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Fair Grounds Race Course – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the March 16, 2026 card

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Fair Grounds offers a nine-race Monday program on March 16, 2026, with a mix of Louisiana-bred claiming races, maiden events, turf claimers, and two higher-quality allowance/optional claiming spots in races 4 and 8. The card features several key barns with live runners throughout the day, including Calhoun, Sharp, McPeek, Eurton, Maker, Schultz, and Block, and there are multiple multi-race exotic sequences available (early and late Pick 4s, plus likely rolling Pick 3s).​​

Recent meet statistics indicate that on dirt at 5.5 and 6 furlongs, early and pace-pressing styles have performed well, especially from inside and mid posts, while the turf has favored horses with previous success over the Fair Grounds course. The presence of LA-bred restricted races early and late in the card tends to compress the talent level and can offer value when connections and trip potential are weighed correctly.

Weather and Track Conditions

Public track-profile resources list Fair Grounds conditions as generally mild for the meet, and typical March weather in New Orleans trends toward cool to mild temperatures with a chance of showers but generally playable racing conditions. No specific adverse-weather advisory has been published for this particular card, so the base assumption is fast dirt and firm or good turf, but this should be confirmed on race day with the official track feed.

The Wilson turf course at Fair Grounds has deep roots and a unique profile that often rewards horses with prior success over the surface, particularly when the rail is out (listed as 28 feet today for turf races 3, 6, and 8). The main track has a long stretch, which can allow off-the-pace runners to get involved even when the rail is advantageous, especially at routes, but sprint races still show an edge for forward runners when the surface is dry and fair.​

Track Bias and Post Position Bias

Long-term data show that Fair Grounds dirt sprints are friendly to inside posts, with stall 1 winning around 18.9 percent and stall 2 around 16.3 percent of sprint races in a prior full-season sample, while outside posts 6 and 7 collectively underperform. At one mile and longer on dirt, the distribution becomes more even, but inside posts (1 and 2) still own a slight edge over far outside gates.​

Turf races at Fair Grounds show a moderate tilt toward inside and middle posts, with a noted drop-off from post 4 in one broad sample, and again, horses with prior success over the course are especially reliable. Current “At a Glance” reports for the meet through early March indicate that 5.5- and 6-furlong dirt races have produced a roughly one-third wire-to-wire rate, favoring early or pace-pressing running styles, while routes show less dependency on pure speed but still reward tactical position.

1st Race – Fair Grounds – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Maiden claiming, LA-bred three-year-old fillies, 5.5 furlongs dirt, $10,000 tag. Pace should be honest to fast because several fillies are lightly raced or debuting in a cheap spot, and rider intent is usually aggressive at this level.

Post Time

12:45 PM local time.

Pace Analysis

With a short 5.5-furlong trip, early speed and position off the break will be critical, especially from inside posts that historically hold an edge at this distance. On paper, the most likely pace elements project to be Metallic Maid (4), Go North Boss (6), and Stella Guitar (7), with Flora Bound (1) capable of being handy from the rail.

If one of the mid-to-outside pace fillies clears, the race could tilt toward a gate-to-wire or pace-pressing winner; if they hook up, the door opens for a stalking type like Goodmorning Gracie (2) or Miss Maddie (8) to grind them down late.

Key Contenders

Goodmorning Gracie (2) pairs Mitchell Murrill with Joseph Foster, a productive local combination, and lands a favorable inside post that can secure a pressing trip just behind the speed. The class drop into a LA-bred 10k maiden claimer is realistic for a filly that has likely faced tougher earlier in the meet, and the connections are solid at placing horses in winning spots.

Stella Guitar (7) goes for Bret Calhoun with Axel Concepcion aboard, a barn-jock combo that routinely shows up ready in lower-level LA-bred spots. Calhoun typically has his sprinting fillies fit, and from post 7, this filly can either press outside or sit three-wide stalking if inside speed gets aggressive; that versatility is valuable at 5.5 furlongs.

Flora Bound (1) draws the rail for David Terre and apprentice Micah Meeks, and that inside draw can be advantageous if she breaks cleanly and holds the rail into the turn. While the barn is more low-profile, the combination of weight allowance and inside trip can make her a dangerous player if she shows any step forward on figures.

