Free Selections – Fair Grounds – Saturday 3/24/18

The Big Easy offers a unique culture, cuisine and rich history. You would be hard-pressed not to find something that would suit your fancy. I love the one-of-a-kind atmosphere of the city, and I would be remiss not to mention some of the best racing in the country takes place there as well. – Food, fun, and thundering hooves. Perfect weather on the horizon, 8 stakes, 4 graded and Derby points on the line. – What more could you ask for?

 

Race #10 – The G2 Fair Grounds Oaks – 1 1/16 – 5:41 pm ET 

 

A field of nine three-year-old fillies goes to post to do battle for a $400,000 purse. – #1 – Classy Act (2-1) = Has Javier Castellano in the saddle for Bret Calhoun. She exits the G2 Rachel Alexander over the course and snapped right on the wire. She was the bridesmaid this day and looks to be on the maturing course. She came right back and owns a couple of very nice works and gets a great post draw. – #4 – (9-2) Eskimo Kisses = Florent Geroux in the irons and she comes in from Oaklawn Park with an 11 length lead over a sloppy oval. I’m not ruling it out to enjoying the soft ground, but she looks to be coming into her own. #8 – Wonder Gadot (3-1) = Johnny V in the saddle and he is aboard a daughter of Medaglia D’Oro. She’s been knocking on the door and looks ready to bust out with a huge effort.

 

Race #11 – The G2 Louisiana Derby – 1 1/8 – 6:21 pm ET

 

A field of 10 three-year-olds go postward and there is plenty of speed to keep the fractions honest. – #9 – My Boy Jack (5-2) = Kent Desormeaux in the driver’s seat and this son of Creative Cause exits a big win in the G3 Southwest Stakes. Originally it looked like his course was going to be all turf, but Keith Desormeaux claimed these were some of the only races going two turns this early. He now hits the dirt and his last two efforts have looked good to go. He is a deep closer and Kent D will have him moving before they sprint for home.

#2 – Noble Indy (7-2) = Johnny V in the irons and last race out in the G2 Risen Star he was knocked around a bit. He shipped in from GP and was heavily bet at the windows. I think he’ll rebound nicely and get his revenge with a strong effort. First-time blinkers where Todd Pletcher wins 22% of the time and he and J.V. win around 31% as a team.

 

#7 – Snapper Sinclair (9-2) = Jose Ortiz picks up the mount and this is a good sign from trainer Steve Asmussen looking to get one of the best speed/stalking riders in the country. – This son of City Zip was looking to be a turfer early on and was a big price in the G2 Risen Star. – He may be coming into his own and this could be a good acid test to see where he stands. You can’t squabble with the connections and he is on an upswing.