers with highs in the low 50’s. Pick 6 carryover stands at $5,581.

The Steve Margolis barn continues to go well. He has a pair entered on Friday, so give an extra look to On The Level (7th race) and Northern Prince (8th race).

My daily full cards from Fair Grounds are available through Today’s Racing Digest (free sign up), and I will be posting a daily free pick on their site as well. Click here to view my Friday free selection (10^th race) from Fair Grounds.

Daily results and video from Fair Grounds can be found here.

For daily free picks and racing news, visit HorseRacingNation.

Image: Newscom

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Main track was sloppy by the 4^th race. Off the turf. Four wire jobs including three over a route of ground.

Four bagger for James Graham.

Category Seven was necked out of the place in the optional claiming feature, which was taken off the turf. She is better on the sod and can rebound next time if she gets her preferred footing.

On the analysis front, I got home best bet top Kim’s Pretty Karen ($11.40) and Just Another Girl ($10.40). I also correctly tabbed the $28.40 3^rd race exacta, and the $43.40 pick three ending with the 4^th race.

Fair Grounds Preview – Dec 10th

A 9-race program will be run at the Fair Grounds on Thursday, and four turf races are scheduled. The skies are expected to be mostly cloudy with highs in the upper 50’s. Pick 6 carryover stands at $4,554.

My daily full cards from Fair Grounds are available through Today’s Racing Digest (free sign up), and I will be posting a daily free pick on their site as well. Click here to view my Thursday free selection (4^th race) from Fair Grounds.

Daily results and video from Fair Grounds can be found here.

For daily free picks and racing news, visit HorseRacingNation.

Image: Newscom

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

A field of seven has been assembled for the opening leg of the pick six, and Carnival Queen is the 2-1 morning line favorite. Note that the aforementioned fav likes to run from off the pace, and horses with that style are only winning about 1 in 8 races at six furlongs.

The 4th race is a claiming route for fillies and mares, and this event seems to boil down to Recess and Stanford Dolly. This is my MySpace free selection of the day.

Dinnr With Nikki C is the fav in the 5th, and she looms a factor from the outset as she stretches out in distance.

Over to the turf course for the 6th, and Discontent and Launching Pad were separated by a head in a similar local turf sprint on Nov 14th.

Bad Boy goes for three straight wins in the 7th, and he’ll have to run down Usurp.

8th and final race is a wide open maiden claiming route. Zohan was too close to a fast pace last time, and he predictably lost his punch in a 4th place effort. Pace should be on the tepid side today, and he is eligible to rebound. This is my Horse Racing Nation Play of the Day.

For information on Hollywood Park pick 6 races, please check out Pick 6 blog for free analysis and tickets.

Image: Newscom

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Two horses have dropped from the original list, including Homeboykris. The Rick Dutrow trainee was a disappointing 5^th in the Remsen on Nov 28^th. Thiskyhasnolimit, 6^th in the Kentucky Jockey Club, is also gone from the top ten.

A couple of new shooters have been added to the honorable mention list, starting with Rule. The Todd Pletcher trainee was the 3^rd WinStar Farm colt to win a graded event in the past few weeks. The other two (American Lion, Super Saver) are part of my top ten, and the recent Delta Jackpot (G3) winner is knocking on the door after his wire job win on Dec 5^th.  He added $450k in graded earnings for his winning effort, and that will be more than enough to get him into the Derby starting gate. He will winter in Florida, and his next start has yet to be determined.

William’s Kitten is also one to keep an eye on. The late striding colt was on my radar screen following a visually impressive tally in the off the turf Sunday Silence at Louisiana Downs. A pair of below par synthetic efforts followed, and he returned to conventional dirt with a clear place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) on Nov 28^th.

William's Kitten shown in Louisiana Downs winners' circle. He rallied for the place in Kentucky Jockey club Stakes on Nov 28th.

1. Lookin At Lucky (Smart Strike) – Tasted defeat for the first time in the BC Juvenile, but he raced wide from the outside post and just missed in an excellent effort. Expect the likely 2yo champ to follow a similar path as last year’s Derby runner-up Pioneerof The Nile (also Baffert). CashCall Futurity on Dec 19th is next.

2. Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil) – Rolled through the Florida Stallion series, and he will be given every opportunity to make the Derby under the care of new trainer Nick Zito. Look for him at Gulfstream this winter.

3. Noble’s Promise (Cuvee) – Breeders’ Futurity hero had 3-race win streak snapped with BC Juvenile show finish. Ken McPeek has the CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park on Dec 19th pegged as his next engagement.

4. Vale Of York (Invincible Spirit) – Surprise BC Juvenile winner brought good turf form to Santa Anita, and he proved he could handle synthetic ground. Godolphin runner is not bred for dirt, but the new track in Dubai (synthetic) should suit him.

