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Fair Grounds opens its tenth racing day of the 2025-2026 meet on Sunday, December 7, 2025, with an eight-race card featuring a diverse mix of claiming, starter optional claiming, and maiden races. The card includes both dirt and turf action, with first post scheduled for 12:45 PM CST.
The racing program presents competitive betting opportunities across multiple race types, including lower-level claiming races for Louisiana-breds, a quality maiden special weight turf event, and a two-year-old fillies maiden to close the card. Based on historical Fair Grounds data, the track continues to exhibit its characteristic mild speed bias on dirt sprints while offering fair racing conditions for all running styles on turf routes.
Weather and Track Conditions
Weather conditions for Sunday, December 7, 2025, in New Orleans call for partly sunny skies with potential showers, temperatures reaching a high of 73°F and dropping to 52°F by evening, with winds around 7 mph and an 80% chance of precipitation during the day. Given the recent sloppy track conditions reported on December 6, handicappers should monitor the morning track condition reports closely, as the main track may start off-track before drying out during the afternoon.
The turf course rail is positioned at 14 feet for races 3, 5, and 7, which is relatively tight and historically favors horses with tactical speed who can secure good early positions. Recent results from December 6 showed the main track was listed as sloppy, suggesting overnight or morning rain impacted the surface.
Fair Grounds features a one-mile oval with tight turns that historically favors inside post positions and horses capable of saving ground. The track’s long 1,346-foot stretch provides opportunities for closers, though front-runners and stalkers have maintained advantages throughout the early portion of the meet.
Post position statistics from the 2024-2025 meet indicate that inside posts 1-3 won 54% of dirt routes and 53% of dirt sprints, representing significant advantages over outside draws. On turf routes, post positions showed more balanced distribution, with posts 1-3 accounting for 35%, posts 4-6 for 36%, and outside posts for 28% of wins.
Race 1: Starter Optional Claiming
Post Time: 12:45 PM CST
Distance: 1 Mile Dirt
Purse: $22,000
Class: Fillies and Mares 3YO+, Starter Optional Claiming $12,500
Pace Analysis
This seven-horse field features moderate early pace pressure with Izzy’s Monster, Rock Star Doctor, and Simona’s Choice all showing early speed tendencies. Expect a contested opening quarter with multiple horses vying for position through the first turn. The mile distance and relatively modest field size should allow stalkers and closers to find comfortable trips tracking the pace.
Key Contenders
Savannamarie emerges as the morning line favorite at 3-1 and draws the advantageous post 6. Trained by Nery Alvarez, this four-year-old filly has demonstrated strong form at this claiming level with victories at Fair Grounds earlier in the meet. Most recently finishing 11th on November 21, the disappointing effort appears forgivable given the competitive nature of that race. Her best performances show tactical speed and the ability to rate off the pace before making a sustained rally in the stretch. Jockey Jose Ortiz takes the mount, and his 18% win rate at Fair Grounds provides confidence.
Izzy’s Monster represents a legitimate threat at 7-2 morning line odds from post 1. This five-year-old mare trained by Carlos Santamaria showed improved form in her November 21 start, finishing ninth but staying on late after encountering traffic. The inside draw could prove problematic if pace is contested, but veteran jockey Isaac Castillo excels at securing economical trips from the rail. Her last victory came in a similar starter optional claiming event, demonstrating she belongs at this level.
Secondary Choices
Rock Star Doctor at 4-1 from post 3 offers value for exotic play. This four-year-old filly by Connect has shown consistent ability in starter allowance company and possesses tactical speed to secure favorable position behind the early leaders. Trainer Jason Faul maintains a solid record at the meet, and the filly’s recent form suggests improvement. Her third-place finish behind competitive starter allowance rivals indicates she can compete with this group.
Im Singled Up appears on the scratch list for previous races but if she runs from post 4, consider her as a live contender at 7-2. The five-year-old mare has demonstrated consistent performances at this level and trainer Whitney Zeringue maintains quality horses.
