Fair Grounds Picks & Betting Analysis for December 2

The CDI-owned Fair Grounds in New Orleans has a Meet that is in full swing. With important stops along the Kentucky Derby Trail, it will have a regular set of stakes action, plus a bevy of superb cards along the way!

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 day be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.

Most Likely Winner: (Race 7: Naval Aviator #3, 7/2):

It might seem odd to be picking this Brad Cox runner who will not be the favorite, but think about it … this is a best bet. Cox is a star trainer, who is poised to earn his 2nd straight Eclipse Award, and with Al Stall’s Trafalgar #2 as favorite, most will miss this one. They shouldn’t … A colt by Tapit, Cox’s charge ran splendidly on debut at Keeneland; winning easily at 1 1/8th with Florent Geroux in the irons. This pricey entry was $285k, so expectations were high. With 1st time Lasix, he should benefit from that addition, and maybe the works over the AW @TP will also give this one an edge. Let’s see what Cox has up his sleeve, and at 7/2, that will be a solid price!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: Zen #7, 10/1):

Here is a tough condition in which we are looking at a number of 1st time starters that are entered. Of course, any one of them could come in and serve as a “ringer.” I would rather look for an entry that has at least experienced a true race. I do not want to accept an underlay, so that is why I am particularly interested in Mark Casse’s runner. This daughter of Zoffany (IRE) is obviously well-bred, and she has the look of a turf sprinter. Even though she failed at such a low price on debut at Gulfstream Park back in July, that doesn’t mean that she has not matured since then. Jockey Declan Carroll gets the call, and he regularly rides for this barn. The addition of Lasix should assist, so we will see if we can get a solid score with a budding turfer who is sure to be double digits.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #7 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: 1 Mile, Turf, OC50k, 2F):

The Bat-Signal turns toward this challenging little OC race on the grass, and if we get all 7 to the gate, then it is going to be a good race. Favoritism will probably end up in the hands of the Brad Cox entry, Yin Yang #2. The filly has never missed the board in 3 tries at most of the KY tracks (EP/KD/KEE). I would expect the well-bred daughter of Point of Entry to be stiff competition. She is not unbeatable though, especially considering that a front-running style on the turf is not necessarily desirable at route distances. I would much rather back a horse like Brendan Walsh’s Boxing Day #6. This one by Street Boss had a time of it in the Grade 2 Jessamine against heroine California Angel. She really did not do too much rating, and ended up backwards in the end. Walsh has his abilities though when it comes to conditioning, and I like that Adam Beschizza gets another shot. He is rather unheralded, but looking back at his FG Meet 2020-2021, there were some impressive efforts offered by this young man. As for one more to round out a ticket, I would not overlook Mike Stidham’s Triple Tiara #7. By the versatile Candy Ride (ARG), this filly tried the turf at Delaware Park in early October, and came home with the victory. The power of Brian Hernandez’s services will be afoot here, and that makes this one a 2-yr-old to watch. Those 3 should balance out a good-looking ticket.

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 2/6/7

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