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Thanksgiving Day racing at Fair Grounds features a ten-race card highlighted by the 101st running of the $175,000 Thanksgiving Classic Stakes, a six-furlong sprint for three-year-olds and upward. The program offers $783,000 in total purses across ten races, including five stakes-quality allowances, four maiden special weights, and the featured stakes event. First post is scheduled for 12:00 PM CT with the Thanksgiving Classic set for 4:00 PM CT.

The card draws a competitive mix of Louisiana-bred talent and open company runners, with several millionaire horses competing in the feature. Nominations closed November 15 with 20 initial entrants, resulting in a competitive nine-horse field for the holiday showcase. The track will introduce the 20-cent Crescent City Pick 6 jackpot wager beginning in Race 5, which carries a $6,192 carryover.

Weather and Track Conditions

New Orleans expects sunny skies for Thanksgiving Day with temperatures reaching the lower 60s during racing hours and cooling to the mid-40s by evening. Winds will be north-northeast at 10-15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. No precipitation is forecast, ensuring ideal racing conditions.

The main track is rated fast with a dry, even surface providing optimal cushioning. The turf course is firm with ideal moisture levels, offering a resilient surface that yields slightly underfoot without excessive softness. Fair Grounds turf has held up significantly better in recent seasons compared to previous years when inner course damage forced frequent off-turf races. The outer lanes remain in excellent condition, supporting a full turf schedule.

Track Bias and Post Position Analysis

Fair Grounds dirt routes show a slight speed advantage but remain relatively fair, with speed horses winning 38% of dirt routes last season, stalkers capturing 34%, and closers accounting for 28%. Inside posts hold a significant advantage in dirt routes, with horses breaking from posts 1-3 winning 54% of races compared to 35% from middle posts and just 11% from outside gates.​

In dirt sprints, the track generally plays fair with early speed holding a modest edge. The long 1,346-foot stretch run from the final turn to the finish line allows closers to mount effective rallies if they secure good position into the turn.

For turf routes, late runners perform best with closers winning 40% of races and stalkers capturing 38%, while speed horses hold just 22% success rate. The turf course configuration and long stretch heavily favor horses that can accelerate in the final quarter-mile. Post position matters less on turf, though the inner three posts show slightly lower win rates in sprints at 6.5% from post 4 specifically.​

Race-by-Race Analysis

Race 1 – Post Time: 12:00 PM CT

Pace Analysis

Voila Magic and Yorktown Panther figure to contest early leadership from inside posts, with The Wicked Cat and Wicked as Haggart likely pressing the pace. Asthecoldwindblows and Clearly Majestic should settle in mid-pack positions. The projected pace figures as moderately fast given the presence of multiple horses with early speed credentials.

Key Contenders

Voila Magic drops in class after facing tougher competition and owns the highest speed figures in the field. The three-year-old colt has shown consistency with a 43% win rate and 75% in-the-money percentage, and trainer Steven Asmussen’s strong statistics at the meet enhance his prospects. Paco Lopez rides, providing a potent jockey-trainer combination.​

Wicked as Haggart won impressively last time over this track for trainer Bret Calhoun and shows improving form. The three-year-old gelding has tactical speed and posted a strong figure in his breakthrough victory. He draws well from post 5 and should sit a good stalking trip behind the leading pair.​

Secondary Choices

Yorktown Panther owns a course and distance win and has been competitive in recent starts. The three-year-old colt has speed but has been inconsistent with finishing efforts. He figures to get a favorable forward position from post 2.​

Clearly Majestic has been steadily competitive at this level and connects with leading rider Isaac Castillo for trainer Shane Wilson. The gelding has hit the board in half his career starts but needs to improve his finishing kick to threaten the top pair.​

Longshots

Asthecoldwindblows at 15-1 odds has shown occasional flashes of talent but needs a career-best effort to contend. The Wicked Cat has modest figures but could improve with jockey Marcelino Pedroza Jr. maintaining a patient ride.