Secondary Choices

Metallic Maid (4) for trainer Carrol Castille and rider Marcelino Pedroza Jr. merits respect as a pace factor with a mid-gate draw and an experienced jock who excels at putting horses in the race early. Even if she has not shown finishing punch, the cheap level and race flow give her every chance to stick for a piece.

Go North Boss (6) runs for Jonathan Wong with Harry Hernandez aboard, and Wong's horses often show speed and fitness even when shipping into a meet. From post 6, this filly can attend the pace, and if she is fit off recent works or prior runs, she could be a serious danger if the rail filly gets shuffled.

Miss Maddie (8) with Jose Riquelme and Emile Schwandt is drawn widest but may benefit from a tracking trip off the main speed if she has a passing gear. The outside draw is not ideal for a cheap filly, but a clean trip and a meltdown up front could see her rolling late.

Longshots

Hannah Boo (5) has multiple recent scratches noted for gate and vet issues, and returns again in a similar maiden 10k LA-bred spot, which raises reliability questions but also suggests the barn is trying to find a softer field. While she must prove she can leave the gate cleanly and finish a race, her presence at this level means she cannot be totally dismissed for lower exotics in a chaotic race.

Stormy Lou (3) for Gerard Perron with Juan Vargas is a bit of an unknown commodity and may be a late-running type who could clunk up for a minor share if the projected pace collapses. Given the combination of cheap price and possible trip, she is more of a trifecta or superfecta inclusion than a win candidate.

Selections

Win: Goodmorning Gracie (2)
Place: Stella Guitar (7)
Show: Flora Bound (1)

Wagering angle: Key Goodmorning Gracie (2) and Stella Guitar (7) on top of exactas with Flora Bound (1), Metallic Maid (4), and Go North Boss (6), and use all of these plus Hannah Boo (5) and Miss Maddie (8) underneath in trifectas.

2nd Race – Fair Grounds – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Claiming, 6 furlongs dirt, three-year-old fillies that have never won two races, $15,000 tag (with $10,000 option). This is a conditioned claimer with some lightly raced winners facing drop-down types.

Post Time

1:15 PM local time.

Pace Analysis

Six furlongs on the Fair Grounds dirt has shown a strong tilt to early or pace-pressing types, particularly from inside posts. Authentic Angel (1), Ice Cold Blonde (2), Hold The Drama (3), and Kitten Gloves (4) all have the profiles to show speed or tactical pace, which suggests an honest to fast pace.

Great Owl (6) is a likely stalker who may sit midpack and attempt to make one run, while Undisputable (5) could either be pace-adjacent or midpack depending on break and tactics. A contested pace between the inside trio could set this up for a stalker slightly off the leaders.

Key Contenders

Authentic Angel (1) draws the rail for James Graham and Keith Desormeaux, a connections team known for patient handling and formful placement. The inside post is a plus at 6 furlongs on this track, and this filly figures to be forwardly placed, perhaps saving ground and trying to kick clear in the stretch.

Kitten Gloves (4) with Jose Ortiz for Randy Degeyter Jr. is a serious threat, as Ortiz's presence often indicates live stock, and the mid-gate draw allows for options: pressing outside the rail filly or sitting just off the pace. Given Ortiz's strength in timing moves and finishing, Kitten Gloves (4) looks like a major win candidate if she has any figure edge or tactical speed.

Undisputable (5) for Dallas Stewart and Colby Hernandez may be the class dropper or lightly raced type looking to capitalize on a softer spot. Stewart tends to improve horses with experience, and the draw just outside the main pace cluster allows this filly to get a stalking or outside-pressing trip.

Secondary Choices

Ice Cold Blonde (2) gets apprentice Sofia Vives for trainer Whitney Zeringue Jr., and that combo can be dangerous if she breaks sharply and hugs the rail sitting just behind Authentic Angel (1). The weight allowance and inside draw help, but she might be more of a minor-award type unless she steps forward.

Hold The Drama (3) is a Jonathan Wong runner with Harry Hernandez, and as with other Wong entrants on the card, fitness and speed are likely. She sits between the inside speed and the mid-gate contenders, and could end up in a perfect pressing trip if the rail filly sends hard.

Great Owl (6) for Larry Rivelli and Hunter Rea is intriguing as an outside stalker; Rivelli is known for having ready sprinters, and if this filly drops into a suitable level, she may be the one to mow them down late if the pace is too hot. The outside post is not ideal, but her running style can mitigate that.

Longshots

None of these six are true extreme longshots in such a small field, but the least obvious win candidate may be Ice Cold Blonde (2), who may still be figuring things out at this level. She remains usable in deeper trifectas.

Selections

Win: Kitten Gloves (4)
Place: Authentic Angel (1)
Show: Great Owl (6)

Wagering angle: Focus exactas using Kitten Gloves (4) over Authentic Angel (1), Undisputable (5), Hold The Drama (3), and Great Owl (6), and consider a small saver win bet on Authentic Angel (1) if prices dictate.

3rd Race – Fair Grounds – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Starter optional claiming, one mile turf (with main-track backup), older horses that have started for 5k or less since 2024 or in for 10k. Rail at 28 feet emphasizes saving ground and tactical position.

Post Time

1:45 PM local time.

Pace Analysis

The field includes several older geldings with established running styles: Not Falling Back (5), Foxtrot Harry (4), and Bigfoot Sighting (2) have pace-pressing tendencies, while horses like Even The Wind (1), Moogie Son (3), Red Road (7), and Sendero (11) are more midpack or closing types.

With a deep turf course and rail out, the race likely favors tactical stalkers that can sit within two to three lengths of the lead and save ground; pure deep closers can still win but need a strong enough pace. If Bigfoot Sighting (2) and Foxtrot Harry (4) both show speed, they could create a contested early pace that benefits stalkers and closers.​

Key Contenders

Even The Wind (1) for Chris Block with Marcelino Pedroza Jr. gets the rail and a trainer known for turf proficiency. The horse fits the starter condition well, has ground-saving potential, and the rider is skilled at working out trips from the inside at a mile.

Not Falling Back (5), also from the Block barn with Jareth Loveberry, is another major player, potentially sitting just off the leaders and getting first run. Block having two in here gives the barn multiple tactical options, and Loveberry is a strong turf rider with good timing.

Sendero (11) with Harry Hernandez for Juan Sanchez has a recent off-turf scratch, indicating connections wanted grass and are aiming for this spot. The far outside post is a negative, but as a closer or midpack type, he can drop in behind and look for cover, then make a wide late run; his turf ability makes him a dangerous late threat if pace materializes.

Secondary Choices

Red Road (7) with Brian Hernandez Jr. for Sturges Ducoing is an older turf pro who often runs his race, and the mid-outside draw can be manageable if he finds a midpack stalking position. He is an exotics stalwart and a minor win candidate.

Mister Muldoon (10) for Hugh Robertson with James Graham is another who fits the condition and has enough tactical speed to sit just off the leaders. The outside post is not ideal, but Graham's familiarity with the course can help mitigate the trip issues.

Moogie Son (3) for Larry Rivelli with Sofia Vives may be used as a pace-pressing or stalking type; Rivelli's horses are generally fit and tough, and from post 3, he can be forward but not necessarily on the lead.

Longshots

Bigfoot Sighting (2) for Cesar Govea with Jose Luis Rodriguez is a possible wire attempt if he can clear and control a moderate pace, but overall class and finishing ability may make him more of a longshot win candidate.

Fortuity (6) for Randy Degeyter Jr. with Jansen Melancon and Twoko Bay (8) for Gary Scherer with Erica Murray are older veterans whose best days may be behind them, but they can fill out supers if the trip and race shape cooperate. Boitano (9) with Axel Concepcion for Jose Camejo is similarly usable for lower exotics but faces a tricky mid-outside draw.

Selections

Win: Even The Wind (1)
Place: Not Falling Back (5)
Show: Sendero (11)

Wagering angle: Lean on the Block pair, using Even The Wind (1) and Not Falling Back (5) on top and in multi-race exotics, and include Sendero (11), Red Road (7), and Mister Muldoon (10) underneath in exactas and trifectas, especially if the race stays on turf.

4th Race – Fair Grounds – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Allowance for three-year-old fillies, 1 1/16 miles on dirt, non-winners of one other than. This is a short but high-quality field of five.

Post Time

2:15 PM local time.

Pace Analysis

The small field and route distance suggest a more tactical affair. Majestical (1), Huck's Agenda (2), and Sticker Shocked (3) all have the ability to be on or near the lead, while Zaffa (4) and A. P.'s Girl (5) profile as more tactical or slightly off-the-pace types.

Fair Grounds route bias leans toward tactically placed runners rather than deep closers, especially in small fields where run styles are less likely to create a meltdown. Expect a controlled pace with a sprint home, making trip and rider decisions key.

Key Contenders

Majestical (1) with Jose Ortiz for Peter Eurton ships in with West Coast form and draws the rail, an ideal combination in a short field going two turns. Ortiz is extremely effective at nursing pace and saving ground, and if she shows any early foot, she can control or sit pocket behind another speed.

Huck's Agenda (2) is one of two McPeek fillies and gets Brian Hernandez Jr., who excels on routes and can position this filly forwardly. If she has already proven herself at two turns versus solid company, she could be the one to beat on consistency and foundation.

A. P.'s Girl (5) is the second Eurton runner, with Ben Curtis aboard, and may offer a strong stretch kick if the pace is at all contested. Her outside draw gives her a clean run at the leaders and allows Curtis to adapt to how the race unfolds.

Secondary Choices

Zaffa (4) for Brendan Walsh with Declan Cannon is a filly to respect on trainer pattern alone, as Walsh often spots his allowance runners aggressively but realistically. She might be a stalking type who can pounce if the favorites underperform.

Sticker Shocked (3), the second McPeek entry with Colby Hernandez, may be used as a pace factor to ensure a solid tempo, setting up Huck's Agenda (2), or she could be live on her own if she steps forward in this spot.

Longshots

Given the five-horse field, no entrant is a complete throwout, but Sticker Shocked (3) is slightly more of a secondary or longshot win candidate relative to the likely favorites from Eurton and McPeek. She is still usable in exotics.

Selections

Win: Majestical (1)
Place: Huck's Agenda (2)
Show: A. P.'s Girl (5)

Wagering angle: Vertical exotics are constrained by field size; consider a cold exacta Majestical (1) over Huck's Agenda (2) or a three-horse trifecta keying Majestical (1) on top of Huck's Agenda (2), A. P.'s Girl (5), and Zaffa (4). This race is also a strong single candidate in multi-race sequences.

5th Race – Fair Grounds – Monday, March 16th, 2026

LA-bred claiming for fillies and mares that have never won two races, 6 furlongs dirt, with 17.5k/12.5k tags. Purse includes LAVPF money.

Post Time

2:45 PM local time.

Pace Analysis

This nine-horse field includes several pace-forward fillies: Charge The Deal (1), La Maxima (4), Blissit (5), and Little Em (9) have sprinting profiles conducive to early speed, while Kin To The Wicked (3), Johns June (6), and Miss Makeithappen (7) may sit just off. The expected pace is solid to fast.

Given 6-furlong dirt bias toward front-end or pressing runners from inside or mid posts, the race may favor horses who can secure position early but still have some finish.

Key Contenders

Kin To The Wicked (3) for Bret Calhoun with Axel Concepcion is a key contender, as Calhoun excels with LA-bred sprinters and this filly likely has tactical speed and enough stamina to finish. The inside-mid draw at post 3 is ideal for saving ground and staying within striking range.

Blissit (5) for Joseph Foster with Mitchell Murrill is very live here, stepping into an appropriate LA-bred N2L claiming level with a rider who fits this circuit well. From post 5, Blissit (5) should get a stalking or pressing trip and have clear running turning for home.

Little Em (9), trained by Sam David Jr. with Sofia Vives, draws widest but has potential speed and the weight break from the apprentice. If she can clear or sit just off the pace without losing too much ground early, she could be dangerous at a price.

Secondary Choices

Charge The Deal (1) with Isaac Castillo and Juan Larrosa draws the rail, which can be a blessing or a curse in sprints. If she breaks sharply, she could secure the inside lead or a pocket trip; if not, she risks being shuffled back. Still, her draw and connections warrant inclusion.

