The Fasig-Tipton Silverbulletday Stakes anchors Race 10 on Road to the Derby Day at Fair Grounds, serving as a key early prep on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks with 20-10-6-4-2 qualifying points awarded to the top five finishers. This $150,000 black-type event for 3-year-old fillies over 1 mile and 70 yards on dirt attracts a compact but quality field of six, featuring graded stakes winners and promising up-and-comers. Morning-line favorite Atropa brings class from a graded runner-up effort, but undefeated Pocahontas (G3) winner Taken by the Wind looms as a major threat in a race projecting a moderate pace. Expect tactical speed to play a role on a track that has favored frontrunners in recent dirt routes.
Venue Location
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
1751 Gentilly Blvd
New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 Established in 1852, this historic venue features a one-mile dirt oval with a long stretch (1,346 feet), rewarding horses with stamina and closing ability. Capacity includes grandstand seating for over 5,000, with slots and simulcast options. Admission for stakes days is $10-15, and the card draws enthusiastic crowds for Derby preps.
Post Time is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT (5:30 p.m. ET) Live coverage on FanDuel TV, TVG, or track simulcast. Post time is approximate, part of a 13-race card starting at 12:00 p.m. CT.
Expected Weather Conditions
Partly cloudy with highs around 59°F and lows near 43°F. Winds from the north at 8-10 mph, humidity 78%, UV index 4, and low precipitation chance (13%). Sunrise at 6:56 a.m., sunset at 5:24 p.m. These mild, dry conditions favor fast dirt without biases toward speed or closers.
Track Conditions
Dirt surface, 1 mile and 70 yards. With no recent or forecasted rain, expect a “Fast” rating. Fair Grounds’ dirt has played fairly in routes this meet, but the long stretch often allows stalkers and midpack runners to rally if the pace is honest. Recent biases show inside paths holding well in dry weather.
Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field averages a last-out speed figure of ~99 (Beyer equivalents), with several stepping up from maiden or allowance wins. Below is a breakdown by post position, including horse details, recent finishes (last 4-5 where available, with dates, tracks, distances, positions, and figures), form notes, jockey stats (win rate overall/turf if applicable), and trainer insights (win rate in routes/stakes).
Post Position 1: Atropa (3YO Filly, Into Mischief – Bellera)
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux (18% win rate in dirt routes; 20% with sophomores in stakes, excels with class droppers). Strong at developing fillies for big spots.
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz (22% win rate; 25% in stakes, master tactician from the rail).
Recent Finishes: 11/29/25 – 2nd (102) at CD (1 1/16M Dirt, Golden Rod G2); 10/9/25 – 1st (110) at KEE (1 1/16M Dirt, MSW, won by 10 lengths); 9/14/25 – 3rd (98) at SAR (1M Dirt, MSW); 8/5/25 – 4th (95) at ELP (7F Dirt, MSW).
Analysis: Graded-placed with a strong closing kick; her Golden Rod effort behind Bella Ballerina shows Oaks potential. High figures (avg. 101) and rail draw suit her stalking tactics. Breeder: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC; Owner: Belladonna Racing LLC et al. Peak form makes her the one to beat.
Post Position 2: Dancin in Old Town (3YO Filly, Tapit – Abingdon)
Trainer: J. Keith Desormeaux (15% win rate in routes; 18% with homebreds, patient with late bloomers).
Jockey: James Graham (14% win rate; Fair Grounds specialist, 20% on dirt).
Recent Finishes: 12/20/25 – 1st (86) at FG (1M Dirt, MSW); 11/15/25 – 3rd (82) at CD (7F Dirt, MSW); 10/10/25 – 4th (80) at KEE (6F Dirt, MSW); 9/5/25 – 5th (78) at SAR (7F Dirt, MSW).
Analysis: Broke maiden impressively last out at this track, but lower figures (avg. 82) suggest she needs improvement against stakes company. Good post for pressing; could factor if pace melts. Breeder: Mt. Brilliant Farm & Ranch LLC; Owner: Rocker O Ranch LLC.
Post Position 3: White Smoke (3YO Filly, Essential Quality – Mira Alta)
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux (18% win rate; see above, DeVaux’s second string adds depth).
Jockey: Flavien Prat (23% win rate; elite in routes, 25% with closers).
Recent Finishes: 12/27/25 – 1st (107) at FG (6F Dirt, MSW, rallied from last); Debut win, no prior starts listed.
Analysis: Impressive debut winner on Gun Runner undercard, rallying wide for a strong figure (107). Untested at route but pedigree suggests stamina; stablemate to favorite adds intrigue. Breeder: Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds LLC; Owner: Belladonna Racing LLC et al.
Post Position 4: Taken by the Wind (3YO Filly, Rock Your World – Up for Grabs)
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek (17% win rate in stakes routes; 22% with graded winners, master at prepping Oaks hopefuls).
Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr. (18% win rate; 20% at Fair Grounds, clutch in big races).
Recent Finishes: 9/13/25 – 1st (110) at CD (1M Dirt, Pocahontas G3); 8/10/25 – 1st (105) at SAR (7F Dirt, MSW); Undefeated in two starts.
Analysis: Undefeated G3 winner with top figures (avg. 108); Pocahontas victory earned 10 Oaks points. Stretches out but handles distance; midpack draw ideal for stalking. Breeder: Courtney L. Meagher; Owner: Magdalena Racing et al.
Post Position 5: Luv Your Neighbor (3YO Filly, Constitution – Disobedient)
Trainer: Michael Stidham (20% win rate in turf/dirt routes; 18% with allowance grads).
Jockey: Axel Concepcion (15% win rate; rising star, 20% on fillies).
Recent Finishes: 12/13/25 – 1st (97) at FG (1M Dirt, ALW); 11/8/25 – 2nd (95) at CD (7F Dirt, MSW); 10/5/25 – 3rd (92) at BEL (6F Dirt, MSW); 9/1/25 – 4th (90) at SAR (7F Dirt, MSW).
Analysis: Recent allowance winner at this track with improving figures (avg. 94); shows tactical speed. Could press pace but needs more against graded foes. Breeder: Anderson Farms Ont. Inc.; Owner: Lael Stables.
Post Position 6: Pashmina (3YO Filly, Constitution – Panthera Onca)
Trainer: Rob Atras (15% win rate; 18% with shippers, good at value plays).
Jockey: Ben Curtis (18% win rate; 20% in routes).
Recent Finishes: 12/14/25 – 1st (91) at AQU (1M Dirt, ALW); 11/9/25 – 2nd (89) at BEL (7F Dirt, MSW); 10/11/25 – 3rd (87) at PIM (6F Dirt, MSW); 9/6/25 – 4th (85) at SAR (7F Dirt, MSW).
Analysis: Allowance winner last out with steady figures (avg. 88); wide post a concern on turn. Closing kick could play if pace heats up. Breeder: Narola LLC; Owner: Red White and Blue Racing LLC.
Series History
Named after a champion filly, the Silverbulletday has been a key Oaks prep since 1991, producing winners like Untapable (2014). Favorites win ~45%; average winning Beyer ~105. Last year’s upset went to a stalker from midpack.