Betting Strategy

Voila Magic appears a legitimate single at short odds given his class drop and trainer’s success rate. Consider exactas pairing Voila Magic over Wicked as Haggart and Yorktown Panther. For wider wagers, include Clearly Majestic in trifecta combinations underneath the top pair.

Selections

Win: Voila Magic
Place: Wicked as Haggart
Show: Yorktown Panther

Race 2 – Post Time: 12:30 PM CT

Pace Analysis

Storm Miami (IRE) and Cheetah Lady have demonstrated clear early speed in turf routes and figure to set the pace. Mo Expectations and Chantilly Road will sit in stalking positions, while Pretty Sassy, Pisciotta, and Doudoudouwanadance race from mid-pack. Conch Fried Rice and Aledean prefer to close from well off the pace.

Key Contenders

Storm Miami (IRE) has the highest speed figures and strongest win probability at 29% according to algorithmic projections. The four-year-old filly has a record of 2-5-8 from 20 turf starts with earnings over $1.4 million. Trainer Brendan Walsh wins at 23% at Fair Grounds, and Ben Curtis rides with a 50% place rate on turf. Her front-running style suits the firm turf course.​

Chantilly Road consistently hits the board with a 55% place rate and has tactical versatility. The four-year-old filly shows good recent form and gets Paco Lopez aboard for trainer Lindsay Schultz. She has finished in the money in five of eleven career turf starts.​

Mo Expectations has solid figures and benefits from trainer Brad Cox’s strong meet statistics. The three-year-old filly has tactical speed and should sit a perfect stalking trip just off the leaders.​

Secondary Choices

Cheetah Lady has early speed but has been vulnerable to late runners in previous turf attempts. Pisciotta (GB) shows foreign breeding that could adapt well to Fair Grounds turf and has decent closing figures. Doudoudouwanadance owns a win over this course and could improve at a price.

Longshots

Conch Fried Rice has not shown turf form but trainer Michael Stidham wins at 19% on grass. Aledean makes first turf start for Thomas Amoss but possesses the breeding to handle the surface switch.

Betting Strategy

Storm Miami’s front-running style and class make her a logical single in vertical wagers. Box Storm Miami, Chantilly Road, and Mo Expectations in exacta and trifecta wagers. Include Pisciotta and Doudoudouwanadance in wider trifecta combinations underneath the top three.

Selections

Win: Storm Miami (IRE)
Place: Chantilly Road
Show: Mo Expectations

Race 3 – Post Time: 1:00 PM CT

Pace Analysis

Moonie Pie has shown consistent pace figures in recent starts and will likely push forward from the rail. It’s Been Real and Kin to the Wicked have tactical speed and should sit in forward positions. Sweet Iron and The Rain Is Gone will race mid-pack, while Nothin, Mikkisonthinice, and Southern Queen prefer to close from well back.

Key Contenders

Moonie Pie has been consistently placed in recent starts, finishing second in two of three Fair Grounds attempts. The three-year-old filly owns the highest speed figures in the field and drops to a favorable level. Marcelino Pedroza Jr. rides for Sam David Jr., a trainer who excels with Louisiana-bred maidens.​

Kin to the Wicked steps up in class after a promising debut second for trainer Bret Calhoun. The three-year-old filly showed ability in her first start and figures to improve with race experience. The Calhoun barn wins at 20% with second-time starters.​

It’s Been Real has been knocking on the door with recent placing efforts and shows improving speed figures. The three-year-old filly has tactical speed and connects with Isaac Castillo, who rides effectively on the front end.​

Secondary Choices

The Rain Is Gone has turf breeding but attempts dirt here with Paco Lopez aboard. The filly has shown ability in workouts and could improve at a price. Sweet Iron makes first start for Clifford Dodson and has modest breeding for dirt sprinting.

Longshots

Nothin has been off form but gets a jockey change to Declan Cannon. Mikkisonthinice shows no recent form but could rally for a minor share at long odds.

Betting Strategy

Moonie Pie’s consistency and inside post make her the logical top choice. Use Moonie Pie on top of exactas with Kin to the Wicked and It’s Been Real. Spread trifecta wagers to include The Rain Is Gone underneath. The small field suggests playing conservative wagers rather than deep spreads.

Selections

Win: Moonie Pie
Place: Kin to the Wicked
Show: It’s Been Real

Race 4 – Post Time: 1:30 PM CT

Pace Analysis

Final War and Ramblin have shown early speed in dirt attempts and may try to dictate turf terms. Turbo Launch and Beekman Street possess tactical speed, while Practical Joker and Road Trippin prefer to stalk. The rest of the large field contains mostly closers, suggesting a fast early pace that could set up for late runners.

Key Contenders

Practical Joker shows turf breeding from the More Than Ready sire line and gets a jockey switch to Axel Concepcion for Michael Stidham. The two-year-old colt has been working steadily and Stidham wins at 19% with turf starters. The 8-1 morning line offers value for a horse with upside potential.​

Road Trippin has the highest speed figures among horses with turf experience and gets Jareth Loveberry for Bret Calhoun. The two-year-old colt has tactical speed and should sit a good stalking trip. Calhoun’s strong meet statistics enhance his prospects.​

Beekman Street makes his turf debut for Stidham with Mitchell Murrill aboard. The colt has shown ability in dirt sprints and his pedigree suggests turf capability. The 4-1 morning line reflects strong connections.

Secondary Choices

Kelz gets leading rider Declan Cannon for Kenny McPeek, a trainer who wins at 16% with turf maidens. The two-year-old colt has been working well and shows sufficient breeding for turf. Leonardo connects with Cannon for Rob Atras, who has solid turf statistics.

Ramblin has early speed but may face pace pressure from several others. He’s a Charmer has modest figures but gets C.J. McMahon, who rides effectively on turf.

Longshots

Moral Man gets Fernando De La Cruz for Daniel Simpson and has longshot breeding. Thebabeslayer draws James Graham for Steven Asmussen but faces a deep field. Ride Or Fly makes turf debut for Brendan Walsh with Ben Curtis riding.

Betting Strategy

The large field suggests spreading wagers rather than singling any horse. Use Practical Joker, Road Trippin, and Beekman Street in exacta combinations. Box Kelz, Leonardo, and Ramblin underneath in trifecta wagers. Include longshots Matching Funds and Whatever in fourth positions for superfecta plays.

Selections

Win: Practical Joker
Place: Road Trippin
Show: Beekman Street

Race 5 – Post Time: 2:00 PM CT

Pace Analysis

Braken Poppa and Bright Note have shown the best early speed in workouts and should vie for the lead. Miss Super Mo prefers to stalk from close range, while Whtruwearingrlfrnd and Golden Keen will race mid-pack. Longshot Baby, Mo Simple, and Lil Bit Forgotten prefer to close from well off the pace.

Key Contenders

Braken Poppa gets leading rider Paco Lopez for Steven Asmussen, the meet’s top trainer. The two-year-old filly has been working steadily and Asmussen wins at 22% with juvenile firsters. The 5/2 morning line reflects strong expectations despite no race experience.​

Miss Super Mo has two starts under her belt with a second and third showing, giving her a clear experience edge over most rivals. The filly gets Axel Concepcion for Bret Calhoun, who wins at 20% with two-year-old maidens. Her tactical speed should provide a good stalking trip.​

Bright Note shows strong workout patterns for Larry Rivelli, who wins at 31% with juvenile fillies. Jareth Loveberry rides and should have the filly forwardly placed from post 3.​

Secondary Choices

Whtruwearingrlfrnd makes her third start for Brendan Walsh after showing improvement last out. The filly gets a jockey switch to Ben Curtis and has enough speed to sit close. Golden Keen has two starts and shows modest improvement for Chasey Deville Pomier.