5. Eskendereya (Giant’s Causeway) – Found much early trouble in BC Juvenile, so his 9th place effort can be forgiven. Had been training well leading up to the Cup, and he’ll get a chance to rebound in the CashCall Futurity. Broke maiden on conventional dirt in Pilgrim Stakes.

6. American Lion (Tiznow) – Followed up his sharp Keeneland maiden win with a solid score in the Hollywood Prevue (G3) on Nov 21st. Eoin Harty trains the WinStar Farms colt, and he goes next in the CashCall Futurity.

7. Super Saver (Maria’s Mon) – Moved up from my honorable mention list to the 7^th spot in the top ten with a strong wire job victory in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill. The Todd Pletcher (WinStar Farm) trainee should only improve with distance and experience.

8. Interactif (Broken Vow) - Made a name for himself on the grass and was last seen finishing a rock solid 3rd in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. Broke maiden in career bow on the main track, and the versatile Pletcher trainee has been sent to Florida to prepare for his 3yo campaign.

9. Buddy’s Saint (Saint Liam) – Followed up his romping Nashua (G2) tally with another easy score in the Remsen (G2). He is based in New York with trainer Bruce Levine. He will winter in Florida with the Wood Memorial as his early spring goal.

10. Dave In Dixie (Dixie Union) - Looked great in Del Mar debut, and he was not disgraced (6th) versus graded foes in the Norfolk 2nd time out. John Sadler wisely kept him out of the Cup, and he is one to watch for down the road.

Honorable Mention: Aikenite (Todd Pletcher), Dublin (Wayne Lukas), Rule (Todd Pletcher), Soaring Empire (Cam Gambalati), William’s Kitten (Michael Maker)

Image: Stacy Edwards

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Fast main track and turf listed as good . Stalking types best on both surfaces.

No riding or training doubles on Sunday. PVal, back from injury, found the winners’ circle in the 6^th aboard Sturges Ducoing first time starter U Belong To Me.

On the analysis front, I got home value top Wild Strike ($14.20) in a day that saw six of my 2^nd and 3^rd choices score. I also correctly tabbed the 4^th race superfecta, and the $186.40 pick three ending with the 7^th race.

Consistent filly Category Seven is back in action at Fair Grounds on Dec 7th

Fair Grounds Preview – Dec 7th

A 9-race program will be run at the Fair Grounds on Monday, and three turf races are scheduled. The skies are expected to be cloudy with a 40% chance of showers. Highs in the upper 60’s. Pick 6 carryover stands at $3,688.

Monday’s feature race is an optional claiming turf route for fillies and mares. It is an interesting contest between stakes quality entrants Category Seven and Love To Tell. The former is a gem of consistency, and the latter has been on a steady stakes diet.

My daily full cards from Fair Grounds are available through Today’s Racing Digest (free sign up), and I will be posting a daily free pick on their site as well. Click here to view my Monday free selection (6^th race) from Fair Grounds.

My MySpace free selection of the day is the 3^rd race from Fair Grounds.

My Horse Racing Nation free selection of the day is the 7^th race from Fair Grounds.

Daily results and video from Fair Grounds can be found here.

Image: Stacy Edwards

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Fast main track and good turf (Pago Hop). Edge to early/pressing types on the main track. Patient types did well in the lone race run on the sod.

Hat trick for Shaun Bridgmohan included a pair with trainer Steve Asmussen. Agilar and Lanerie both booted home a pair. Cody Autrey saddled two winners on the day.

Exciting renewal of the Pago Hop Stakes went to Akilina, who held on by a determined head over Dancin Perfect. Christophe Clement saddled the winner, and Shaun Bridgmohan capped off a big day in the irons.

When I perused the Saturday rider changes I noticed a familiar name…welcome back PVal!

Pat Valenzuela returned to the saddle at Fair Grounds on Dec 5th

On the analysis front, I got home best bet top Click Away ($11.20). I also correctly tabbed the early double, the first pick 3, the 2nd race superfecta, the 6th race exacta, and the 11th race superfecta.

Fair Grounds Preview – Dec 6th

A 10-race program will be run at the Fair Grounds on Sunday, and four turf races are on the docket once again. The skies are expected to be cloudy with highs in the low 60’s. Note that all of the races were taken off the turf this week with the exception of the Pago Hop Stakes on Saturday. Pick 6 carryover stands at $2,621.

My daily full cards from Fair Grounds are available through Today’s Racing Digest (free sign up), and I will be posting a daily free pick on their site as well. Click here to view my Sunday free selection (6th race) from Fair Grounds.

Daily results and video from Fair Grounds can be found here.

For daily free picks and racing news, visit HorseRacingNation.

Image: Stacy Edwards

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever