Stakes Saturday at the Fair Grounds

 A big beautiful Stakes card down in NOLA allows us to check in on a key Kentucky Derby prep race.

Fair Grounds Racecourse Race 13 {Risen Star~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A wonderfully talented field of ten will go to the gate in this annual Derby prep. There is sufficient speed to make for a swift pace. Speed figs are very close as each of these young horses continue to improve. Only one in the field has gone this distance; the rest stretch out. As the Derby points increase, this race should be especially exciting.

#7 Zandon (J. Ortiz / C. Brown) is the only horse proven at this distance, finishing second in the Remsen at Aqueduct. He shares the highest last out speed number and has put in four superb peaking workouts. He should track the pace closely ready to spring in the long stretch run. A son of Upstart, he is 100% in the money from two career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#1 Pappacap (Gaffalione / M. Casse) should take another step forward with the third highest last out speed number and two solid workouts. He is another that should track the pace closely as he stretches out to this distance. With a strong race foundation, he should be in contention. A son of famed Gun Runner, he is 83% in the money from six career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE

#5 Epicenter (Rosario / Asmussen) will be part of the pace scenario in a small pack of runners. He holds the second highest last out speed number and three strong peaking workouts. He will show his mettle in this race. A son of Not This Time, he is 75% in the money from four career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#10 Slow Down Andy (M. Gutierrez / O'Neill) comes in from the West Coast with the fourth highest last out speed number and four endurance producing workouts. Look for him to track the pace and close gallantly. A son of Nyquist, he is 100% in the money from three career starts.

$1 SHOW.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel (4.00)

#7 Zandon  //  #1 Pappacap,  #5 Epicenter,  #10 Slow Down Andy,  and add in  #8 Smile Happy (Lanerie / McPeek).

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#7 Zandon  +  #1 Pappacap  +  #5 Epicenter  +  #10 Slow Down Andy.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($2.10)

#7 Zandon  /  #1 Pappacap  /  #5 Epicenter,  #10 Slow Down Andy,  #8 Smile Happy  /  ALL.

Best of luck to all in every Stakes Saturday wager made!!!

past performances used:  DRF Formulator.