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Fair Grounds Race Course begins its 2025-26 racing season on Thursday, November 20, 2025, marking the 154th season at the historic New Orleans track. The 70-day meet will run through March 22, 2026, featuring 56 stakes races worth $8.65 million, with the highlight being the $1 million TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby on March 21. The track has unveiled renovations, including an upgraded paddock, a new paddock lounge, and improved amenities for the upcoming season. Fair Grounds will debut the Crescent City 6, a new 20-cent minimum Pick 6 wager, giving bettors additional wagering options throughout the meet.
Today’s card features nine races with the first post at 12:45 PM CST, highlighted by two stakes races: the $100,000 John Valene Memorial Stakes for Louisiana-bred fillies and mares at 1 mile 70 yards in Race 5, and the $100,000 Joseph R. Peluso Memorial Stakes for Louisiana-bred two-year-olds at 6 furlongs in Race 6. The card also includes a mix of claiming races, allowance conditions, and maiden special weight events, offering diverse wagering opportunities for the season opener.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for November 20, 2025 at Fair Grounds calls for temperatures near 79-80 degrees Fahrenheit with mostly sunny skies during racing hours. However, a Dense Fog Advisory was issued by the National Weather Service from November 19 at 11:07 PM through November 20 at 9:00 AM CST, with visibility of one quarter mile or less expected in the early morning hours before racing begins. The humidity level is expected to be around 87% with winds from the north-northeast at 9-16 mph.
Track conditions are expected to be fast on the main dirt surface and firm on the turf course, providing ideal racing conditions for opening day. The recent weather included some rain earlier in the week, but clear conditions are expected on race day. The track should be in excellent shape as management prepares for the season debut with proper maintenance.
Fair Grounds typically favors inside posts on both dirt and turf surfaces. Data from the 2018-19 meet shows that in sprint races on dirt, inside posts led with Post 1 accounting for 18.9% of winners. On turf, inside posts continued to have an advantage, with Posts 1-3 each producing around 14% of winners, while Post 4 sharply declined to just 6.5%. Posts 5-7 were somewhat productive on turf, with win percentages between 10.5% and 12.3%. The one-mile oval with tight turns favors horses that can save ground, making rail and inside draws especially valuable in large fields.
Race 1
Post Time
12:45 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This 5-furlong turf sprint for claiming horses is expected to have moderate early fractions. The compact field of eight should create a contested pace with several runners showing early speed tendencies. The short turf layout generally favors horses with tactical speed who can secure good positions early without using too much energy. Horses starting from inside posts will have the advantage of saving ground on the tight turns.
Key Contenders
Hoff enters as the morning line favorite at 8-5 odds and represents trainer Steven Asmussen with jockey Paco Lopez. This three-year-old colt makes his first start at Fair Grounds and represents one of the most successful trainer-jockey combinations in the country. Handicappers have established Hoff as the clear top selection with strong form indicators and professional connections that suggest readiness for the season opener. The combination of Asmussen’s training prowess and Lopez’s riding skill makes this horse the one to beat.
Sawyer Fox is listed as a secondary choice at 3.50 morning line odds for trainer Wayne Catalano and jockey Erica Murray. This five-year-old gelding brings experience to the race and has shown consistency in similar claiming company. The horse’s recent form suggests competitiveness at this level, and the inside post position should allow for a ground-saving trip.
Secondary Choices
Fit to Fly represents trainer Claire Alexis with jockey Emanuel Nieves aboard and draws the rail position. This five-year-old horse has tactical speed that could prove advantageous from the inside post on the turf course. The rail position historically performs well at Fair Grounds turf races, giving this runner a realistic chance if the pace unfolds favorably.
Gavel is trained by Larry Rivelli and carries 124 pounds with Jareth Loveberry in the saddle. This four-year-old colt has shown ability in previous starts and benefits from connections that have historically performed well at Fair Grounds. The post position and weight assignment suggest management views this runner as competitive in this spot.