Betting Strategy
The race sets up well for exacta and trifecta wagers keying Savannamarie on top with Izzy’s Monster and Rock Star Doctor underneath. Consider a trifecta wheel: 6/1,3,4/1,3,4,5,7 to capture multiple scenarios. For vertical wagers like the Pick 3 and Pick 4, spread to include all three top selections.
Selections
Win: 6 Savannamarie
Place: 1 Izzy’s Monster
Show: 3 Rock Star Doctor
Race 2: Claiming
Post Time: 1:15 PM CST
Distance: 1 Mile Dirt
Purse: $15,000
Class: Louisiana-Bred Fillies and Mares 3YO+, Claiming $5,000
Pace Analysis
This eight-horse field of Louisiana-breds presents moderate pace with Sue’s Little Zing and Strawberry Sundae likely pushing early fractions. The claiming level suggests horses with limitations, making trip and pace scenario crucial factors. Expect honest early splits that could set up closers if the pace duel becomes too aggressive.
Key Contenders
Sue’s Little Zing enters off a victory on February 7, 2025, at Fair Grounds and represents the quality horse in this field at 7-2 morning line odds from post 1. Trainer Joe Duhon has his mare in career-best form, and she demonstrated proficiency at the distance with her front-running style. Jockey Emanuel Nieves provides competent handling from the rail, and her early speed should secure favorable position tracking or pressing the pace. Recent workout patterns suggest continued fitness.
Anita’s Vision at 3-1 from post 8 represents the main danger. This six-year-old mare trained by Sherman Savoie has won multiple times at Fair Grounds and possesses course-and-distance form that makes her dangerous. Her tactical running style allows flexibility in trip, and from the outside post, jockey Marcelino Pedroza Jr. can assess the pace before committing. Recent form shows consistency at this claiming level with multiple in-the-money finishes.
Strawberry Sundae from post 7 at 7-2 offers value as a potential front-runner. Trained by Shane Wilson, this five-year-old mare showed recent good form with a March 20 victory at Fair Grounds. Her early speed could prove decisive if she can secure an uncontested lead, though her outside post requires jockey Isaac Castillo to show his tactical pace early.
Secondary Choices
Miss Kennedy from post 3 merits consideration as a longshot at 8-1. The seven-year-old mare scored a victory on January 16, 2025, at Fair Grounds and has demonstrated ability at this level. Her closing style could benefit if the pace becomes heated between the speed horses.
Averi Ever After at 8-1 from post 5 represents trainer Steven Duke’s stable. The six-year-old mare has shown flashes of ability and the barn maintains solid statistics at the meet.
Betting Strategy
Consider boxing the top three in exactas and trifectas while including Miss Kennedy in deeper exotic wagers. A trifecta key: 1,8/1,7,8/1,3,7,8 offers solid coverage. The race appears contentious enough to warrant saver wagers on Strawberry Sundae to win at potentially generous odds.
Selections
Win: 1 Sue’s Little Zing
Place: 8 Anita’s Vision
Show: 7 Strawberry Sundae
Race 3: Starter Optional Claiming (Turf)
Post Time: 1:45 PM CST
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles Turf
Purse: $28,000
Class: 3YO+, Starter Optional Claiming $30,000
Pace Analysis
This nine-horse turf route features tactical pace dynamics with Sir Pistolero and Tango Mike Mike showing early speed inclinations. The 1 1/16-mile distance on firm turf typically favors horses with late-running ability at Fair Grounds, and the stretched-out field size suggests pace won’t be overly aggressive early. The rail at 14 feet provides adequate racing room while still offering some inside-path advantage.
