Top 5 stakes performances of the decade at Fair Grounds

No. 5: Take Charge Lady (2002 Silverbulletday): Take Charge Lady dominated the Silverbulletday in an eight-length win. She would return to Fair Grounds to take the Oaks by five lengths; among her victims in the FG Oaks was Lotta Kim, dam of Rachel Alexandra.
What is notable about her two Fair Grounds victories was how fast Take Charge Lady ran. Her stablemate Repent won the Risen Star one day after the Silverbulletday, and the Louisiana Derby one day after the Fair Grounds Oaks. Take Charge Lady’s time in the Silverbulletday was faster than Repent’s time in the Risen Star, and her time in the Oaks was faster than his time in the Derby. Take Charge Lady received a 109 Beyer Speed Figure for the Silverbulletday; that is the highest Beyer received in a Fair Grounds route stakes restricted to 3yos. It is worth mentioning that she received a 107 Beyer for her Fair Grounds Oaks win.

No. 4: Mineshaft (2003 New Orleans Handicap): Early in his campaign for Horse of the Year, Mineshaft was victorious over a field that included Grade 1 winners Balto Star, Bonapaw, and Booklet.

No. 3: Peace Rules (2004 New Orleans Handicap): Peace Rules twice defeated Funny Cide at Fair Grounds. The first was in the Louisiana Derby. The second was in the New Orleans Handicap, when he also beat 2005 Horse of the Year St. Liam and 2003 Travers winner Ten Most Wanted.

No. 2: Einstein (2007 Muniz Handicap): Einstein took the scenic route to win Fair Grounds’ major grass race. After being wide around the first turn, Einstein was steered out to the middle of the course late down the backstretch to avoid a pulled up horse. Despite losing significant ground, Einstein somehow managed to remain in contention and go on to defeat Cloudy’s Night.

No. 1: Concerned Minister (2000 Tenacious Handicap): Concerned Minister equaled the track record with his daylight win in the Tenacious. His Beyer Speed Figure of 121 for that race is tied for the highest Beyer earned by a 3yo at any distance since 1996.

Honorable mention: Badge of Silver (2003 Risen Star), Diamond Tycoon (2009 Fair Grounds Handicap), Mighty (2000 Louisiana Derby), Mystery Giver (2004 Fair Grounds Handicap), , Proud Spell (2008 Fair Grounds Oaks), Rachel Alexandra (2009 Fair Grounds Oaks), and Sarafan (2002 Explosive Bid).

Inaugural Stakes selection Gesu scores at 22-1!

Those of you who don't follow racing at Tampa are missing out on some great betting opportunities.

Stakes Selections for Saturday, December 26

Diliberto Hcp. (9th at FG): Get Rich Quick.

Sandpiper (6th at Tampa): Red Orchestra.

Inaugural (10th at Tampa): Gesu.

Kenny Noe (9th at Calder): Prince Joshua.

Stage Door Betty (11th at Calder): Miss Singhsix.

Fair Grounds Selections for Sunday, December 20

6th Race: Brendyn Jo.

8th Race: Terryhowieandjimmy.

Tenacious Hcp: King Dan.

10th Race: Fundy. Flying Pegasus makes his first start in six months. He came off the shelf to run an excellent second in last year's Risen Star, but this time he is returning from an injury. He figures to be a heavy favorite, so I will try to beat him with Fundy.

Fair Grounds stakes selections for Saturday, December 19

Sugar Bowl: Big Texas Daddy.

Bonapaw: Due Date.

Champions Day Ladies Sprint: Master Link.

Esplanade: Simplify.

Champions Day Turf: Lee's Spirit.

Letellier: Sheer Beauty.

Champions Day Sprint: Mr. Porter.

Selections for Louisiana Champions Day

5th (Starter Hcp): Foxwood Runner.

7th (Champions Day Juvenile): Mr. Wildlee.

8th (Champions Day Lassie): Shezacrazygirl.

9th (Champions Day Turf): Desert Wheat.

10th (Champions Day Ladies Sprint: Seven Seventythree.

12th (Champions Day Sprint): Mr. Porter.