Selections
Win: Hoff
Place: Sawyer Fox
Show: Fit to Fly
Race 2
Post Time
1:15 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This 1 mile 70-yard claiming race on dirt for three-year-olds and upward features a full field of ten horses, which should produce honest fractions. The extended distance favors horses with stalking or closing ability who can rate off the early pace. With multiple runners likely to contest the early lead, pace pressure should set up well for closers who can rally late. The competitive nature of this claiming level typically produces legitimate speed duels.
Key Contenders
Steel Venom is the morning line favorite at 3-1 odds for trainer Joe Sharp and jockey Paco Lopez. This three-year-old gelding has shown improvement in recent starts and the Sharp/Lopez combination has proven effective. The horse’s form pattern suggests readiness for this distance, and the professional connections indicate serious intent for the season opener.
Dan d’Oro represents trainer Keith Desormeaux with jockey Axel Concepcion aboard at 3.50 morning line odds. This three-year-old colt has demonstrated ability at middle distances and brings solid credentials to this claiming contest. The Desormeaux barn is known for having horses ready on opening day, making this a serious threat.
Secondary Choices
Charbon is listed at 5-1 morning line odds for trainer Chasey Deville Pomier with Isaac Castillo riding. This four-year-old gelding has competed consistently at this claiming level and could benefit from the anticipated pace scenario. The horse’s running style suggests ability to sit off the pace and rally late.
Dixie Doctor is a three-year-old gelding trained by Aaron West with Mitchell Murrill aboard at 6-1 morning line. The lightweight assignment of 118 pounds provides an advantage, and the horse’s recent form indicates competitiveness at this distance and class level.
Selections
Win: Steel Venom
Place: Dan d’Oro
Show: Charbon
Race 3
Post Time
1:45 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This 6-furlong claiming sprint on dirt features a large field of thirteen horses, ensuring a competitive pace battle from the start. The distance and field size typically produce contested early fractions with multiple horses vying for position. Speed horses will face pressure throughout, potentially setting up opportunities for horses with tactical speed or late-running ability. The rail-skewing bias at Fair Grounds could play a significant role in this crowded field.
Key Contenders
Supremely is the 3-1 morning line favorite for trainer Eduardo Rodriguez with Mitchell Murrill riding. This six-year-old gelding has extensive experience at Fair Grounds and knows the track well. The horse’s veteran status and familiarity with the surface provide advantages in this competitive claiming field. Handicappers have established this runner as the top choice based on consistency and local knowledge.
Premium carries 4-1 morning line odds for trainer Kenneth Hargrave with Jose Riquelme aboard. This five-year-old gelding draws Post 2, providing an excellent tactical position in the large field. The inside post allows for ground-saving opportunities while avoiding potential traffic issues that outside runners may encounter.
Secondary Choices
Butcher Holler represents trainer Keith Bourgeois at 8-1 morning line odds with Colby Hernandez riding. Bourgeois has established an exceptional record at Fair Grounds season openers, winning six of nineteen November starts in 2023-24, including payoffs of $24, $45, and $56. Two of those longshot winners came from horses shipping from Delta Downs, just like Butcher Holler. This three-year-old colt arrives in excellent current form and fits the exact profile of Bourgeois’s previous opening-day scores.
Crime Spree is a seven-year-old gelding for trainer Henry West Jr. with Emanuel Nieves aboard at 8-1 morning line. The veteran campaigner brings extensive racing experience and has competed successfully at Fair Grounds previously. The horse’s seasoning could prove valuable in navigating the crowded field.
Longshots
Letshaveonemore represents trainer Robertino Diodoro with Axel Concepcion riding at 8-1 morning line odds. This four-year-old gelding has shown flashes of ability and could benefit if the pace collapses. Diodoro’s training skills and Concepcion’s riding ability make this a live longshot possibility.
Selections
Win: Supremely
Place: Butcher Holler
Show: Premium
Race 4
Post Time
2:15 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This 1-mile turf starter optional claiming race features a massive field of sixteen horses, creating a highly competitive scenario. The large field will spread across the turf course, with inside posts holding significant advantages for ground-saving trips. Pace dynamics will be critical as multiple runners vie for favorable positions early. The extended distance on turf typically favors horses with tactical versatility who can adapt to the developing race flow.