La Maxima (4) with Jose Ortiz and Alexis Claire is a tempting option, as Ortiz's presence suggests connections believe she belongs. She may get a pressing outside trip on the leaders and could outfinish them with a strong late run.

Johns June (6) for Samuel Breaux with Emanuel Nieves is another to consider underneath; Breaux's barn has solid local stats and this filly could sit midpack and pick up pieces late, especially if the leaders soften each other.

Longshots

Dose Of Reality (2), Miss Makeithappen (7), and Platinumus Maximus (8) are more fringe contenders. Dose of Reality (2) for Carl Woodley with Hunter Rea may be plodding but could grab a slice if pace collapses. Miss Makeithappen (7) and Platinumus Maximus (8) look more like superfecta fillers unless they show unexpected improvement or catch a major bias.

Selections

Win: Kin To The Wicked (3)
Place: Blissit (5)
Show: La Maxima (4)

Wagering angle: Use Kin To The Wicked (3) and Blissit (5) as A-level horses in Pick 3/4 tickets, and spread underneath with Charge The Deal (1), La Maxima (4), Johns June (6), and Little Em (9). Vertical players can key Kin to the Wicked (3) on top in exactas and trifectas.

6th Race – Fair Grounds – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Claiming, 1 1/16 miles turf (or main-track backup), non-winners of four races or non-winners of two turf routes since mid-September, 30k tag.

Post Time

3:15 PM local time.

Pace Analysis

Flamingproposition (1), Bold Discovery (4), Polar Bear Plunge (5), and Frosty Blue (6) have profiles that can show some tactical speed, while Another Mystery (3), Summer In Adriane (7), Ever Dangerous (8), and Next Level (9) tend toward midpack or closing styles. Enlighten (2) may be more of a stalker or grinder type.

On the Fair Grounds turf with the rail out, the race tends to reward tactical stalkers who can be within three to four lengths early and then quicken late. If Flamingproposition (1) and Bold Discovery (4) both commit to the front, it could create a decent setup for horses like Summer In Adriane (7), Another Mystery (3), or Next Level (9).​

Key Contenders

Summer In Adriane (7) for Michael Maker with Ben Curtis looms large; Maker is adept with turf claimers, and this type of N4L/non-two-since condition is exactly his wheelhouse. From post 7, Summer in Adriane (7) should track the pace just outside and get first run on the deeper closers.

Another Mystery (3) for Chris Block with Jareth Loveberry is a seasoned turf veteran with proven staying power, and Block's turf program is strong. Even at age 10, this gelding often gives a consistent effort, and the draw is ideal for a midpack ground-saving trip.

Next Level (9) for Keith Desormeaux with James Graham might be a sneaky value, despite an outer draw and a recent trainer scratch. If he returns here fit and ready, his late-running style fits a contested pace, and Graham is skilled at timing late runs on this course.

Secondary Choices

Flamingproposition (1) for Jonathan Wong with Harry Hernandez is notable: the trainer excels with this type of claiming-level horse, and the rail draw could enable him to control the pace if he breaks sharply. The question is stamina and pressure from others.

Bold Discovery (4) for Rob Atras with Emanuel Nieves is another pace-forward type; Atras is a high-percentage trainer, and if he has this gelding ready to fire, the horse can be dangerous on or near the lead at this level.

Ever Dangerous (8) for Robertino Diodoro with Isaac Castillo is a veteran that has seen plenty of turf, and Diodoro is adept at moving horses between circuits. He may be slightly past peak but retains enough quality to contend in this claiming spot.

Longshots

Enlighten (2) for Keith Austin with Micah Meeks is a longshot grinder who may lack the raw turn of foot to win but can clunk up for minor awards if the pace is strong. Frosty Blue (6) for Allen Landry and Polar Bear Plunge (5) for Mertkan Kantarmaci are mid-odds types likely to face pace or class challenges; they remain superfecta candidates.

Selections

Win: Summer In Adriane (7)
Place: Another Mystery (3)
Show: Flamingproposition (1)

Wagering angle: Anchor multi-race tickets around Summer In Adriane (7) and Another Mystery (3) as primary plays, with coverage including Flamingproposition (1), Bold Discovery (4), Ever Dangerous (8), and Next Level (9). In verticals, key Summer in Adriane (7) on top and spread underneath.

