Friday at the Fair Grounds will feature 9 races. The highlight of the card will be the Magic City Classic which features morning line favorite Foolish Steve.
Track Condition
Friday’s card appears to be in good shape with no precipitation in the forecast. However, there are several chances for rain throughout various portions of the day on Thursday. Given the spotty nature of the forecast and the dry warm conditions on Friday, it is likely that we will see a fast dirt track.
The question however, could be about how much give is in the turf course. Turf tracks tend to dry out a bit slower because there is less preventative maintenance that can be done to seal it. This could mean the ground could be a bit heavier for events run on the grass.
Friday Analysis
Fair Grounds Race 1
Post: 1:05 PM CT; Purse: $15,000 Claiming, 1 Mile 70 Yards on Dirt; Entries: 7
#6 LANGFUHR’S ANGEL (4-1) is a hard knocking horse that looks good here. The group seems to fit this horse’s ability and she could spring a small upset. #7 KITTENOFTHE COURT (5-2) does look solid here given edges in record at the distance & power rating. #3 ST MARIA (6-1) should be competitive today based on the recent speed figures & current form. #1 GRACE’S GAL (8-1) has great connections and a power rating that puts it among the top in the group. This one is well worth the risk at 8-1.
Selections: 6-7-3-1
Fair Grounds Race 2
Post: 1:36 PM CT; Purse: $40,000 Maiden Special Weight, About 5 1/2 Furlongs on Turf; Entries: 10
#9 KIZZY B (9-2) is well bred for this spot and comes in looking to cycle up in form. #3 FROSTERIA (2-1) makes sense for speed and class players alike. These types can often be very reliable to run well. #1A LOVERS QUARREL (5-2) has to be respected based on the connections. It is always hard with entries because players who like the #1 will drive the value down. Knowing the price you are willing to take will be important if both parts of the entry will run. #4 JUDY’S DESIGN (4-1) wouldn’t be a total shock to win in this spot, but I prefer others.
Selections: 9-3-1A-4
Fair Grounds Race 3
Post: 2:07 PM CT; Purse: $17,000 Claiming, 5 1/2 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 7
#4 D’WILD MUFFIN (3-1) should be competitive today based on the recent speed figures & overall power rating. #2 ACCUSTOMED TO HOPE (7-2) is another logical player from a good barn with great early pace numbers. #7 FAIRWELL TAX BREAK (8-1) is worth a look here given the recent fields its run against & the projected setup of this race which should set up well for this one. #5 OMA LEE (7-2) makes sense on paper and wouldn’t shock me, but the price will likely be too short for my liking.
Selections: 4-2-7-5 (Best Bet: #4)
Fair Grounds Race 4
Post: 2:38 PM CT; Purse: $21,000 Claiming, About 1 1/16 Miles on Turf; Entries: 7
#6 INDY TOURIST (7-2) merits consideration in this spot given edges in speed & form. In my experience good current form on the turf is a very potent angle. #1 POLICY OPTION (4-1) looks to have to have kept the best company in the previous starts. #7 EXTRAORDINARY (9-5) is worth a look here given edges human connections behind this one. #4 SMOKEY HARBOR (7-2) wouldn’t be a shock, but seems like the 4th likeliest winner and is under 5-1.
Selections: 6-1-7-4
Fair Grounds Race 5
Post: 3:09 PM CT; Purse: $50,000 Magic City Classic S., 1 Mile on Dirt; Entries: 7
A rare 5th race feature on the Friday card. #6 LIKEN IT (7-2) tops this group in speed and form. While it wouldn’t be a monumental upset, I like this one to take down the favorites here. #3 TWO MIKES N DOC G (5-2) does love the mile distance and has the top overall power rating in the group. #4 FOOLISH STEVE (9-5) seems extremely vulnerable here. The horse can win and rates out best overall in stamina, but will that be enough here? #7 GOTTA A. P. B. (8-1) is an interesting longshot who very well could hit the number.
Selections: 6-3-4-7
Fair Grounds Race 6
Post: 3:40 PM CT; Purse: $41,000 Allowance Optional Claiming, About 5 1/2 Furlongs on Turf; Entries: 10
#1 TOUCH OF CLASS (3-1) comes into the race signaling a big performance in the near future. #4 SUMMER SANGRIA (4-1) is a major player in today’s race edging the field in several key handicapping factors including speed & power rating. #3 MADAME READY (5-1) is a major player based on really competitive speed figures. #7 COBRA CASABLANCA (7-2) seems to fit these ones well, I just prefer others.
Selections: 1-4-3-7
Fair Grounds Race 7
Post: 4:11 PM CT; Purse: $18,000 Claiming, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 7
#5 ZERO POINT ZERO (6-1) has a great shot in the race given the advantages in speed & pace numbers. #3 SPY A STAR (3-1) looks to have to have kept the best company in the previous starts. #4 BROOKLYNN’S DABOMB (4-1) should definitely be competitive in here. #1A JOANIE GAL (5-2) seems like the better half of the entry in this race.
Selections: 5-3-4-1A
Fair Grounds Race 8
Post: 4:42 PM CT; Purse: $40,000 Maiden Special Weight, About 1 Mile on Turf; Entries: 16
#15 SHISHITO (4-1) should be competitive based on the overall power rating which has it tops in the group. #11 TROBAIRITZ (7-2) has a great shot in the race given the advantages in speed & class. #6 CECILITA (8-1) is worth a look here given edges in class & pace numbers. At the price of 8-1 it is definitely worth including on a few tickets. #12 HONEY RUN (9-2) is in the right spot to be competitive here.
Selections: 15-11-6-12
Fair Grounds Race 9
Post: 5:13 PM CT; Purse: $20,000 Claiming, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 7
#1 SHANGHAI RONNIE (4-1) merits consideration in this spot given edges in stamina & class. #2 MORRICONE (5-1) could get a perfect pace scenario today. #6 HEREWECOMETOGETYOU (7-2) merits consideration in this spot given edges in speed & power rating. #7 SCHNELL (3-1) is in with a great chance based on the horse’s connections and early pace numbers.
Selections: 1-2-6-7
Free Handicapping Tools
As always Betting News offers free handicapping tools to aid in all of your Fair Grounds wagers. Check out the free tools including win percentages, speed and class graphs, track profiles, and so much more to get more out of each of your wagering dollars this weekend.