Key Contenders
Big Scully is the strong 8-5 morning line favorite for trainer Shane Wilson with Paco Lopez aboard. This six-year-old gelding has proven effective at this distance on turf and the Wilson/Lopez combination suggests serious win intent. The horse’s recent form indicates readiness, and the lightweight assignment of 117 pounds provides a distinct advantage. The reduced weight in a large turf field could prove decisive.
Red Road carries 4.50 morning line odds for trainer Sturges Ducoing with Ben Curtis riding. This six-year-old gelding draws Post 10, which provides reasonable positioning in the large field. The horse has demonstrated ability at this distance and class level, making him a legitimate threat to the favorite.
Secondary Choices
Boitano is listed at 5-1 morning line for trainer Jose Camejo with Axel Concepcion aboard. This six-year-old gelding carries 122 pounds, indicating recent success that resulted in a weight penalty. The horse’s form cycle suggests competitiveness, and Concepcion’s riding skill could prove valuable in navigating the crowded field.
South Side represents trainer Keith Bourgeois at 12-1 morning line odds with Mitchell Murrill riding. Bourgeois has exceptional statistics at Fair Grounds season openers, and this is his second runner on the card. South Side is running second off a layoff and can be excused for a poor dirt performance last out. The horse returns to Fair Grounds turf where he won at 27-1 odds to open last year’s meet in a similar form cycle under Murrill. The trainer-jockey reunion in identical circumstances makes this a compelling value play.
Longshots
Ben Dreaming draws Post 2 for trainer Claire Alexis with Jareth Loveberry at 6-1 morning line. The inside post on turf provides ground-saving advantages, and the horse’s running style could benefit from the anticipated pace scenario. This represents a reasonable longshot option for exotic wagers.
Selections
Win: Big Scully
Place: South Side
Show: Boitano
Race 5
Post Time
2:45 PM CST
Pace Analysis
The $100,000 John Valene Memorial Stakes features a compact field of six Louisiana-bred fillies and mares competing at 1 mile 70 yards on dirt. The small field should produce honest but manageable early fractions, with pace dynamics playing a crucial role in determining the outcome. Stakes races at this distance typically see tactical maneuvering early before runners commit in the stretch drive. Class and fitness will separate these accomplished Louisiana-breds.
Key Contenders
Rising Inflation is the prohibitive 1.40 morning line favorite for trainer Jonathan Wong with Isaac Castillo riding. This four-year-old filly carries 124 pounds, indicating she has not won a sweepstakes at a mile or over in 2025, giving her the high weight. The strong favoritism suggests recent form and ability that handicappers view as clearly superior to the competition. Wong’s training and Castillo’s riding make this combination formidable.
Norah G is the second choice at 1.80 morning line for trainer Patricia West with Axel Concepcion aboard. This five-year-old mare carries top weight of 124 pounds and represents solid connections with a legitimate chance to upset. The horse’s local breeding and familiarity with Fair Grounds provide natural advantages.
Secondary Choices
Highly Wicked is listed at 4-1 morning line for trainer Sam David Jr. with Marcelino Pedroza Jr. riding. This five-year-old mare carries 124 pounds and has demonstrated stakes ability previously. The David barn consistently produces competitive runners in Louisiana-bred stakes, making this a threat for minor awards.
Clearly a Test represents trainer Shane Wilson with Paco Lopez aboard at 6-1 morning line. This four-year-old filly benefits from the reduced weight of 118 pounds and Wilson’s excellent training. The weight concession combined with Lopez’s riding could prove significant in the stretch drive.
Selections
Win: Rising Inflation
Place: Norah G
Show: Highly Wicked
Race 6
Post Time
3:15 PM CST
Pace Analysis
The $100,000 Joseph R. Peluso Memorial Stakes showcases Louisiana-bred two-year-olds at 6 furlongs on dirt. This competitive field of eight should produce legitimate early speed as young horses vie for position. Two-year-old races at this distance typically see aggressive early tactics, with horses establishing their running positions quickly. Maidens receive a 5-pound weight allowance, creating potential class separations within the field.
