Derby Points on a Stakes Saturday

 We go to New Orleans for another race with Derby points at stake. Some great racing on a fine Stakes Saturday.

Fair Grounds Race 12 {Lecomte Stakes~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~graded Stakes}

A talented group of fourteen colts and geldings will go to the gate in this annual race.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is plenty of speed in this race to create a furious pace. Speed numbers are fairly close with only one hitting a triple digit. All have been well prepped for improvement. Only six have raced over the Fair Grounds track. Eight have gone this distance while the rest will stretch out. This should be a highly competitive race.

#4 Magnitude (J. Ortiz / Asmussen) has already hit the board in both of his races at this distance. He comes in with a good last out speed fig and two strong peaking workouts. This guy should be forwardly placed sitting right off the speedsters. A son of Not This Time, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  #5 SHOW.

#6 Golden Afternoon (Concepcion / Vaccarrezza) will be following the leaders ready to strike in the stretch. He holds a very good last out speed number and three sharp peaking workouts. This guy will make the surface switch from Turf to dirt. A son of Goldencents, he is 100% in the money from three starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#5 Optical (Graham / Desormeaux) is another with a very good last out speed number and four powerful peaking workouts. He should be part of the leading pack of runners. This gelding comes in from Churchill Downs. A son of City of Light, he is 42% in the money from seven starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#11 Disco Time (Geroux / B. Cox) holds the third highest last out speed number and four hearty workouts. He will be stretching out by half a furlong to this distance. This lad will also be part of the lead pack. Another son of Not This Time, he holds a 100% win rate from two starts.

#1 Innovator (Torres / Lukas) comes in from Oaklawn Park with the highest last out speed number and two robust workouts. He could be leading the pack of speedsters over the track. This colt will stretch out and try the Fair Grounds dirt for the first time. A son of Authentic, he is 72% in the money from seven starts.

#9 Dapper Moon (Morales / D. Stewart) should track the pace closely. He holds the second highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. This guy has a win over the Fair Grounds track. A son of Malibu Moon, he is 50% in the money from six starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#4 Magnitude  ///  #6 Golden Afternoon,  #5 Optical,  #11 Disco Time,  #1 Innovator,  #9 Dapper Moon.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#6,  #5,  #11,  #1,  #9  /// #4 Magnitude.

Best of Luck with all your Stakes Saturday plays!!!