Fair Grounds Picks & Betting Analysis for December 9

The Fair Grounds went through a terrible storm during its off-season ... it destroyed their scoreboard, but thankfully no animals or people were injured. They return for their 150th Anniversary with cards that are sure to excite the pocketbook! 

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 1: Juanandora #3, 5/2):

Trainer Ron Faucheux is a well-known LA conditioner in these parts … His stock is always well-prepared, and this mare is no exception. Faucheux trains, but also owns her. She is coming back to the track, and should be ready to handle this condition. Pretty consistent when it comes to being in-the-money, I would expect Shane Laviolette to get her moving early against these other LA breds. Faucheux is the “King” down this way, and expect his runner to win.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 9: Scoring Drive #3, 8/1):

In the finale, when you have a large field like this one, it is a good idea to be looking for some value. The Richards Barn has a young colt by Takeover Target that can improve greatly off his last attempt. In a MSW contest back on 26 Nov., he was just not up for it. Running back like this, in lower company, is a perfect angle to try. He is clearly fit, otherwise the connections would not be attempting a move like this. With Aubrie Green in the saddle, maybe this team can get this one home. The best news is that his price should be solid at 8/1, or even higher!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #3 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 1 Mile, MSW45k, 2F):

One of the staples at the Fair Grounds Meet in December is the last gasp for 2-yr-old Louisiana breds to make a splash before the calendar turns them all to 3-yrs-old. It looks as though Brett Brinkman’s entry, Serape #4, is the “deserving favorite” at odds of 8/5. That is probably correct since the filly has not done too much wrong in 5 attempts. She was either 2nd or 3rd at Evangeline and Delta each time. So, she comes into this spot with much promise to actually break her maiden. I am not sure I want to take 8/5 on a 2-yr-old that has yet to win. Let’s use her on our ticket, but I much prefer Ron Faucheux’s Connect It #2 or Steve Asmussen’s Canada’s Customs #6. Either of these can win, and I would think the latter can improve in what will be her 2nd career start. She was 3rd at Delta in a MSW contest, so now she comes to New Orleans with the knowledge that an actual race is afoot. Rolling all of these runners into a Trifecta ticket seems quite sensible, and maybe the weather will cooperate … hopeful … no scratches!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 2/4/6

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