Fair Grounds Picks & Betting Analysis for December 16

The Fair Grounds returns for their 150th Anniversary with cards that are sure to excite every horseplayer in the land! 

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! 

If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Thursday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.

Most Likely Winner: (Race 3: Harbor Knight #3, 5/2):

One of the leading Louisiana-based trainers in the state has this 5-yr-old gelding back in action at the Fair Grounds. Ron Faucheux has solid numbers, and you know when you back one of his charges, they have a great chance to score. Last out in a claiming game race, the son of Harborage ended up 2nd, but the significant moment in that race was the furious rally that he mustered. With a bit of rating early, I think he should be in an excellent striking position towards the top of the lane. This one is a bet at anything over 5/2 on the tote.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Jo Dee’s Angel (BC) #6, 6/1):

Lately, trainer Greg Tracy has been red-hot over at Delta Downs. He also has runners at the Fair Grounds, and I like the look of this one by Second in Command. Getting drawn to the outside gate will help get him clear of any traffic. Earlier this year, Tracy’s runner was plying his trade up at Canterbury Park. A series of solid efforts at a higher level make this one enticing as the gelding gets back at it. In for a tag ($25k), the best news is that Jareth Loveberry gets the call, and after a sensational season up at Arlington, we know he has skills to ride in grass sprints. I am hoping this one is going to be above 6/1 on the tote. Let’s go!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #6 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 6F, OC40k, 3+):

A group of 8 sprinters make up this field, and it looks like a pretty evenly matched field. Trainer Vickie Foley has what I consider to be a pretty tepid favorite in Coltonator #5. I am concerned that this 5-yr-old by Congrats was such a short price in an OC62.5k race back at Churchill in mid-November. That was a mess of a day under the Twin Spires, and maybe that is why the gelding failed to get the job done … He has a solid record at the Fair Grounds (8/2-2-1), so maybe that is why the odds are so low. With Brian Hernandez in the irons, it makes sense that Foley’s charge might be well-bet. I want to use this runner, but I am pretty keen on the other Hernandez jockey who is entered in this race. Colby H. gets Tom Amoss’ Isolate #7, and this one makes much more sense to me at odds of 7/2. Not only does the colt by Mark Valeski have better odds, but Amoss is going to send him out with a race under his belt. See, his last contest on 21 Nov. was the colt’s 1st with his new trainer. Before that, he was under the care of Kathy Ritvo. Down at Gulfstream (and once up @AQU), this one never missed the board in 5 career starts. The 3-yr-old should be fit enough to get the job done. It’s Hernandez vs. Hernandez … the Thursday ice-cold Exacta!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 7 w 5

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Enjoy the hospitality that is New Orleans! Best of luck at the Fair Grounds!