Fair Grounds on tap this weekend for Let ’em Run

Fair Grounds Saturday Feb. 14th

Race 8 – 4:30 EST

The Albert M. Stall Memorial – 1 1/16 Turf – 100K

It is tough to get around the favorite here #1 Medoro 9-5. Leading jockey Jose Ortiz rides again on this well-meant daughter of Honor Code. The west coast invader will likely be even money or less at post time, but a 2nd time on the Fair Grounds turf oval is one of many check marks to look at. The #9 Cupids Crush 15-1 will surely be a “hunch bet,” but could also spice up exotics with a forwardly placed run from this outside post.

Race 9 – 5:00 EST

The Mineshaft Stakes Gr3 – 1 1/16 Dirt – 250K

I cannot see any runners going with #2 Accelerize 4-1, who has the only BRISnet speed rating of E8, a big checkmark for me. With jockey Flavian Prat in Saudi Arabia for a 20 million dollar race (The Saudi Cup), HOF jockey John Velazquez takes the mount, thank you very much. The #6 Hit Show 9-5 is the class of the field and the one to beat. This runner has raced with some of the big names in his class, but may pick up the pieces a little late here. The stone closer in the field looks like #4 Moonlight 6-1, who will be last at the start but will charge hard down the lane.

Race 10 – 5:30 EST

The Fair Grounds Stakes Gr3 – 1 ⅛ Turf – 175K

This is the best race to spread in the sequence if you’re looking to catch a price in the Late P5. The #6 Montador 6-1 is a very tactical runner, and jockey Tyler Gaffalione will put him in the best spot to use those tactics. Draw a line through race 2 back, as the replay shows the trip was even worse than the comment line describes. If #8 Idratherbeblessed 12-1 can reproduce the race 2 back, he has a real chance to hold on for a piece at least.

Draw a line through the last race, as he was very fractious and used much energy before the race started. He needs a nice, calm pre-race routine and should be in a good spot early. The two likely favorites, #2 Brilliant Berti 4-1 and #9 Lagynos 7-2, both have reasons to “fade” these runners (apologies to my Let’emRun partner John Kostin). Trainer Cherie DeVaux has stated this race is a prep for #2 Brilliant Berti, who comes off a layoff since October. It looks like #9 Lagynos may not have as much upside remaining as some of the other runners mentioned.

Race 11 – 6:00 EST

The Rachel Alexandra Gr2 – 1 1/16 Dirt – 300K

I am looking to take a shot here on #6 Luv Your Neighbor 6-1, with a big jockey upgrade to Luis Saez. Blinkers were on for the last 2 workouts, and reports say “this is a different horse with blinkers…”. I also think this runner will be forwardly placed again, but more tactical with Saez up. The #1 BRISnet Prime Power horse, the M/L and very likely post-time favorite, #3 Bella Ballerina 2-1, will certainly attract heavy betting, as she is a half sister to Pretty Mischievous, who won the 2023 Kentucky Oaks.

Race 12 – 6:30 EST

The Risen Star Gr2 – 1 ⅛ Dirt – 500K

There are only 2 horses to look at here in my opinion. The #4 Paladin 8-5 is the “real deal” according to his connections and other handicapping observers. The workouts leading up to this race have been described as “awesome… and the horse has grown a lot” and “they are A type workouts etc.” If there is a challenger to consider, I lean toward #7 Courting 6-1. This horse always gives his best effort and gets blinkers on to improve his focus, which should help. Jockey John Velazquez and trainer Todd Pletcher have not given up on this runner, and that means neither will I!!

P5 Play

P5 Play 1 / 2,4,6 / 1,6,7,8,9 / 1,3,5,6,7 / 4,7 = $75

So stay tuned as we appear on multiple streaming apps and social channels, and you can always catch us on Sports Talk Media Network YouTube. We want to again make sure you check out our sponsor, BRISnet.com, as they will give your handicapping a solid edge.

So as we always say, “bet smart, cheer hard as fast horses can lead to some serious fun,” and at the end of the day, Let ’em Run!!