Key Contenders
Curahee stands out as the class of the field at 5-2 morning line odds from post 7. This three-year-old gelding trained by Brittany Russell brings superior credentials with earnings over $325,000 and experience in graded stakes company. His recent form shows consistency with a 28% win rate and 55% place percentage. Jockey Jose Ortiz, one of the nation’s leading riders, takes the mount and his 18% win rate at Fair Grounds provides added confidence. The combination of class, form, and rider makes Curahee the horse to beat. His stalking running style fits perfectly with the expected pace scenario.
Unleash the Power represents significant value at 2-1 from post 6. This six-year-old gelding trained by Albert Stall Jr. has earned over $326,000 and shown tactical speed in turf routes. Jockey James Graham brings experience, and the horse’s recent form at Churchill Downs and other major tracks demonstrates quality. His deep closing ability could prove effective if the pace sets up favorably.
Secondary Choices
Sir Pistolero at 7-2 from post 3 offers exacta and trifecta value. Trained by Tanner Tracy, this five-year-old gelding has demonstrated fast early speed that could secure favorable position near the lead. Jockey Jareth Loveberry maintains an 18% win rate at the meet, and the horse’s tactical speed fits the turf course configuration.
Bernin Tune from post 9 at 5-1 represents a live longshot. This four-year-old gelding shows mid-pack running style and has earned over $103,000 in his career. Recent form includes a victory at Louisiana Downs, and trainer Alexis Claire maintains a strong 20% win rate.
Longshots
Face the Future at 9-1 from post 8 merits consideration for deeper exotic wagers. This three-year-old gelding brings maiden special weight credentials and tactical ability that could surface at generous odds if the pace unfolds favorably.
Betting Strategy
Key Curahee on top in exactas and trifectas with Unleash the Power and Sir Pistolero underneath. Consider the trifecta: 7/6,3,9/3,6,9,2,8 to capture multiple scenarios. For pick 3 and pick 4 wagers, spread includes all four main contenders to protect against upsets.
Selections
Win: 7 Curahee
Place: 6 Unleash the Power
Show: 3 Sir Pistolero
Race 4: Claiming
Post Time: 2:15 PM CST
Distance: 6 Furlongs Dirt
Purse: $18,000
Class: Fillies and Mares 3YO+, Claiming $12,500
Pace Analysis
This seven-horse sprint features clear speed advantage for Tough Love Torres, with McKinzie Magic and My Southern Girl providing secondary pace. The relatively small field size and six-furlong distance suggest the pace-setter will prove difficult to catch unless she encounters trouble or sets suicidal fractions. Inside post positions hold pronounced advantage in Fair Grounds dirt sprints, with posts 1-3 historically winning 53% of these events.
Key Contenders
Tough Love Torres emerges as a standout selection at 1-2 morning line odds from the rail. This four-year-old filly trained by Rob Atras enters off impressive form at Aqueduct, including a victory going seven furlongs where she demonstrated tactical speed and determination. Her career record shows 33% win rate and 67% in-the-money percentage, indicating consistent competitiveness. Jockey Paco Lopez, the leading rider at Fair Grounds with 24% win rate and 61% ITM percentage, provides expert handling. The rail draw in a speed-favoring race sets up perfectly for this pace-pressing filly. Despite short odds, she represents solid single material for vertical wagers.
McKinzie Magic at 3-1 from post 3 offers value as the main challenger. This three-year-old filly has shown improvement in recent starts and the stretch-out to six furlongs appears suitable. Her slower-paced running style might prove tactical if Tough Love Torres faces pressure early, though challenging the favorite requires significant improvement from recent efforts.
Secondary Choices
Menty B from post 6 at 4-1 merits exotic consideration. Trainer Alexis Claire maintains solid statistics at the meet, and this three-year-old filly possesses tactical ability that could surface if pace dynamics favor off-the-pace runners.
My Southern Girl at 5-1 from post 2 represents trainer Samuel Breaux’s barn. The four-year-old filly has shown flashes of ability and inside post position provides tactical flexibility.
Sassi Sky at 8-1 from post 7 offers longshot appeal. This three-year-old filly trained by Lee Thomas won her last start impressively at Evangeline Downs and the class rise represents manageable.