Key Contenders
Dynamite Tonight is the 2.50 morning line favorite for trainer Samuel Breaux with Jareth Loveberry riding. This two-year-old gelding has shown early promise and the connections suggest confidence in the horse’s abilities. The favoritism indicates strong recent workouts or prior racing performance that handicappers view positively.
Our Moneyman is listed at 3-1 morning line for trainer W. Bret Calhoun with Axel Concepcion aboard. Calhoun is one of the premier trainers of Louisiana-breds and his presence in this stakes indicates serious quality. This two-year-old colt should be well-prepared for the rigors of stakes competition.
Secondary Choices
Two Good Old Guys carries 3.50 morning line odds for trainer Allen Landry with Jansen Melancon riding. This two-year-old gelding has demonstrated ability in previous starts and represents solid connections capable of producing stakes winners. The horse’s early speed could prove valuable in establishing favorable position.
Mr Mo Money is trained by Brett Brinkman with Thomas Pompell aboard at 5-1 morning line. This two-year-old colt has shown competitive form and could benefit from the anticipated pace dynamics. The combination represents capable connections with potential to surprise.
Selections
Win: Dynamite Tonight
Place: Our Moneyman
Show: Two Good Old Guys
Race 7
Post Time
3:45 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This 6-furlong maiden special weight event for two-year-old fillies features eight runners with preference given to horses that have not started for less than $50,000 in their last three starts. The field quality should be above average for a maiden race given this preference structure. Young fillies at this distance typically display varied running styles, with pace development depending on individual tactical approaches. The quality restriction ensures competitive action.
Key Contenders
Quick Kiss is the 3-1 morning line favorite for trainer Larry Rivelli with Jareth Loveberry riding. Rivelli established an exceptional record with two-year-olds at Fair Grounds last season, winning four of his first five juveniles at the meet, including two of three debut runners. Quick Kiss is a well-bred $200,000 purchase who figures to be professionally prepared despite a modest pedigree for that price point. The investment level and trainer’s pattern make this the horse to beat.
Copper Wind represents trainer Steven Asmussen at 3.50 morning line with James Graham aboard. Asmussen is one of the nation’s leading trainers and his presence in a maiden race signals quality. This two-year-old filly should be well-schooled and ready for a strong performance. The Asmussen name alone commands respect.
Secondary Choices
Outro is trained by Brendan Walsh with Ben Curtis riding at 3.50 morning line odds. Walsh has developed a reputation for bringing horses to peak condition, and this two-year-old filly could show significant improvement from any prior starts or debuts with professional polish.
Aegis represents trainer Joe Sharp with Axel Concepcion aboard at 3.50 morning line. Sharp’s barn has been active and competitive throughout 2025, and this two-year-old filly brings solid credentials to the maiden ranks. The competitive morning line suggests legitimate ability.
Selections
Win: Quick Kiss
Place: Copper Wind
Show: Outro
Race 8
Post Time
4:15 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This 1 1/16-mile allowance race on turf features fifteen horses competing in non-winners of two races conditions. The large field will create significant pace dynamics with multiple horses seeking favorable positions. The extended turf distance favors horses with stamina and tactical versatility who can rate effectively through moderate fractions. Inside posts hold distinct advantages for ground-saving opportunities in the large field.
Key Contenders
Brit’s Wit is the 4-1 morning line favorite for trainer Michael Maker with Jareth Loveberry riding. This six-year-old gelding brings extensive experience and Maker is renowned for his success on turf courses nationally. The horse’s veteran status combined with Maker’s turf expertise makes this combination formidable. Maker’s training methods are particularly effective with turf horses.
Ambition represents trainer Steven Asmussen at 4.50 morning line with Paco Lopez aboard. This four-year-old colt draws Post 8 for the powerful Asmussen barn. The trainer-jockey combination of Asmussen and Lopez ranks among the best in the country, and their presence signals serious win intent.