Sounds like a disposable name for a stakes race

Fair Grounds has finally announced the name of the $200,000 dirt route stakes for older fillies and mares that was added to the stakes schedule this year. The stakes will be named the New Orleans Distaff. The Chou Croute Stakes, which was for this division but for a lesser purse, was dropped from the stakes schedule. The New Orleans Distaff is an okay name. At least the race will be easily identified with Fair Grounds. Racing fans in the New Orleans area are hopeful that Rachel Alexandra will appear in its inaugural running. Should that happen, it is odds-on that the race will be named the Rachel Alexandra Stakes for its future editions.

Stakes Selections for Saturday, Nov. 28

Golden Rod: Vivid Colors.

Kentucky Jockey Club: Worldly.

Remsen: Citrus Kid.

Gazelle: Bon Jovi Girl.

Cigar Mile: Bribon.

Stakes Selections for Friday, Nov. 27

River City Hcp: Banrock.

Clark Hcp: Bullsbay.

Citation: Monzante.

Thanksgiving at Fair Grounds

3rd: Scene Of The Crash.

5th: Silver Sands.

6th: Ide Ball.

7th: Card Player.

Thanksgiving Handicap: Euroears.

9th: Quench.

Frankel at Fair Grounds

Robert Frankel was a great supporter of Fair Grounds. If Fair Grounds put up a nice stakes purse, Frankel would often ship a runner in for the event, and many times his entrants were highly regarded horses. Fair Grounds fans were very fortunate to see the likes of Peace Rules, Chester House, Beat Hollow, and many other stars from the Frankel barn race at Fair Grounds.

Much has been written about Frankel's wins in numerous Fair Grounds stakes. However, two notable stakes victories have been overlooked.

In 1986, Fair Grounds introduced the Week of Fame to close out the meet. The Week consisted of the $100k six-furlong Sprint on Wednesday, the $100k Ladies Handicap over nine furlongs on the grass on Thursday, the $100k Fortune Handicap over nine furlongs on Friday, the grassy $100k Derby on Saturday, and the $125k Gold Cup at 12 furlongs on the grass on Sunday. To entice trainers to enter multiple horses in the Week of Fame stakes, Fair Grounds offered a bonus to any trainer who could win more than two of these stakes in a year. Frankel answered the challenge.

In 1986, Frankel's horses ran well without winning any of the Week of Fame stakes. 1987 was a different story. Frankel's Rocky Marriage opened the Week by narrowly losing to Florida-invader Chief Steward in the Sprint. That defeat would prove to be costly for Frankel in terms of the bonus. The next day, Frankel saddled Solva, with Gary Stevens aboard, to a victory in the Ladies over the good mare Top Socialite. Frankel closed out that Week of Fame with a win in the Gold Cup as his Iades beat the Grade 1 winner Flying Pidgeon over a soggy Fair Grounds course.

Selections for Breeders' Cup Saturday

Juvenile Turf: Interactif (1st), Pounced (2nd), and Bridgetown (3rd).

Turf Sprint: Cannonball (1st), Noble Court (2nd), and Lord Shanakill (3rd).

Sprint: Fatal Bullet (1st), Gayego (2nd), and Capt. Candyman Can (3rd).

Juvenile: Radiohead (1st), Aikenite (2nd), and Lookin At Lucky (3rd).

Mile: Delegator (1st), Cowboy Cal (2nd), and Justenuffhumor (3rd).

Dirt Mile: Mr. Sidney (1st), Mastercraftsman (2nd), and Ready’s Echo (3rd).

Turf: Spanish Moon (1st), Dar Re Mi (2nd), and Conduit (3rd).

Classic: Twice Over (1st), Gio Ponti (2nd), and Mine That Bird (3rd).

Selections for Breeders Cup Friday

Marathon: Father Time (1st), Mastery (2nd), and Cloudy’s Night (3rd). Sir Dave completes the super.

Juvenile Fillies Turf: Lillie Langtry (1st), Jungle Tale (2nd), and Junia Tepzia (3rd).

Juvenile Fillies: Always A Princess (1st), Zilva (2nd), and Blind Luck (3rd). Beautician completes the super.

Filly and Mare Turf: Magical Fantasy (1st), Visit (2nd), and Forever Together (3rd).

Filly and Mare Sprint: Venture (1st), Informed Decision (2nd), and Evita Argentina (3rd).

Ladies Classic: Life Is Sweet (1st), Music Note (2nd), and Proviso (3rd).

Stakes selections for Saturday, October 17th

Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup: Hot Cha Cha.

Perryville: Evolutionist.

Nearctic: Storm Treasure.