Longshots

Longshot Baby makes her debut for Bobby Burkes at 20-1 odds. The filly has shown little in published workouts but could rally for a minor share. Lil Bit Forgotten has been well beaten in her only start but has pedigree appeal.

Betting Strategy

Braken Poppa’s connections make her a logical single in vertical wagers despite her lack of race experience. Use Braken Poppa over Miss Super Mo and Bright Note in exacta combinations. Include Whtruwearingrlfrnd in trifecta wagers underneath the top pair. Given the short price on Braken Poppa, consider playing Miss Super Mo to win at 3-1 for better value.

Selections

Win: Braken Poppa
Place: Miss Super Mo
Show: Bright Note

Race 6 – Post Time: 2:30 PM CT

Pace Analysis

Tommie G and Malibu Smart have shown early speed in recent turf attempts and should contest the lead. Super Stormy, Just the Sky, and Purring will stalk from close range, while the rest of the large field prefers to close from off the pace. The pace figures as honestly contested with multiple forwardly placed runners.

Key Contenders

Tommie G drops into an advantageous spot off a solid turf effort and gets leading rider Colby Hernandez for trainer Patricia West. The four-year-old filly has tactical speed and should secure a good forward position from post 9. Hernandez wins at 18% on turf.​

September Magic has solid turf form for Thomas Amoss and connects with Declan Cannon, who rides effectively on grass. The four-year-old filly has been competitive in allowance company and drops to a winnable level.​

Lofty Heights makes her second start off a layoff for Steven Duke and gets Sofia Vives aboard. The filly has shown ability in turf routes and could improve with race fitness.

Secondary Choices

Malibu Smart has early speed but may face pace pressure. Just the Sky shows consistent turf form for Cherie DeVaux and gets Axel Concepcion. Hidden Quarry makes her second start for Ethan West and could improve with experience.

Longshots

Super Stormy has been off form but gets a jockey switch to Jose Luis Rodriguez. Spicy Italian drops in class but faces a deep field. Epic Style makes her Fair Grounds debut for Michael Stidham and has turf breeding.

Betting Strategy

The large field suggests spreading wagers rather than singling any horse. Use Tommie G and September Magic on top of exacta combinations. Include Lofty Heights, Malibu Smart, and Just the Sky in trifecta wagers. For deeper plays, add Hidden Quarry and Super Stormy in fourth positions.

Selections

Win: Tommie G
Place: September Magic
Show: Lofty Heights

Race 7 – Post Time: 3:00 PM CT

Pace Analysis

Tedder and Picked have shown the best early speed in workouts and should contest the lead. Cowboy Roy and Walkers Creek will stalk from close range, while Ackley, Emancipation, Baby Vino, and B D S Streaker prefer to close from off the pace. The pace projects as honestly contested with several forwardly placed runners.

Key Contenders

Picked makes his second start for Steven Asmussen after a promising debut at Keeneland where he rallied for fourth. The two-year-old colt gets Paco Lopez aboard and should improve with experience. Asmussen wins at 24% with second-time starters.​

Tedder makes his debut for Albert Stall Jr. with James Graham riding. The colt has been working steadily at Fair Grounds and shows strong breeding for sprinting. Stall wins at 18% with juvenile firsters.

Walkers Creek makes his debut for Sturges Ducoing with C.J. McMahon aboard. The colt has shown solid workout patterns and has pedigree appeal.

Secondary Choices

Cowboy Roy makes his debut for Ethan West with Marcelino Pedroza Jr. riding. The colt has been working well at the Fair Grounds training center. Ackley makes his second start for Michael Stidham and could improve with race experience.

Longshots

Emancipation debuts for Wayne Catalano with Jareth Loveberry riding. The colt has shown modest workouts but Catalano wins at 14% with firsters. Baby Vino makes his first start for Lindsay Schultz and has longshot breeding.