Secondary Choices
Juris Doctor is trained by Michael Stidham with Axel Concepcion riding at 5-1 morning line. This three-year-old colt carries 119 pounds and represents connections capable of producing quality turf runners. Stidham’s training skills and the weight advantage provide realistic winning chances.
Critical Threat is listed at 6-1 morning line for trainer Tanner Tracy with C.J. McMahon aboard. This seven-year-old gelding has experience on the Fair Grounds turf course and knows the configuration well. Tracy’s barn has shown competitiveness throughout the year.
Selections
Win: Brit’s Wit
Place: Ambition
Show: Juris Doctor
Race 9
Post Time
4:45 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This 6-furlong maiden special weight race for Louisiana-bred two-year-old colts and geldings features fifteen runners with preference given to horses that have not started for less than $25,000 in their last three starts. The large field ensures competitive early fractions with multiple runners showing speed. Young Louisiana-breds at this distance typically produce honest pace scenarios, and the quality restriction elevates the overall competition level.
Key Contenders
Creole Chrome is the 3-1 morning line favorite for trainer Joe Sharp with Paco Lopez riding. This two-year-old colt represents the Sharp/Lopez combination that has proven effective throughout the meet. The favoritism indicates strong form indicators that handicappers view as superior to the large field. Sharp’s training abilities with juveniles make this a strong win candidate.
Deal Me Trips is listed at 4.50 morning line for trainer Larry Rivelli with Jareth Loveberry aboard. Rivelli’s exceptional record with two-year-olds at Fair Grounds makes any of his juveniles serious threats. This two-year-old colt should be professionally prepared and ready for a strong performance.
Secondary Choices
Wherethehitsare represents trainer Albert Stall Jr. with Marcelino Pedroza Jr. riding at 8-1 morning line. Stall is a respected Louisiana-based trainer with deep knowledge of local breeding, and this two-year-old colt could show improvement from any prior racing experience. The connections suggest competitive ability.
Bad Joke is trained by Tanner Tracy with Ben Curtis aboard at 10-1 morning line odds. This two-year-old gelding draws Post 10 in the large field but represents capable connections. Tracy’s barn has been competitive, and Curtis is an accomplished rider who can navigate traffic effectively.
Selections
Win: Creole Chrome
Place: Deal Me Trips
Show: Wherethehitsare
Jockey Notes and Insights
Paco Lopez rides multiple favorites on the card and represents one of the most accomplished jockeys competing at Fair Grounds. His mounts include Hoff in Race 1, Steel Venom in Race 2, Big Scully in Race 4, Clearly a Test in Race 5, Ambition in Race 8, and Creole Chrome in Race 9. Lopez’s versatility across distances and surfaces makes him a rider to follow throughout the meet, and his multiple live mounts on opening day signal trainer confidence.
Axel Concepcion has a strong book of rides including Dan d’Oro in Race 2, Letshaveonemore in Race 3, Boitano in Race 4, Norah G in Race 5, Our Moneyman in Race 6, Aegis in Race 7, and Juris Doctor in Race 8. Concepcion’s aggressive riding style and ability to position horses effectively make him dangerous throughout the card. His multiple mounts for top trainers indicate strong professional relationships.
Jareth Loveberry rides for several prominent trainers including Gavel in Race 1, No Rematch in Race 2, Ben Dreaming in Race 4, Dynamite Tonight in Race 6, Quick Kiss in Race 7, Brit’s Wit in Race 8, and Deal Me Trips in Race 9. Loveberry’s connections to trainers Larry Rivelli and Michael Maker provide him with quality mounts throughout the day, particularly in stakes races.
Mitchell Murrill partners with trainer Keith Bourgeois on two horses: Butcher Holler in Race 3 and South Side in Race 4. Given Bourgeois’s exceptional record at Fair Grounds opening days, these mounts deserve serious consideration. Murrill also rides Supremely in Race 3, giving him three legitimate contenders early on the card.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Steven Asmussen fields multiple runners on the card including Hoff in Race 1, Copper Wind in Race 7, and Ambition in Race 8. Asmussen ranks among the winningest trainers in North American racing history and his presence signals quality horses properly prepared for competition. His opening day starters typically show professional conditioning and readiness.