7th Race – Fair Grounds – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Maiden optional claiming, 6 furlongs dirt, three-year-olds, sale/RNA price cap or 50k tag. This is a competitive maiden field with multiple high-connection barns involved.

Post Time

3:45 PM local time.

Pace Analysis

Several entries have profiles that suggest early speed or at least tactical pace: Kalatua (1), Hutchinson (2), La Norme De Jour (4), and Editor (6) can be up close, while Pampered Prince (3), Apollo Eleven (5), General Graham (7), Kingofsomewherehot (8), and Candy Dreamin (9) may vary from stalking to closing.

Given the Fair Grounds 6-furlong bias toward early and pressing types from inside and mid posts, the race should favor horses that can secure strong position early without getting embroiled in a speed duel.

Key Contenders

Kalatua (1) for Hugh Robertson with Ben Curtis gets the rail, which can be powerful in maiden sprints when the horse is ready and has speed. Robertson is a capable trainer, and Curtis is a strong, aggressive rider; if Kalatua (1) breaks sharply, he can control the rail and force others to go around.

Hutchinson (2) for Keith Desormeaux with James Graham is another key player, combining a strong local jockey with a trainer that does well with developing three-year-olds. The post just outside the rail allows for a pressing pocket trip, and if he has any prior experience or good works, he could be the one to wear down the leader.

Editor (6) for Joe Sharp with Marcelino Pedroza Jr. is a prime contender: Sharp is a high-percentage trainer at Fair Grounds, and his maiden runners, especially those in realistic spots, are frequently live. The mid-gate draw and experienced rider suggest a stalking trip with a strong finishing kick.

Secondary Choices

La Norme De Jour (4) for Bret Calhoun with Axel Concepcion may show speed with blinkers and can be a pace force or pressing type; Calhoun is adept with this profile of maiden colt. If he improves on debut, he could be a strong win threat.

General Graham (7) for Eddie Kenneally with Jose Ortiz attracts immediate attention; Kenneally's record at Fair Grounds is strong, and Ortiz's presence suggests connections expect a good effort. The mid-outside draw is manageable if he is not completely pace-dependent.

Kingofsomewherehot (8) for Kenny McPeek with Brian Hernandez Jr. is another that could be rolling late; McPeek is known for patient handling, and his three-year-olds often improve with distance and experience. At 6 furlongs, he may need some pace help but still rates a solid chance to hit the board.

Longshots

Pampered Prince (3) for Albert Stall Jr. with Jareth Loveberry might be overlooked but deserves exotics inclusion; Stall is a patient conditioner and may have this colt ready to step forward second out. Apollo Eleven (5) for Norm Casse with Isaac Castillo and Candy Dreamin (9) for Juan Larrosa with Juan Vargas round out the field, and both look more like mid-price or longshot types who can fill lower slots in trifectas if they show improvement.

Selections

Win: Editor (6)
Place: Kalatua (1)
Show: Hutchinson (2)

Wagering angle: Use Editor (6), Kalatua (1), and Hutchinson (2) as primary horses in win and exacta plays, with La Norme De Jour (4), General Graham (7), and Kingofsomewherehot (8) as secondary coverage in vertical and multi-race exotics.

8th Race – Fair Grounds – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Allowance optional claiming, 5.5 furlongs turf, older horses, non-winners of 20k twice other than or non-winners of three, or 50k tag. Rail at 28 feet. This is a key feature race on the card.

Post Time

4:15 PM local time.

Pace Analysis

Sprinters at 5.5 furlongs on turf typically generate a rapid early pace. Here, Mister Mmmmm (2), That's Right (3), Rock N Roll Bolt (4), and Bridle A Butterfly (5) all have strong speed or pace-pressing credentials, while Pineland (1), Fit To Fly (6), Vesture (7), and Amoudi Bay (8) may sit just behind or midpack.