Betting Strategy

Picked’s race experience gives him an edge over the first-time starters. Use Picked over Tedder and Walkers Creek in exacta combinations. Include Cowboy Roy and Ackley in trifecta wagers underneath. For value, consider Walkers Creek to win at 10-1 or higher.

Selections

Win: Picked
Place: Tedder
Show: Walkers Creek

Race 8 – Post Time: 3:30 PM CT

Pace Analysis

Enlighten and Foligno have shown early speed in turf routes and should contest the pace. Baltimore Heart and Oscar Season will stalk from close range, while Another Mystery, Legalize, Rock’n a Halo, and Not Falling Back prefer to close from off the pace. The pace projects as honestly contested with multiple forwardly placed runners.

Key Contenders

Enlighten drops in class after facing tougher competition at Saratoga and Belmont. The four-year-old colt has tactical speed and gets Jareth Loveberry for Michael Maker, who wins at 21% with turf allowance runners. The class drop makes him dangerous.​

Foligno makes his second start off a layoff for Brad Cox and gets Marcelino Pedroza Jr. aboard. The three-year-old colt has shown solid turf form and Cox wins at 24% with return runners.​

Oscar Season has been competitive in turf allowances for Brendan Walsh and gets Ben Curtis riding. The four-year-old gelding has consistent form and should sit a good stalking trip.

Secondary Choices

Baltimore Heart makes his first turf start for Brian Williamson but has breeding that suggests grass capability. Legalize shows consistent turf form for Cherie DeVaux and gets James Graham. Rock’n a Halo has been off form but gets Declan Cannon for Thomas Amoss.

Longshots

Another Mystery has class but may need the race off a long layoff. Not Falling Back has been scratched due to illness previously and could be vulnerable. Z Z’s Prince and Next Level face deep fields but could rally for minor shares.

Betting Strategy

Enlighten’s class drop makes him a legitimate single in vertical wagers. Use Enlighten over Foligno and Oscar Season in exacta combinations. Include Baltimore Heart and Legalize in trifecta wagers underneath. For deeper plays, add Rock’n a Halo and Not Falling Back in fourth positions.

Selections

Win: Enlighten
Place: Foligno
Show: Oscar Season

Race 9 – Post Time: 4:00 PM CT

Pace Analysis

Baby Yoda, Surveillance, Wendelssohn, and Bear River have shown early speed in recent sprint attempts and should contest the pace. Komorebino Omoide, The Wine Steward, Mondogetsbuckets, and Goodlookinjustice will stalk from close range, while The Donegal Clan prefers to close from off the pace. The pace projects as fast and contested, setting up for a strong closing kick.

Key Contenders

Komorebino Omoide is the 3-1 morning line favorite after finishing second in last year’s Thanksgiving Classic. The Japanese-bred five-year-old horse gets Paco Lopez for Robertino Diodoro, who wins at 21% with shippers and non-graded stakes runners. The horse drops a notch in class and has been training steadily for three months. His late-running style suits the expected pace scenario.​

The Wine Steward is a compelling alternative at 7-2 odds, trained by Michael Maker and ridden by Jareth Loveberry. The four-year-old colt has kept top company throughout his career with multiple graded stakes attempts. His late-running style appears perfectly suited to the expected fast pace, and he is 2-for-2 at six furlongs. Maker’s 21% turf-to-dirt conversion rate enhances his prospects.​

Surveillance is 5-1 on the morning line and has a dominant record at Fair Grounds with six wins and one second from seven local starts. The eight-year-old gelding won this race in 2022 and has been competitive in recent stakes attempts. His tactical speed and local success make him a major threat.​

Secondary Choices

Bear River is a millionaire with $1.6 million in earnings and recent Grade 2 turf sprint victory at Kentucky Downs. The four-year-old colt gets James Graham for Keith Desormeaux but faces dirt for the first time, which creates uncertainty. His class makes him dangerous if he handles the surface switch.​

Baby Yoda is a millionaire with a Grade 2 True North victory at Saratoga. The seven-year-old gelding makes his Fair Grounds debut off a poor Breeders’ Cup effort but has trained well for his new connections. His early speed could put him in good position.​

Wendelssohn has solid form for Chris Hartman and gets Marcelino Pedroza Jr. The four-year-old colt is 6-for-12 at the distance and his barn wins at 18% going turf-to-dirt.