Keith Bourgeois has established remarkable statistics at Fair Grounds season openers, winning six of nineteen November starts in 2023-24 with multiple longshot scores including payoffs of $24, $45, and $56. Two of those victories came from horses shipping from Delta Downs. Bourgeois runs Butcher Holler in Race 3 and South Side in Race 4, both fitting his successful pattern of opening day runners. His early season success rate demands attention from handicappers seeking value.
Larry Rivelli demonstrated exceptional ability with two-year-olds at Fair Grounds last season, winning four of his first five juveniles including two of three debut runners. Rivelli trains Quick Kiss in Race 7 and Deal Me Trips in Race 9, both two-year-olds making early season appearances. His pattern of success with young horses makes his juveniles particularly attractive on opening day.
Shane Wilson trains multiple horses across the card including Big Scully in Race 4 and Clearly a Test in Race 5. Wilson’s success rate at Fair Grounds and ability to have horses fit for opening day makes his starters worth following. His runners typically show professional conditioning and competitive form.
Michael Maker trains Envelope Please in Race 1 and Brit’s Wit in Race 8. Maker is nationally recognized for his expertise with turf horses and his runners on grass courses command respect. His presence in the turf allowance race in Race 8 signals legitimate quality and win potential.
W. Bret Calhoun trains Imperial Cruiser in Race 6, Von Erich in Race 9, and Funnyflame in Race 8. Calhoun ranks among the premier trainers of Louisiana-bred horses and his runners in stakes races for state-breds deserve serious consideration. His barn’s preparation methods are well-suited to the Fair Grounds surface.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The opening day card presents multiple opportunities for value-based wagering, particularly targeting trainers with exceptional opening day statistics. Keith Bourgeois runners in Races 3 and 4 offer potential value given his remarkable record of 6-for-19 in November starts with multiple longshot winners. Butcher Holler at 8-1 morning line and South Side at 12-1 provide exacta and trifecta value while matching Bourgeois’s historical pattern.
Larry Rivelli’s two-year-olds in Races 7 and 9 present strong win betting opportunities given his 4-for-5 record with juveniles at last year’s meet opening. Quick Kiss at 3-1 and Deal Me Trips at 4.50 offer reasonable prices for horses likely to run competitively based on trainer patterns. Daily double and pick-3 wagers incorporating these runners could produce solid returns.
The two stakes races in Races 5 and 6 provide opportunities for vertical exotic wagers. The John Valene Memorial features a short field where Rising Inflation appears dominant, making this an anchor race for multi-race wagers. The Joseph R. Peluso Memorial offers more competitive balance for spreading tickets in exactas and trifectas.
Horizontal exotic wagers across the card should focus on races with competitive fields and clear pace scenarios. Race 3 with thirteen horses and Race 9 with fifteen runners offer opportunities for pick-3 and pick-4 sequences. Keying horses from successful opening day trainers like Bourgeois and Rivelli while spreading underneath provides balanced ticket construction.
The late pick-4 covering Races 6 through 9 presents attractive wagering potential with two stakes races and two competitive maiden events. Singling Rising Inflation in Race 5 for rolling exotic wagers provides a strong foundation while maintaining flexibility in other legs. The sequence offers mix of race types suitable for creative ticket construction.
Place and show betting on favorites in the stakes races could provide steady returns given the quality separations evident in the fields. Rising Inflation in Race 5 appears particularly strong for place betting as a short-priced favorite in a small field. Conservative bettors can use this approach while maintaining exotic wager exposure.
Image Credits
In-Article Image Credits
Fairgrounds (Fair Grounds) racecourse in Louisiana via Wikimedia Commons by Infrogmation with usage type - GNU FreeFeatured Image Credit
Fairgrounds (Fair Grounds) racecourse in Louisiana via Wikimedia Commons by Infrogmation with usage type - GNU Free