With multiple speed elements, the race shape could favor a horse that can sit slightly off the pace and make a well-timed run in the lane; the rail-out configuration, however, means saving ground is still critical.​​

Key Contenders

Vesture (7) for Bret Calhoun with Brian Hernandez Jr. has been identified as a top selection by at least one handicapper focusing on this race, and the profile fits: a hard-spun gelding with tactical speed and a strong finishing kick, trained by a high-percentage barn. From post 7, Vesture (7) can stalk the speed and launch a decisive run turning for home.​

Amoudi Bay (8) for Lindsay Schultz with James Graham is another prime contender. Schultz's turf sprinters have performed very well statistically at Fair Grounds, and Graham's familiarity with the turf course enhances his chances. Despite the outside draw, Amoudi Bay (8) can break, tuck in slightly, and track the leaders for a late surge.​

That's Right (3) for Joe Sharp with Ben Curtis is a key speed horse with class; Sharp's turf sprinters are dangerous, and this gelding has the pace to clear or sit just off the main burner. If he controls the fractions or runs his best race, he can take this field gate-to-wire or hold off late closers.

Secondary Choices

Mister Mmmmm (2) for Joe Sharp with Jose Ortiz is another strong entrant from the same barn, and he may be used as a pace presence or a pressing type. Ortiz's turf riding skills make him an obvious threat, and the inside-mid draw at post 2 provides a golden trip opportunity.

Pineland (1) for Lindsay Schultz with Declan Cannon is interesting from the rail; he can save ground and sit a pocket trip, but must prove he has the late kick to match the higher-profile speed and stalkers.

Rock N Roll Bolt (4) for Jose Camejo with Axel Concepcion ships off a prior stakes or high-level allowance effort and may be sharper cutting back on turf. If he shows his best early speed, he could dictate or at least be a significant pace player.

Longshots

Bridle A Butterfly (5) for Albert Stall Jr. with Sofia Vives and Fit To Fly (6) for Aubrie Suarez with Isaac Castillo are more fringe win candidates; their better roles may be in filling out trifectas and superfectas in a race where class and connections are deep. Still, any improvement or favorable flow could move them up.

Selections

Win: Vesture (7)
Place: Amoudi Bay (8)
Show: That's Right (3)

Wagering angle: This is an excellent race for multi-race exotics and intra-race spreads. Focus on Vesture (7) and Amoudi Bay (8) as A-level horses, with Mister Mmmmm (2), That's Right (3), and Rock N Roll Bolt (4) as B-level backups. Consider a trifecta with Vesture (7) and Amoudi Bay (8) on top, over the others.

9th Race – Fair Grounds – Monday, March 16th, 2026

LA-bred claiming for fillies and mares that have never won four races or not won two since mid-September, 1 mile 70 yards on dirt, with a 5k claiming tag.

Post Time

4:45 PM local time.

Pace Analysis

This is a two-turn dirt route for older LA-bred mares, and the pace projects as moderate. Sweet Alexis (1), Molto Vino (4), and Strawberry Sundae (7) can be forwardly placed, while Agami (2), Anita's Vision (3), Visionista (5), Pat Hand Girl (6), Averi Ever After (8), and Apriority Catch (9) may range from stalkers to closers.

Given Fair Grounds route profile, tactical horses just off the lead often have the best winning chances, particularly if they draw inside or middle posts.

Key Contenders

Visionista (5) for Eduardo Rodriguez with Mitchell Murrill is a key contender, combining a reliable local trainer with a strong route rider at a level where class and consistency matter more than brilliance. The mid-gate draw allows her to secure a stalking trip, and she should be in a prime striking position turning for home.

Apriority Catch (9) for Jonathan Wong with Harry Hernandez is another serious contender, dropping into an appropriate LA-bred claiming level where Wong's horses often shine. The outside draw is less ideal but manageable if she can sit outside stalking and make a sustained run.

Sweet Alexis (1) for Keith Bourgeois with Juan Vargas gets the rail and can make good use of it by going forward early or holding a pocket position behind any dedicated front-runner. In a relatively modest field, that rail positioning could prove decisive if she has enough late stamina.

Secondary Choices

Strawberry Sundae (7) for Shane Wilson with Isaac Castillo is a consistent type that often runs her race, and the mid-outside post is workable for a pressing or stalking trip. She is a strong exacta and trifecta candidate.