Betting Strategy
The heavy favoritism of Tough Love Torres makes win betting marginal value, but she represents appropriate single material in multi-race wagers. Consider defensive exactas: 1/3,6,2 and 3,6,2/1 to protect against the upset while maintaining leverage. For trifectas, key 1 on top over 3,6,2,4 to capture value underneath.
Selections
Win: 1 Tough Love Torres
Place: 3 McKinzie Magic
Show: 6 Menty B
Race 5: Maiden Special Weight (Turf)
Post Time: 2:45 PM CST
Distance: 5 1/2 Furlongs Turf
Purse: $54,000
Class: Fillies and Mares 3YO+, Maiden Special Weight
Pace Analysis
This eight-horse maiden turf sprint features quality breeding and first-time starters from top connections. The 5 1/2-furlong distance favors tactical speed, and the firm turf condition should produce honest fractions. Twolatebabydoll brings European racing experience while Aurora Sky and Betty’s Dance represent powerful domestic barns with maiden special weight credentials.
Key Contenders
Twolatebabydoll from France enters at 5-2 morning line odds from post 6 and brings impressive European credentials. Trained by Albert Stall Jr., this three-year-old filly has competed in graded company at major American tracks including Keeneland and Saratoga. Despite 0-for-7 record, her form shows improvement with 57% in-the-money percentage. Jockey James Graham provides expert turf handling, and the filly’s stalking running style fits the expected pace. Her breeding and experience in quality maiden company suggest she possesses sufficient ability to break through against this group.
Aurora Sky at 3-1 from the rail represents trainer Joe Sharp’s powerful barn. Sharp maintains a 28% win rate at Fair Grounds with 55% ITM percentage, ranking among the meet’s leading trainers. This three-year-old filly makes her debut with Jose Ortiz aboard, and the combination of top trainer and top jockey merits significant respect. First-time starters from Sharp’s barn have shown competitive ability, and inside post position provides tactical advantage in turf sprints.
Betty’s Dance at 3-1 from post 8 completes the top tier. Also trained by Joe Sharp and ridden by Paco Lopez, this three-year-old filly represents the barn’s second entry and splits favoritism with stablemate Aurora Sky. Her outside post requires rating behind the pace, but Lopez excels at delivering late-running fillies in turf sprints.
Secondary Choices
Bodacious Beauty at 6-1 from post 5 offers value as trainer Bret Calhoun’s entry. This three-year-old filly has raced on dirt in her previous starts but breeding suggests turf aptitude. The surface switch could unlock improvement.
Chardan at 8-1 from post 2 represents another contender. Trained by Sherman Savoie, this four-year-old mare brings experience and tactical ability.
Betting Strategy
The race appears contentious with multiple legitimate contenders, making it ideal for spreading in exotic wagers. Consider exacta boxes: 6,1,8 and trifecta wheels: 6,1/6,1,8,5/6,1,8,5,2 to capture multiple finishing orders. The Joe Sharp stable’s dual entry warrants respect, and the European shipper brings class that could surface at value odds.
Selections
Win: 6 Twolatebabydoll
Place: 1 Aurora Sky
Show: 8 Betty’s Dance
Race 6: Starter Optional Claiming
Post Time: 3:15 PM CST
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles Dirt
Purse: $19,000
Class: 3YO+, Starter Optional Claiming $10,000
Pace Analysis
This eight-horse route features moderate pace with Skip the Line and Notion showing early inclinations. The 1 1/16-mile distance provides ample opportunity for tactical trips, and the relatively modest claiming level suggests horses with limitations that could manifest in the stretch run. Inside post positions maintain significant advantage in Fair Grounds dirt routes, with posts 1-3 winning 54% historically.
