Thoroughbred Fever - Horse Racing News

Fair Grounds kicks off meet on November 14th

by Jarrod Horak on November 13th, 2008

I have always enjoyed the Fair Grounds meet, but I am particularly excited about it this year now that I have completed my first year as Louisiana Downs Track Handicapper. I should have a keen understanding of the Louisiana bred races at the very least.

Friday’s opening day 10-race card includes a pair of stakes races, the $60k Blushing K. D. H. on the turf, and the $60k Si Chima for Louisiana breds on the main track. Note that there is a 60% of rain in New Orleans on Friday.

The main track profile favors early/pressing speed in sprints. Route races tend to play fair with inner posts performing best. Turf sprints play fair, and off the pace types are preferred in turf routes.

Tom Amoss, Steve Asmussen, and Cody Autrey will win more than their share of races. Other trainers to keep an eye on are Wally Dollase, Greg Foley, Steve Klesaris, Steve Margolis, Pat Mouton, Doug O’Neill, and Dale Romans. Louisiana Downs leading trainer Jorge Lara should also make his presence felt.

Robby Albarado, Shaun Bridgmohan, Gerard Melancon, and Jamie Theriot are expected to bring home numerous winners. A handful of Louisiana Downs riders to keep an eye on include apprentice Dustin Dugas, Jose Riquelme, Francisco Torres, and Pat Valenzuela.

Purses are on the increase due to the newly installed slot machines, and the Fair Grounds signal will be available on TwinSpires, XpressBet, andYouBet. An agreement has yet to be reached with TVG.

Friday’s racingonthenet free selection is the 7th race from Fair Grounds.

Friday’s MySpace free selection is the 9th race from Fair Grounds, the aforementioned Si Chima Stakes.

Photo Credit: Newscom

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POSTED IN: Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Trainers