Horse Betting World

Risen Star Attracts Top Talent at Fair Grounds

By Aaron Huber

While other derby prep races and graded stakes have had trouble attracting top talent, the cream has really risen to the top at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Of the 10 3-year-old colts entered in this Saturday’s race several have won stakes and others have finished in the money in some rich events. Up for grab is $180,000 in graded stakes earnings for the winner and the prestige of a Grade 1 win – Both important things when aiming for the Kentucky Derby.

1. Rouge Romance

A top 2-year-old prospect won the Grade 3 Bourbon Stakes last October over the Turf at Keeneland and handled the dirt just fine in his 3rd place finish to Uncle Mo in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. This son of Smarty Jones loves the classic distance and draws the rail – which is wining at a 29% clip during this Fairgrounds meet.

2. Liondrive

Got a shot in stakes company as a 2-year-old in the Grade 3 Pilgrim Stakes at Belmont Park but didn’t make much of an impact at 30-1. His only two wins have been against maidens and in a state-bread optional claimer at short prices. Trainer Time Ice is a great horseman, but Liondrive is seriously outmatched here.

3. Decisive Moment

This speed horse loves to go for the lead but also has the ability to rate – something important when trying to win at a classic distance. He managed to get second in the Grade 3 Delta Jackpot by stalking in 2nd position the whole way around the track. Looks to be improving with each start – could be dangerous.

4. Pants on Fire

Was beaten by a head in the Lecomte Stakes in January where he tried to steal the race going wire to wire. Unlike Decisive Moment, Pants on Fire doesn’t have the ability to rate – and while he may be fast enough to win, he will likely get nipped by another horse. Not recommended for straight win bets or on top in the exotics.

5. Mucho Macho Man

This will be Mucho Macho Man’s fourth straight appearance in a graded stake race – which shows his excellent class. He was fourth in the Holy Bull at Gulfstream where he disappointed as a 2-1 favorite. However, he was bumped hard in that race and wasn’t able to maintain a lead into the stretch. Hopefully he’ll have better racing luck in this spot.

6. Machen

A perfect 2 for 2 lifetime record at the Fair Grounds against maidens and optional claimers. In both races he won by five lengths or more. This is the kind of dangerous horse that could be developing a little late without a 2-year-old foundation. Neil Howard is taking a shot here and making a big move up in class for this horse. After the race he’ll know if he has a real derby prospect or not.

7. Santiva

This horse has traded hands three times in four starts. Now he’s being trained by Eddie Kenneally and is looking to make a splash in his 3-year-old debut. Broke his maiden in a stakes race at the same distance here and his last workout was a bullet going 5 furlongs in 1:00 2/5. As a son of Giant’s Causeway – he is bred to run all day.

8. Action Ready

Yet another Lecomte horse that is showing up here. Action Ready has a versatile running style and can react to the situation he’s given. Jockey Anna Napravnik has been on a hot streak winning and is 10-1-4 in her last 27 starts. Trainer Bret Calhoun is also having a very good meet at the Fair Grounds with a 19% win rate.

9. Justin Phillip

Finished fifth in the Lecomte at Fair Grounds and is the winner of two of six starts lifetime. Has been chalk in nearly all of his races with uneven performances. Not feeling confident about betting him at 12-1

10. Sorgho

Broke his maiden against a weak field at Sam Houston after struggling at the Fair Grounds. Will be around 50-1 at post time but should really be 99-1.