E.P. Taylor: Treat Gently.

Canadian International: Buccellati.

Birdonthewire: Peace At Dawn.

My Dear Girl: Tillie The Tigress.

Calder Oaks: Proud Osceola.

In Reality: Thank U Philippe.

Calder Derby: Livingston Street.

Spend A Buck: Dream Maestro.

Santa Anita Selections for Saturday, Oct. 10th

Yellow Ribbon: Visit.

Oak Tree Mile: Skyrush.

Goodwood: Monzante.

Lady's Secret: Cocoa Beach.

Keeneland and Hawhtorne Selections for Saturday, Oct. 10th

Hawthorne Derby: Entry of Cosmic King and Empty Handed.

First Lady: Diamondrella.

Breeders' Futurity: Backtalk.

Shadwell Turf Mile: Battle of Hastings.

Belmont Selections for Saturday, October 10th

Jamaica: Boots Ahead.

Frizette: Touching Beauty.

Champagne: Discreetly Mine.

Stakes Selections for October 3rd

Flower Bowl: Pure Clan.

Hirsch Turf: Al Khali.

Jockey Club Gold Cup: Tizway.

Indiana Derby: Flat Bold

Indian Maid: Ciao.

Hawthorne Gold Cup: You And I Forever.

Robert Carey: Antrim County.

Stakes selection for Saturday, September 12th

Garden City Stakes: Pull Dancer.

Selections for September 6th

Saranac: Al Khali.

Spinaway: Sassy Image.

Del Mar Derby: Rendezvous.

Pacific Classic: Parading.

Red Bank Hcp.: Pick Six.

Selections for Saturday, September 5th

Saratoga, 8th Race: Presto Change.

Forego: Pyro.

Woodward: Past The Point.

Saratoga, 11th Race: Warn.

Arlington-Washington Futurity: Oak Motte.

Washington Park Handicap: Dubious Miss.

Arlington-Washington Lassie: Screen Legend.

Sorority: Truth And Justice.

Sapling: Not Macho Any More.

Stakes selections for Saturday, August 29

Travers-Summer Bird.

King's Bishop-Flat Bold.

Victory Ride-Bold Union.

Play The King-Wise River.

Susan's Girl (Crc)-Winsockie.

Lindsay Frolic (Crc)-Gator Brew.

Stakes Selections for Saturday,

Alabama: Don't Forget Gil.

Omnibus (Mth): Dattts Our Girl.

Iselin: You And I Forever.

Remington Sprint Cup: Ez Dreamer.

Del Mar Oaks: Dreamalong.

Stakes Selection for Saturday, August 8

Secretariat: Take The Points.

Beverly D: Mad About You.

Arlington Million: Stotsfold.

Hatoof: Prytania.

Test: Heart Ashley.

Whitney: Tizway.

Nice article about track announcer John Dooley

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=311168

I've always enjoyed Dooley's racecalls at Fair Grounds. His delivery is clear and it usually matches the tempo of a race. I also like that he saves his excitement for the bigger stakes and truly outstanding performances. For example, here is his call of Eight Belles' smashing win in a Fair Grounds allowance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bvyMJF4FSs

Saratoga Selections for Saturday, Aug. 1

6th: Selfless.

Diana: Rutherienne.

Jim Dandy: Charitable Man.

Stakes selections for Saturday, July 18

Virginia Oaks: Oh So Nice.

Virginia Derby: Straight Story.

Swaps: Misremembered.

Stakes Selections for July 4th

Salvator Mile: Runforthedoe.

United Nations: Strike a Deal.

Firecracker (CD): Passager.

Dwyer: Masala.

Prioress: On The Menu.

Suburban: Stud Muffin.

American (Hol): Storm Military.

Stakes Selections for Saturday, June 27

Iowa Sprint: Sok Sok

Iowa Distaff: Euphony.

Cornhusker Handicap: Secret Getaway.

Stakes Selections for Friday, June 26

Saylorville: Sly Storm.

Iowa Oaks: Sweet Relish.

Iowa Derby: Duke of Mischief.

Stakes Selections for Saturday, June 13th

Jefferson Cup: No Inflation.

Northern Dancer: Omniscient.

Fleur De Lis: Swift Temper.

Stephen Foster: Macho Again.

Regret: Prytania.

Monmouth Stakes: Banrock.

Jostle (Pha): Missunitednations.