Agami (2) for Roland Patt Jr. with Devin Magnon finally gets a race after previously being an also-eligible scratch, and the inside-mid draw could yield a favorable trip if she can keep contact early. Anita's Vision (3) for Sherman Savoie with Emanuel Nieves and Pat Hand Girl (6) for Kenneth Hargrave with Jose Riquelme are also viable underneath players in exotics.

Longshots

Molto Vino (4) for Andy Rogers with Hunter Rea and Averi Ever After (8) for Steven Duke with Jamison Mudd are longer-priced possibilities. Molto Vino (4) may be more of a pace factor trying to steal it if left alone, while Averi Ever After (8) is a deep-closing type who needs a pace meltdown to threaten the win, but both can hit lower rungs of tris or supers.

Selections

Win: Visionista (5)
Place: Apriority Catch (9)
Show: Sweet Alexis (1)

Wagering angle: In verticals, key Visionista (5) on top of Apriority Catch (9), Sweet Alexis (1), Strawberry Sundae (7), and Agami (2). In horizontals, Visionista (5) and Apriority Catch (9) serve as primary coverage, with Sweet Alexis (1) and Strawberry Sundae (7) as backups.

Jockey Notes and Insights

James Graham appears on several key mounts, including Authentic Angel (1) in race 2, Mister Muldoon (10) in race 3, Hutchinson (2) in race 7, and Amoudi Bay (8) in race 8, and he is one of the most reliable and experienced riders at Fair Grounds for both dirt and turf. His presence generally upgrades a horse's chances, particularly in turf and route races where trip management is crucial.​

Jose Ortiz ships in for select mounts like Kitten Gloves (4) in race 2, Majestical (1) in race 4, La Maxima (4) in race 5, General Graham (7) in race 7, and Mister Mmmmm (2) in race 8, indicating connections view these as serious opportunities; Ortiz's national-class talent often translates into superior pace judgment and finishing ability. Brian Hernandez Jr., Ben Curtis, Marcelino Pedroza Jr., and Mitchell Murrill are all local mainstays with strong win percentages, and each appears on multiple live horses, enhancing their influence on the day's outcomes.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Trainers with particularly strong Fair Grounds profiles include Bret Calhoun, Joe Sharp, Eddie Kenneally, and Lindsay Schultz, all of whom have high win and in-the-money percentages at the meet according to public track-profile data. Calhoun saddles Kin To The Wicked (3) in race 5, Stella Guitar (7) in race 1, La Norme De Jour (4) in race 7, and Vesture (7) in race 8, giving him a powerful presence across the card.​

Joe Sharp sends out Editor (6) in race 7 plus Mister Mmmmm (2) and That's Right (3) in race 8, making that late turf sprint a major target for his barn. Michael Maker, Chris Block, and Jonathan Wong also come in with live turf and claiming runners such as Summer In Adriane (7) in race 6, Another Mystery (3) in race 6, and Go North Boss (6) in race 1 plus Apriority Catch (9) in race 9, all in conditions that play to their strengths as horsemen.​

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

For multi-race exotics, the middle and late portions of the card offer attractive sequences. The 4th race provides a logical single or strong lean in Majestical (1) or Huck's Agenda (2), which can be used to anchor Pick 3 and Pick 4 tickets. Using those fillies as singles allows spreading deeper in competitive races like the 5th and 6th.

The 8th race is a focal point for the late Pick 4 or Pick 5, with Vesture (7) and Amoudi Bay (8) as primary A-level horses and Mister Mmmmm (2), That's Right (3), and Rock N Roll Bolt (4) as backup B-level options. A reasonable late Pick 4 structure could key around solid opinions like Summer In Adriane (7) in race 6 and Editor (6) in race 7 while spreading moderately in the 8th and using Visionista (5) and Apriority Catch (9) in race 9.​

Value plays may emerge where strong connections meet modest-looking forms. Examples include Little Em (9) in race 5 as a potential pace player at a price, Next Level (9) in race 6 returning from a scratch as a closing threat, and Pampered Prince (3) in race 7 as a sneaky improvement candidate for Albert Stall Jr. In early races, Goodmorning Gracie (2) in race 1 and Kitten Gloves (4) in race 2 are logical stronger opinions that can be used as early singles in multi-race wagers.

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