Fair Grounds Picks: Louisiana Derby Day All-Stakes LP4 on March 26

The Fair Grounds "long stretch" returns for the ultimate Saturday of racing! It is going to be super, for sure! March is almost in the books, and with stakes races aplenty, what could better than Louisiana Derby Day? Nada ... zilch ... nothing ...

On Saturday, we have you covered with all 12 races on this card; plus, the main event itself, the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby ... a KYD148 "Points" race with major plunder to be had for the Top 4 finishers to the tune of 100-50-20-10. Our turfwriter, J.N. Campbell, has you covered with an affordable All-Stakes Late Pick 4 ticket! Let's go Thoroughbred enthusiasts ...  

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 ...

---------------------------------------------

ALL-STAKES LATE PICK 4 …

LEG 1: (Race 9: Dirt, 1 1/8th, New Orleans Classic S. (G2), $500k, 4+)

The ultimate card of the Fair Grounds Meet is upon us … it is Louisiana Derby time! The All-Stakes Late Pick 4 is our target, and you can bet that the pool for this one is going to be a hefty one. As the ticket curtain goes up, we have a fine race that should be a fun one to wager and watch. Even though there are only 6 entered, there is major quality that can be seen here … depth to be sure. Last year, it was Dallas Stewart’s Chess Chief #6 that took the prize at 5/1, beating Owendale and Enforcable in fine style. This is a funny horse because you just never know which one is going to show-up … will it be the geared router from last year with that afterburner of his … or will it be the one that was 102/1 in the Clark (G1) back at Churchill last year that was dead last? Hard to say … What we know is that Stewart should never be underestimated, and his Into Mischief horse gets Reylu Gutierrez aboard. What a budding star, and he can always give an aggressive ride. I am going to steer clear of picking this one because I am just absolutely sold on Bill Mott’s Olympiad #2. This talent-laden colt by Speightstown is really coming-into-his-own right now. Based on his performance in the Mineshaft S. (G3) back in February, he is proving that he can/wants to go longer. With Junior Alvarado aboard, I think the sky is the limit for this runner. Mott has him returning to a course that he clearly likes, and I do not see why he cannot triumph again. His fitness is strong (that is why he is in my NTRA Top 10 Poll), and what he did in that Grade 3 was impressive. He is in the best form of any in this group. This is a clear “Single” for me … moving on …

Selections: 2 (Single)

LEG 2: (Race 10: Turf, 1 1/8th, Muniz Memorial Classic S. (G2), $300k, 4+)

It was just a year ago that Todd Pletcher’s Colonel Liam backed up his late-running score in the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1), with a nice victory in this race. Now, that celebrated router is over in Dubai taking on some of the best grass mowers in the world. Good vibes from the UAE … In the meantime, while “Liam” is off doing what he does best, both Chad Brown (Sacred Life #2, Devamani #3) and Chris Block (Captivating Moon #6, Another Mystery #7) have uncoupled entries. Brown is always like a battering ram in these spots, and I am sure that both of these runners (owned partially by the ubiquitous Michael Dubb) will take significant money. I do not particularly care for either of these because they have had their share of troubles. Let’s include them on the ticket … this is Brown we are talking about, but I will not go so far as to say that they are “deserved” co-favorites. As for Block’s pair, I am partial to his #7 because he was in that “Dead Heat” (the 1st ever) down at Sam Houston in the Connally Turf Cup (G3). Using this well-bred son of Temple City is a necessity. Just short of hitting the “All” button, I also like the look of Brendan Walsh’s Santin #9 and Mike Maker’s Forty Under #5. They are owned by Godolphin and Three Diamonds, respectively, and I would imagine that either has the capability to be there in the end. Maker’s entry has clearly been pointing to this “Series,” but his last out performance in the Fair Grounds (G3) was a pretty poor showing. The son of Uncle Mo could bounce back nicely … my top pick with Mitch Murrill in the irons. What a race this one is going to be … I am going as deep as I can.

Selections: 2/3/5/7/9 (5-Deep)

LEG 3: (Race 11: Dirt, 1 1/16th, Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), $400k, 3)

The rest of the way it is going to be a pair of contests between trainers Brad Cox and Steve Asmussen. Don’t get me wrong, there are good fillies and colts in the Oaks and the Derby, but I think these conditioners have the best runners in their midst. In this race, we have quite a celebrity that has not been seen since she absolutely romped in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1). Asmussen has had Echo Zulu #1 working hard, and she is going to try and grab one of the final tickets to the Oaks. If she is cranked and ready, then probably no one in this field is going to best her with Joel Rosario in the saddle. As I mentioned, Cox is present too, and Turnerloose #2 really surprised most everyone in the G2 Rachel Alexandra last month. Heck, I think even Cox thought it was a lark … The Thrash’s filly by Nyquist is going to have to keep up with “Echo’s” engine because if she gets “loose” then the race is over. Florent Geroux and Rosario have had their share of duels over the years, and you can bet that this one is going to be another classic moment. Let’s say this … the race will be decided by the 1st Call. Does Cox’s entry have the ability to keep up … go faster … use the long stretch to his advantage … take advantage of Asmussen filly’s lack of recency? Will see ... the nod probably goes to Asmussen's star filly; if I am forced to make a decision ... and I am!

Selections: 1/2 (2-Deep)

LEG 4: (Race 12: Dirt, 1 3/16ths, Louisiana Derby (G2), $1 million, 3)

Cox v. Asmussen, Part 2 … The Louisiana Derby has a field of 9, but as I said, I think it comes down to these 2 Southwest Circuit conditioners. There is no question that Epicenter #6 is the “deserved” favorite not only because of the colt’s body of work, but also because the son of Not This Time scorched the field in the G2 Risen Star. If Joel Rosario goes after that lead again, and can control the fractions up front, then he is going to be tough to tackle. Winchell Thoroughbreds is going to have a big day on Saturday, what with Midnight Bourbon competing in the Dubai WC, and they deserve all the plaudits that anyone is willing to give. I would expect Asmussen’s charge to be ready to roll, but standing in his way is once again, Brad Cox and Florent Geroux. If you did not see Zozos #2 compete at Oaklawn in R8 back on 11 Feb., then you really missed out. The replay is worth a gander, and I liked the way this colt by Munnings exhibited some major power enroute to an eye-catching 10-length victory. Some will argue that was against inferior company … but I beg to differ. Of all the Derby Trail runners, this might be the one that I am most excited to see run, next out. Cox has just become the preeminent trainer in all of North America, and he is a worthy adversary of Asmussen. If the Butzow homebred can rate nicely … just 1-2 off, then the Derby “Points,” and the cash could be his. What a race this is going to be! Let’s get this ticket cashed!

Selections: 2/6 (2-Deep)

-------------------------------------------------------

Ticket: 2 / 2-3-5-7-9 / 1-2 / 2-6

.50 ALL-STAKES P4 TICKET COST: $10.00

Enjoy another fab Saturday trackside for Louisiana Derby Day! Best of luck on another run at the Fair Grounds! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!