Barksdale (LaD): Lee's Spirit.

Top Corsage (LaD): Tortuga Flats.

Selections for Belmont Stakes Day

True North-Desert Key.

Just A Game-My Princess Jess.

Woody Stephens-This Ones For Phil.

Acorn-Gabby's Golden Girl.

Manhattan-Wesley.

Belmont-Dunkirk.

Stakes selections for Preakness Day

7th Pimlico: Social Queen.

8th Pimlico: Checklist.

10th Pimlico: Ravalo.

11th Pimlico: Just As Well.

Preakness: Friesan Fire.

Derby Day scratch change

Woodford Turf Classic: Thorn Song.

Kentucky Derby Day Stakes Selections

Churchill Downs Hcp: Kodiak Kowboy.

Eight Belles: Four Gifts.

Distaff Mile: Lemon Chiffon.

Humana Distaff: Tiz To Dream.

Turf Classic: Artiste Royal.

Kentucky Derby: Friesan Fire.

Kentucky Derby Analysis

FRIESAN FIRE (1st): Friesan Fire was highly regarded by Larry Jones as a 2yo, but was overshadowed by his stablemate Old Fashioned. Friesan Fire had the physical tools to be a top horse, but lacked focus. Sent to New Orleans to winter, Friesan Fire made his Fair Grounds debut in a tough Nw1x allowance at a mile in mid-December. Outfitted with blinkers for the first time, Friesan Fire was too aggressive early and chased a fast pace, but still finished well down the lane while well-clear of the third-place horse. Interestingly, that allowance race had originally been scheduled to run a week earlier, but Fair Grounds had cancelled the card because of snow.
Friesan Fire started getting his act together in the Lecomte as he relaxed behind a soft pace, then rallied on the far turn to take command at the top of the stretch on his way to an impressive score.
Twelve rivals showed up to face Friesan Fire in the Risen Star. Friesan Fire broke from the 6th post and was rank in the first turn, but settled down on the backstretch. He lost position late on the far turn while between horses, but Gabriel Saez didn’t panic. Saez tipped his mount to the outside, and Friesan Fire ran down the leaders to win the Risen Star in dominating fashion.
Friesan Fire relished the sloppy conditions in the Louisiana Derby. Breaking from the extreme outside in the field of nine, Friesan Fire took up an outside stalking position behind Papa Clem, engaged that one near the 3/8 pole, and steadily pulled away with ease down the stretch. His time was 0.09 seconds faster than Rachel Alexandra’s winning time in the Fair Grounds Oaks.
The two biggest knocks against Friesan Fire are his seven-week layoff and his lack of a race beyond 8.5 furlongs. The layoff between the Louisiana and Kentucky Derbies was by design. Friesan Fire has worked well in the interim, capped by a rapid 5 furlong work on Monday. He is ready to run a big effort. Friesan Fire has a solid foundation, having raced at a mile or more in his last five races, so the lack of a nine-furlong race won’t hamper him. By A.P. Indy and out of a top-class Australian broodmare, Friesan Fire can run all day.
There is hardly any early speed in the Derby, which works to Friesan Fire’s advantage. Saez should be able to save ground all the way around and work out an excellent trip.

PAPA CLEM (2nd): Overlooked in Friesan Fire’s romp in the Louisiana Derby was Papa Clem’s strong effort in his first race over a conventional dirt track. He never quit even when passed by Friesan Fire before the quarter-pole, and he held several good closers at bay. Papa Clem showed a new dimension when winning the Arkansas Derby with a late move from the middle of the pack.

DUNKIRK (3rd): Dunkirk is immensely talented, but gives up a lot to his rivals in terms of experience. Although his rally fizzled in the Florida Derby, his move on the far turn was visually impressive.

REGAL RANSOM (4th): Sharp winner of the UAE Derby will be prominent early for the underrated Alan Garcia.

Selections for Kentucky Oaks Day

Louisville: One Caroline.

Edgewood: Banker's Choice.

Alysheba: Dr. Pleasure.

American Turf: Skipadate.

Kentucky Oaks: Flying Spur. Rachael Alexandra has had things her own way in the early furlongs of her races this year. Justwhistledixie will keep Rachael Alexandra company from the gate, setting things up for Flying Spur.

Stakes Selections for April 11th

Arkansas Derby: Old Fashioned.

Blue Grass: Patena.

Commonwealth: My Pal Charlie.

