3 minute read

These race provide the last chance for some horses to make it into the Kentucky fields.

There's a 4 x Gr2 program at the Fair Grounds with some interesting runners.  The first of these races is the New Orleans Classic over 1800m where Brad Cox saddles the favourite Owendale in the 8 horse field.  He's 9/5 with Florent Geroux in the irons.  Roadster is 3/1 and Sonneman is on 3/1.

The Muniz Memorial is over 1800m on the turf and here is one of the very interesting runners – Colonel Liam, who won the Pegasus, one of his three wins from four starts.  He comes from Todd Pletcher's stables and Irad Ortiz will ride.  Factor This is the Cod runner on 4/1 and Cross Border on 5/1 is also worth considering.

The Fair Ground Oaks is over 1700m and will have 8 starters.  Clairiere and Travel Column finished 1-2 in the Rachel Alexandra and re-oppose here.  Not much between them. Li'l Tootsie comes next on 4/1.

The Louisiana Derby is over 1900m with the same number of starters as the Oaks.  Mandaloun won the Risen Star and Midnight Bourbon was third, and it looks most likely the placing would stay the same.  However Hot Rod Charlie is shipping in from the West Coast and here Leandro Mora is substituting for trainer Doug O'Neill who is currently suspended.  Joel Rosario has the ride and they are on 3/1.