Stakes Saturday in Louisiana and Florida

A beautiful day for horse racing as we get that much closer to the first Saturday in May. Today we look at a couple of Kentucky Derby prep races.

Fair Grounds Race 11 {Louisiana Derby~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}
A terrific crop of nine will head to the gate seeking Derby points in the 102nd running of the Louisiana Derby.  There is a ton of speed signed in for this one. The speed figs look very similar making this the most contentious of todays Derby preps. All but two in here will be stretching out for the distance. It appears all are in very good form. It should be a dandy of a race.

#9 International Star (Mena / Maker) might have the edge with the highest (tie) last out speed number, a five race progression, and two hearty workouts. He will be stretching out after notching two wins over the track. This son of Fusaichi Pegasus should find a nice tracking path and launch into the stretch.
$1 WIN  /  $2 SHOW.

#1 Stanford (Geroux / Pletcher) will challenge sharing the highest last out speed number, working a four race progression, and putting in two robust workouts. This lad has gone the distance.  He is a son of Malibu Moon and should be fairly close to the pace looking for the opening to slide on through.
$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#7 Keen Ice (Graham / Romans) should contend with the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number, a four race progression, and two athletic workouts. He enjoys the Fair Grounds track and has gone this distance. This son of Curlin could close this field down heading through the stretch.
$1 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#6 War Story (Talamo / Amoss) should be in the mix with the second highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and three sound workouts. He is another that should track and close swiftly. This son of Northern Afleet is 100% in the money from four career starts.

10 CENT Superfecta

#9 International Star  /  #1 Stanford  /  #7 Keen Ice  /  #6 War Story.



Gulfstream Park Race 14 {Florida Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}
Another fine group of nine runners will step up to the gate in this Derby prep. There is enough speed in this one to keep an honest pace. The speed numbers reflect a talented and improving lot. It should be a competitive affair.

#9 Upstart (J. Ortiz / Pletcher) has a slight edge with the second highest last out speed number and three stellar peaking workouts. He should find himself forwardly placed ready to move smoothly into the stretch. This son of Flatter shows the highest speed number over the dirt surface. He will be stretching out to this distance.
$1 WIN  /  $2 SHOW.

#1 Ami's Flatter (Castellano / J. Carroll) should challenge with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three hardy workouts. Also a son of Flatter, he should be tracking the pace ready to strike. This lad is another stretching out to this distance.
$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#7 Materiality (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will contend with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two workman like works. This son of Afleet Alex posted a victory at this distance in his last. He should be forwardly placed seeking to get first jump as they head into the stretch.
$1 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#4 Itsaknockout (L. Saez / Pletcher) should be in the hunt with the fourth highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three strong workouts. This son of Lemondrop Kid is undefeated in three starts. He will be stretching out to this distance.

10 CENT Superfecta

#9 Upstart  /  #1 Ami's Flatter  /  #7 Materiality  /  #4 Itsaknockout.



Furlong Friday Results
Fair Grounds Race Course R10.  Maiden.  Our pick, Broadway Heat, finished 7th.
Superfecta went 3-6-9-12.
Bankroll drips to $16.65.