Key Contenders
El Perfecto stands out as the selection at 7-2 morning line odds from post 8. This five-year-old gelding trained by Andy Rogers enters off impressive victory at Churchill Downs and shows improving form pattern. His recent efforts demonstrate tactical ability and determination in the stretch. Despite outside post draw, jockey Ben Curtis can secure favorable position tracking the pace before unleashing late rally. The horse’s career earnings and consistent performances at this claiming level mark him as the quality runner in the field.
Eye Dee Kay at 3-1 from post 4 represents significant competition. This six-year-old gelding trained by Carlos Santamaria has multiple victories at Fair Grounds and possesses course-and-distance credentials. Jockey Isaac Castillo maintains solid meet statistics, and the horse’s tactical running style allows flexibility in trip development.
Secondary Choices
Skip the Line at 4-1 from post 2 offers exotic value. Trained by Tanner Tracy with Paco Lopez aboard, this four-year-old gelding brings tactical speed and ability to press the pace. His recent form shows consistency, and the connections inspire confidence.
Notion at 5-1 from post 1 warrants consideration despite being listed as also-eligible. If he draws into the race, the rail post provides significant advantage, and trainer Chadwick Mouton maintains quality stock.
Betting Strategy
The race sets up well for exacta and trifecta wagers spreading among the top four contenders. Consider exacta boxes: 8,4,2 and trifecta wheels: 8,4/8,4,2,1/8,4,2,1,5 to capture multiple scenarios. For vertical wagers, spread to include all main contenders to protect against pace-dependent outcomes.
Selections
Win: 8 El Perfecto
Place: 4 Eye Dee Kay
Show: 2 Skip the Line
Race 7: Claiming (Turf)
Post Time: 3:45 PM CST
Distance: 1 Mile Turf
Purse: $24,000
Class: Fillies and Mares 3YO+, Claiming $20,000
Pace Analysis
This ten-horse turf mile features tactical pace with moderate early pressure. The distance and turf surface typically produce honest fractions that reward tactical positioning and late runs. With rail at 14 feet, inside posts maintain slight advantage though all running styles have shown competitive ability in Fair Grounds turf miles. The larger field size creates traffic concerns, making post position and jockey skill crucial factors.
Key Contenders
Miss River Rat emerges as the favorite at 2-1 from post 4 with strong credentials. This five-year-old mare trained by Chris Block has earned over $188,000 and demonstrates 22% win rate with 70% in-the-money percentage. Her recent form includes victories at Hawthorne in turf routes, and she possesses fastest stalking style that fits perfectly with expected pace dynamics. Jockey Jose Ortiz provides expert handling, and the combination of class, form, and rider creates formidable package. Her tactical ability allows flexibility in trip while maintaining strong closing kick.
Roar of Silence at 7-2 from post 3 represents legitimate threat. This four-year-old filly has won four of ten starts with 40% win rate and strong closing ability. Her recent victory at Hawthorne demonstrated quality, and fast-closing running style could prove decisive if pace sets up favorably. The class rise from previous starts appears manageable given her improving form pattern.
Secondary Choices
Rosie’s Angus at 4-1 from post 7 offers value for exotic wagers. This five-year-old mare trained by Samuel Breaux has earned over $128,000 and shows 26% win rate with 53% in-the-money finishes. Her second-place finish at Fair Grounds on November 21 demonstrates competitive ability at this level, and mid-pack running style provides tactical flexibility.
Elle Est Forte at 8-1 from the rail merits consideration. Trained by Michael Maker, one of the nation’s leading turf trainers, this seven-year-old mare possesses course-and-distance winning form. Her tactical ability and inside post position could prove advantageous if she secures economical trip.
Longshots
Deal’em and Weep at 6-1 from post 8 represents potential value. This four-year-old filly was listed as also-eligible in recent races but brings improving form that could surface at generous odds.
Betting Strategy
The competitive nature of turf claiming races suggests spreading in exotic wagers. Consider exacta boxes: 4,3,7 and trifecta wheels: 4,3/4,3,7,1/4,3,7,1,8 to capture multiple finishing scenarios. For vertical wagers, include top four contenders to protect against pace-dependent outcomes and traffic issues.