Jenny Wiley: Backseat Rhythm.

Shakertown: Hero's Reward.

Stakes Selections for April 4th

I'm heading up to Hot Springs for the Blossom and Handicap, so I'm posting Saturday's selections early.

Apple Blossom: Seventh Street.

Oaklawn Handicap: Runforthedoe.

Bay Shore: Not For Silver.

Wood Memorial: Imperial Council.

Carter Hcp: Kodiak Kowboy.

Santa Anita Derby: Pioneer of the Nile

Illinois Derby: Nowhere To Hide.

Ashland: Gozzip Girl.

Selections for Louisiana Derby Day

3rd Race: Swing N Jones.

4th Race: Omniscient.

Bienville: Classify.

Fair Grounds Oaks: African Skies.

New Orleans Handicap: Macho Again.

Muniz Handicap: Wesley.

Louisiana Derby: Soul Warrior.

Kenner: Sok Sok.

11th Race: Budget.

12th Race: Unbridle's Dream.

Old Fashioned's 3yo debut

I was not very impressed by Old Fashioned’s win in the Southwest. I expected more from him as he had worked strongly in preparation for his sophomore debut.

Two races prior to the Southwest, Oaklawn ran a $30,000 claimer for older fillies and mares at the same one mile distance as the Southwest. Old Fashioned’s winning time was 1.76 seconds faster than that of the claiming race. Old Fashioned ran his final furlong in 13.18 seconds; the winning claimer ran her final furlong in 13.22 seconds. Old Fashioned was half a length off the lead with a quarter to run, and the final quarter mile in the Southwest was run in 26.37 seconds. The filly claimer was won in wire to wire fashion, with the final quarter going in 26.41 seconds.

Stakes Selections for Saturday, Feb. 7th

Las Virgenes: Navigator.

Thunder Road: Yankee Bravo.

Robert Lewis: Bittel Road.

Strub: Wesley.

Essex: Solar Flare.

Fair Grounds Selections-Derby Preview Day

1st: Violetinha.

2nd: Coach Carroll.

3rd: Belend.

Pan Zareta: Classify.

Colonel Power: Chamberlain Bridge.

Mineshaft: Honest Man.

Fair Grounds Hcp: Diamond Tycoon.

Silvebulletday: War Echo.

Risen Star: Nowhere To Hide.

10th Race: Ide Better Run.

11th Race: Outta Speight.

Stakes Selections for Saturday, January 31st

Donn Handicap-On Board Again.

Black Gold Hcp-Unbridle's Dream.

Fair Grounds selections for Saturday, January 17

7th Race: Tortuga Straits.

8th Race: Map Of The World.

Truly Bound: Rolling Sea.

Looking back at "Road to the Derby" Kickoff Day

James Graham earned every penny for his ride on French Beret in the Colonel Bradley. It is difficult to rally between horses, but Graham made sure French Beret was up to the task and had his nose down at the right time.

Just Jenda's victory in the Tiffany Lass was professional. Her running style and breeding suggest that she will have no problem handling added distance.

Friesan Fire was very impressive in winning the Lecomte. His final time was only .48 seconds faster than Just Jenda's time in the Tiffany Lass, but the final quarter in the Lecomte was run in 24.14 seconds compared to 25.33 for the Tiffany Lass, a difference of 1.19 seconds. Although the Louisiana Handicap was run a 1/16th farther and down the full length of the stretch, some valid comparisons can be made using the fourth quarter-mile fraction of that race, which was 25.05.

With Friesan Fire now on the Louisiana Derby trail, Old Fashioned will head to Oaklawn for the Southwest Stakes. Old Fashioned is more highly-touted at this point, but Friesan Fire may yet pass his stablemate in reputation and accomplishments. Friesan Fire's breeding screams distance. He is by A.P. Indy, and out of a mare who was a Group 1 winner at a mile in Australia. His granddam was the champion 2yo in Australia.

Fair Grounds Selections for Saturday, January 10th

Col. Bradley (5th): Classic Campaign.

Louisiana Hcp. (6th): Tend.

Leggio (7th): She's Indy Money.

Tiffany Lass (8th): Just Jenda.

Lecomte (9th): Friesan Fire.

Stakes Selections for Saturday, January 3rd

Spectacular Bid (4th GP): Notonthesamepage.

Hal's Hope (8th GP): Bribon.