Longshots

Mondogetsbuckets has class but gets a jockey switch to Axel Concepcion for Chris Block. Goodlookinjustice and The Donegal Clan have long odds but possess enough ability to hit the board at major prices.

Betting Strategy

The contentious field suggests spreading wagers rather than singling any horse. The most likely scenario is a late runner prevailing over speed horses. Use Komorebino Omoide and The Wine Steward on top of exacta combinations. Include Surveillance, Bear River, and Baby Yoda in second and third positions for trifecta wagers. For deeper plays, add Wendelssohn and Mondogetsbuckets underneath. Consider playing The Wine Steward to win at 7-2 or higher for better value than the 3-1 favorite.

Selections

Win: The Wine Steward
Place: Komorebino Omoide
Show: Surveillance

Race 10 – Post Time: 4:30 PM CT

Pace Analysis

Razor Crest and Louisiana Jess have shown early speed in recent attempts and should contest the lead. Pop’s Peppysteper, Yockey’s Drivethru, and Conejo Chapin will stalk from close range, while Myglorybee, Lauri’s Wish, Avery’s Gem, and F T W Slam prefer to close from off the pace. The pace projects as moderately contested.

Key Contenders

Razor Crest drops in class after running in allowance company and gets Marcelino Pedroza Jr. for Sam David Jr.. The four-year-old gelding has tactical speed and his barn wins at 22% with class droppers. The inside post helps his chances.​

Pop’s Peppysteper has been competitive in recent allowance attempts and gets C.J. McMahon for Jason Faul. The four-year-old gelding has consistent form and should sit a good stalking trip. Faul’s barn wins at 18% with route-to-sprint turnbacks.

Louisiana Jess makes her second start off a layoff for Bret Calhoun with Axel Concepcion riding. The three-year-old filly has shown ability in Louisiana-bred company and Calhoun wins at 24% with return runners.

Secondary Choices

Yockey’s Drivethru has been competitive in recent starts for Sam David Jr. and gets Paco Lopez riding. Conejo Chapin makes his second start for Sherman Savoie and could improve with experience. Lauri’s Wish has been off form but gets Colby Hernandez riding.

Longshots

Myglorybee has been off form but gets Emanuel Nieves riding. Avery’s Gem and F T W Slam face deep fields but have shown occasional flashes of talent. The large field suggests longshots could fill minor positions.

Betting Strategy

Razor Crest’s class drop and inside post make him a logical single in vertical wagers. Use Razor Crest over Pop’s Peppysteper and Louisiana Jess in exacta combinations. Include Yockey’s Drivethru and Conejo Chapin in trifecta wagers underneath. For value, consider Louisiana Jess to win at 8-1 or higher given her improving form and strong connections.

Selections

Win: Razor Crest
Place: Pop’s Peppysteper
Show: Louisiana Jess

Jockey Notes and Insights

Paco Lopez leads the colony with 24% win rate and 63% in-the-money percentage, making him the rider to watch on favorites. His aggressive style suits front-running types but he can rate horses effectively when needed. Lopez excels on Louisiana-bred maidens and allowance horses, particularly for Steven Asmussen and Shane Wilson.​

Ben Curtis wins at 50% on turf and rides effectively for Brendan Walsh, whose barn has strong turf statistics. Curtis shows patience in turf routes and can time late runs perfectly on the firm course. His 6% win rate on dirt sprints suggests avoiding him in main track sprints.​

Declan Cannon connects at 18% with turf maidens and 16% overall, making him a solid choice for Kenny McPeek and Rob Atras. Cannon’s riding style suits stalkers and closers rather than speed horses.​