Selections
Win: 4 Miss River Rat
Place: 3 Roar of Silence
Show: 7 Rosie’s Angus
Race 8: Maiden Optional Claiming
Post Time: 4:15 PM CST
Distance: 6 Furlongs Dirt
Purse: $30,000
Class: Two-Year-Old Fillies, Maiden Optional Claiming $50,000
Pace Analysis
This nine-horse juvenile filly maiden features competitive pace with multiple first-time starters from top barns. The six-furlong dirt sprint distance suits precocious two-year-olds, and breeding pedigrees suggest quality throughout the field. Joe Sharp trains both Maddie’s Garden and Gus’s Gal, providing the powerful barn with dual representation in the race.
Key Contenders
Gus’s Gal emerges as co-favorite at 3-1 from post 4 for trainer Joe Sharp. This two-year-old filly makes her debut with Jose Ortiz aboard, combining the meet’s leading trainer with top jockey. Sharp maintains 28% win rate with 55% ITM percentage at Fair Grounds, and his first-time starters typically show competitive form. The mid-pack post position provides tactical flexibility, and breeding suggests early speed ability.
Maddie’s Garden at 3-1 from the rail represents Sharp’s other entry with Paco Lopez aboard. The combination of rail post and Lopez’s tactical skill from inside draws creates formidable package. Sharp’s dual entry suggests barn confidence, and both fillies merit equal consideration based on morning line odds.
Secondary Choices
Light My Flame at 4-1 from post 6 offers value as trainer Jose Camejo’s entry. This two-year-old filly makes her debut with breeding that suggests early speed ability. Mid-pack post position provides tactical advantage.
Hay Y’all at 4-1 from post 3 represents another contender. Listed as veterinarian scratch on November 20, if she shows improved health, the breeding and connections warrant respect.
Huck’s Agenda at realistic odds from post 9 merits consideration as trainer Kenneth McPeek’s entry. McPeek ranks among the nation’s leading trainers of two-year-olds, and his Fair Grounds starters typically demonstrate quality. Jockey Colby Hernandez provides capable handling.
Betting Strategy
Maiden races with multiple first-time starters create uncertainty, making this ideal race for spreading in exotic wagers. Consider exacta boxes: 4,1,6 and trifecta wheels: 4,1/4,1,6,3,9/ALL to capture multiple scenarios. The Joe Sharp stable’s dual entry deserves emphasis in all wager structures, and including McPeek’s entry in trifecta and superfecta bets provides value protection.
Selections
Win: 4 Gus’s Gal
Place: 1 Maddie’s Garden
Show: 6 Light My Flame
Jockey Notes and Insights
Jose Ortiz leads the jockey colony with impressive statistics throughout the early Fair Grounds meet. While his career numbers at the track show modest 8% win rate historically, his current form and mounts for top trainers create value opportunities. Ortiz rides in Races 1, 3, 5, and 8 aboard live contenders including Savannamarie, Curahee, Aurora Sky, and Gus’s Gal.
Paco Lopez maintains outstanding 24% win rate with 61% in-the-money percentage at Fair Grounds. The veteran jockey excels in tactical situations and rates among the meet’s most consistent riders. Lopez has mounts in Races 2, 4, 6, and 8, providing multiple win opportunities throughout the card. His partnership with leading trainers creates advantageous combinations.
Jareth Loveberry shows strong 18% win rate at the meet with particular proficiency in turf races. The young jockey demonstrates improving form and secures quality mounts from trainers recognizing his abilities. His ride on Sir Pistolero in Race 3 and dual mounts in the race warrant attention.
Colby Hernandez maintains steady presence in the jockey standings with solid tactical skills. His mount on Huck’s Agenda in Race 8 for trainer Kenneth McPeek represents quality opportunity in the closer.
