Fair Grounds Picks: Turf Edition on February 26
Fair Grounds Picks - Saturday, February 26, 2022
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Race 1: 3-2-8-7
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Race 2: 4-5-1-2
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Race 3: 8-2-4-1
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Race 4: 2-6-3-8
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Race 5: 6-2-3-5
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Race 6: 9-3-2-7
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Race 7: 1-6-3-5
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Race 8: 10-3-9-8
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Race 9: 9-3-5-12
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**Most Likely Winner: Words Of Wisdom #2 (Race 4)**
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**Best Value: Joy Of Treasure #4 (Race 2)**
The Fair Grounds Racetrack returns for another weekend! February arrives ... and there are stakes races aplenty, as we head towards the Louisiana Derby! A pair of races that directly affect trips to Churchill ... the KYD and the Oaks ... are on the docket today in New Orleans, and we have you covered with an All-Stakes Late Pick 5 ticket. The Grade 2s are here ... the Risen Star ... the Rachel Alexandra anchor a whopping 13-race card!
At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered! 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 Saturday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Do not forget to follow us on Twitter ... @Horseracing_USA ...
Most Likely Winner: (Race 4: Words of Wisdom #2, 3/1):
Right now, trainer Brad Cox is on the other side of the world, about to watch Mandaloun run in the Sauid Cup. Back at his southern base, he has this gelding running in a much easier spot. Bred and owned by Godolphin, this Tapit is going to try and score on the grass. He already has a pair of races around the Stall Course, and I expect him to break his maiden. The excellent Brian Hernandez has the call, and I like this spot. When you look at the tote for the final time before they load, maybe we can get 3/1 … doubt it … Cox on the turf with Godolphin …
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #2
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 2: Joy of Treasure #4, 5/1):
Here is a seasoned mare by Kitten’s Joy that am pleased to see is still racing. After spending time with Eddie Kenneally and then Troy Newton, she came to Steve Margolis back in early November. Her new outfit does not have an expansive stable, but already she has shown, in a pair of races, her value. Right off the barn switch, she won nicely in open company Clm30k at the Fair Grounds. Guided ably by Deshawn Parker, he once again proved his versatility as a jockey. Jumping into OC40k Co., it did not pan out, but her excuse is that it was an off-track. I like the action here, and this one is quite logical. The real question … what price is she going to be on the tote? If she is anywhere near 5/1 or higher, that is an overlay, in my opinion.
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #4 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Turf, 1 Mile, Clm25kb, 4+):
Here is an interesting condition that the Racing Office has concocted … for 4-yr-olds and up … it is for those that have never won 4 races or those that have not won 2 contests over a mile on the grass since August 26, 2021. The latter part of that phrasing would seem to indicate that they do not want distance specialists present. Hmm … interesting … When it comes to a runner that will most assuredly be at the top of the odds chart, look for Eddie Kenneally’s new acquisition to be there. Big Agenda #3 was solid for Mike Maker, and he has some serious class under him. The gelding by Data Link has 1 win in 5 starts over the FG sod, and with Adam Beschizza aboard, I am sure he will take money. I want to try and take him on, looking for value elsewhere. I found it in Tom Morley’s Artie’s Rumor #10. This gelding by Artie Schiller was also with Maker at one point, and now is dropping in class for Flying P Stable. Let’s recall, it was just last year that this one was running in the Grade 3 Fairgrounds. He easily has the capability to take on these types, and with Brian Hernandez, he should make quick work of this field. One other entry that piques my interest, is from Maker’s midst. Cave Hill #9 is taking a bit of a drop, and is a miler-type, for sure. I like Mitch Murrill, and expect him to be able to put this one in the proper position. If he can get this gelding by Frosted in the clear, then he should have the late gears at his disposal to be in-the-money. Let’s use all 3 of these turf specialists in a Tri Box … this one is going to be a blast to wager on!
Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 3/9/10
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