Marcelino Pedroza Jr. wins at 14% on turf and 6% on dirt sprints, but his connections often provide live mounts. He rides effectively for Sam David Jr., Bret Calhoun, and Michael Stidham.​

Jareth Loveberry excels on turf at 14% but shows only 44% in-the-money rate overall. He rides for Michael Maker, Chris Block, and Wayne Catalano, often getting live longshots.​

C.J. McMahon wins at 18% on turf and 16% overall, showing particular strength with Ethan West and Sturges Ducoing. His riding style suits stalkers in turf routes.​

Trainer Notes and Insights

Steven Asmussen leads the colony with 616 wins at 13% rate and dominates Louisiana-bred races. His barn excels with maidens, allowance horses, and stakes runners. Asmussen wins at 22% with juvenile firsters and 24% with second-time starters, making his horses must-uses in early races.​

Bret Calhoun wins at 20% with Louisiana-bred maidens and 48% in-the-money percentage, making his juvenile fillies particularly dangerous. Calhoun’s barn shows strength in allowances and state-bred stakes, particularly with Axel Concepcion riding.​

Michael Stidham wins at 19% on turf and 44% in-the-money rate, making his grass horses live in any spot. Stidham excels with layoff runners and shows strong turf-to-dirt conversion rates at 18%.​

Brendan Walsh wins at 23% overall with 51% in-the-money percentage, dominating turf routes with late-running types. Walsh’s barn wins at 40% when Ben Curtis rides, making that combination particularly potent.​

Michael Maker shows 21% win rate with turf allowance runners and 18% turf-to-dirt conversion rate. Maker’s horses often take money at the windows but frequently deliver value in graded stakes company.​

Brad Cox wins at 24% with return runners and 23% overall, making his horses dangerous in allowance spots. Cox’s barn excels with fillies and mares on turf.​

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

The Crescent City Pick 6 beginning in Race 5 offers a $6,192 carryover and 20-cent minimum base wager, making it an attractive sequence play. The jackpot payout requires a single winning ticket, but consolation payouts reward five-of-six winners. Races 5, 6, and 7 appear most predictable, while Races 8, 9, and 10 offer spread opportunities.​

Race 5’s Braken Poppa and Race 6’s Tommie G provide logical sequence singles, while Race 7’s Picked offers solid value at 5-2 morning line. In Race 8, spread between Enlighten, Foligno, and Oscar Season. Race 9’s contentious Thanksgiving Classic demands maximum spread given the competitive nine-horse field. Include Komorebino Omoide, The Wine Steward, Surveillance, Bear River, and Baby Yoda. Race 10’s Razor Crest provides a solid single to close sequences.

The Pick 4 beginning in Race 7 offers value for players seeking a cheaper sequence. Single Picked in Race 7, spread in Race 8, key The Wine Steward in Race 9, and single Razor Crest in Race 10.

Value plays include The Wine Steward at 7-2 in Race 9, Louisiana Jess at 8-1 in Race 10, and Practical Joker at 8-1 in Race 4. Walkers Creek at 10-1 in Race 7 offers upside for a debut winner.

Exacta combinations in contentious races should focus on keying top choices over three-horse wheels. In predictable races, consider straight exacta doubles between logical favorites. Trifecta wagers should concentrate on top three choices in most races, adding one longshot underneath in deeper fields.

The early Pick 3 (Races 1-3) offers a solid opportunity to build bankroll. Single Voila Magic in Race 1, key Storm Miami in Race 2, and use Moonie Pie over Kin to the Wicked in Race 3. The $0.50 minimum allows affordable coverage.

Thanksgiving Day cards typically see increased public money on favorites, creating value on logical second and third choices. Avoid heavy investment in horses with weak connections or poor form cycles. Focus on trainer-jockey combinations that win at 20% or higher and horses dropping in class or making favorable surface switches.