Isaac Castillo provides value as consistent journeyman with ability to deliver longshots. His mounts throughout the card deserve respect despite sometimes facing long odds.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Joe Sharp ranks as the meet’s leading trainer with 28% win rate and 55% in-the-money percentage through early December. Sharp’s success spans multiple race types and surfaces, and his horses typically show competitive form. With entries in Races 5 and 8, including dual representation in the finale, Sharp’s stable merits emphasis in all wagering strategies.
Bret Calhoun maintains strong 29% win rate with 47% ITM percentage at Fair Grounds. The accomplished trainer excels with maidens and allowance horses, and his entries consistently outperform morning line expectations. Calhoun’s horse in Race 5 represents solid value opportunity.
Tanner Tracy shows improving statistics with emphasis on turf racing. His dual entries in Race 3 with Sir Pistolero and Tango Mike Mike, plus Skip the Line in Race 6, demonstrate stable depth.
Michael Stidham ranks among the nation’s leading trainers with career earnings over $88 million. His Fair Grounds presence includes quality turf horses and improving maiden types.
Sherman Savoie, Chris Block, and Alexis Claire represent consistent local trainers whose horses merit respect at value odds throughout the card.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The December 7 card presents multiple opportunities for value wagering and strategic play. The Pick 5 carryover of $52,025 creates enhanced value for players willing to spread in the late daily double races.
Vertical Wager Strategy
The Pick 4 covering Races 5-8 offers best value given the competitive maiden races and turf claiming event. Consider this structure:
Race 5: 6,1,8,5
Race 6: 8,4,2,1
Race 7: 4,3,7,1
Race 8: 4,1,6,3,9
Cost: 4 x 4 x 4 x 5 = $320 for $1 base wager
Budget version: 6,1,8 / 8,4,2 / 4,3,7 / 4,1,6 = $54 for $1 base wager
Best Bet of the Day
Race 3: Curahee represents the card’s strongest win bet at fair odds. The class drop from graded stakes company combined with Jose Ortiz aboard creates value proposition. Despite 5-2 morning line odds, the combination of superior class and connections makes this appropriate win bet of $100 to win $250.
Value Play
Race 6: El Perfecto at 7-2 offers best value play of the card. The recent Churchill Downs victory demonstrates improving form, and the class level fits perfectly. Despite outside post draw, his tactical ability and Ben Curtis’s handling create value opportunity. Suggested wager: $50 to win returns $175.
Exacta Value
Race 7: 4-Miss River Rat over 3-Roar of Silence creates solid exacta value at potentially generous odds. The tactical speed of Miss River Rat combined with Jose Ortiz’s handling rates advantage over the closer. Suggested wager: $40 exacta 4/3 pays projected $60-80.
Longshot Special
Race 8: Huck’s Agenda from Kenneth McPeek’s barn represents best longshot opportunity in the finale. McPeek’s two-year-old maidens typically show quality, and this filly’s breeding suggests competitive ability. At projected 10-1 or better odds, a $20 win bet offers value for bettors seeking generous payoffs.
Late Pick 3 Play
Races 6-7-8 provide manageable late Pick 3 opportunity:
Race 6: 8,4,2
Race 7: 4,3,7
Race 8: 4,1,6,9
Cost: 3 x 3 x 4 = $36 for $1 base wager
This structure captures value while maintaining reasonable cost basis.
Rolling Doubles Strategy
For aggressive bettors, consider rolling doubles throughout the card starting with Race 1: 6-Savannamarie to Race 2: 1,8 for $100 base wager. If successful, reinvest 50% of proceeds to next race double, maintaining disciplined bankroll management while capturing value sequences.
The track bias favoring inside posts in dirt sprints and routes creates edge for handicappers emphasizing positional advantages. Focus wagering emphasis on horses drawn posts 1-4 in dirt races while maintaining balanced approach in turf events where post position shows less pronounced impact.
