The Colonel E. R. Bradley Stakes takes center stage as Race 11 on Road to the Derby Day at Fair Grounds, offering a $100,000 purse for older males (4-year-olds and up) over 1 1/16 miles on turf. This black-type event attracts a solid field of 11 graded stakes performers and allowance graduates, with weights ranging from 118-124 lbs. Morning-line favorite Kupuna brings consistent form and a strong turf pedigree, but contenders like Lagynos and Cameo Performance could challenge in a race likely to feature a moderate pace. The long stretch at Fair Grounds favors closers, but inside speed has held well this meet, making post positions crucial.
Venue Location
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
1751 Gentilly Blvd
New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 This historic track, in operation since 1852, features a one-mile dirt oval with a 7-furlong turf course inside. Known for its long stretch (1,346 feet), it provides ample opportunity for rallies in turf routes. Capacity includes grandstand seating for over 5,000, with slots and simulcast options available. Admission for stakes days is $10-15.
Post Time is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. CT (6:00 p.m. ET) Live coverage via FanDuel TV, TVG, or track simulcast. Part of a 13-race card starting at 12:00 p.m. CT.
Expected Weather Conditions
Partly cloudy with highs around 59-60°F and lows near 43°F. Winds from the north at 8-10 mph, humidity around 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 should maintain firm turf.
Track Conditions
Turf surface, 1 1/16 miles. With no significant rain forecasted, expect a “Firm” rating. Fair Grounds’ turf has played fairly this meet, but the long stretch often benefits stalkers and closers when the pace is honest. Recent biases favor inside paths in dry weather, so early position from lower posts could be advantageous.
Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field averages a last-out speed figure of ~105 (Beyer equivalents), with several graded placers. Below is a breakdown by post position, including horse details, recent finishes (last 5-6 with dates, tracks, distances, positions, and figures where available), form notes, jockey stats, and trainer insights.
Post Position 1: Kupuna (7YO Gelding, Hard Spun – Hanalei Hailey by Malibu Moon)
Trainer: Norm W. Casse (18% win rate in turf routes; strong with veterans, 22% at Fair Grounds). Excels at prepping for mid-level stakes.
Jockey: Luis Saez (22% win rate; turf specialist, 25% from inside posts). Ground-saving expert.
Recent Finishes: 12/20/25 – 1st (105) at FG (1m Turf, AOC); 11/15/25 – 2nd (102) at CD (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 10/10/25 – 3rd (100) at KEE (1m Turf, AOC); 9/5/25 – 1st (107) at SAR (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 8/1/25 – 4th (98) at ELP (1m Turf, Stake).
Analysis: Consistent turf performer with two wins in 2025; figures peaking (avg. 102). Rail draw suits his pressing tactics; ML 3/1 as deserved favorite.
Post Position 2: Sand Pipes (5YO Horse, Summer Front – Birkenhead by Mizzen Mast)
Trainer: L Schultz (15% win rate; solid with mid-level routers).
Jockey: R M Hernandez (17% win rate; tactical on turf).
Recent Finishes: 12/13/25 – 1st (98) at FG (1m Turf, ALW); 11/8/25 – 3rd (96) at AQU (1 1/16m Turf, AOC); 10/5/25 – 2nd (95) at BEL (1m Turf, ALW); 9/1/25 – 4th (93) at SAR (1 1/16m Turf, ALW).
Analysis: Recent Fair Grounds winner; figures steady (avg. 96). Good stalking post; ML 12/1 offers exotic value.
Post Position 3: Idratherbeblessed (6YO Gelding, Unified – Celestial Smile by Tiznow)
Trainer: C A Hartman (16% win rate; good with claimers in stakes).
Jockey: Marcelino Pedroza, Jr. (16% win rate; Fair Grounds regular).
Recent Finishes: 12/15/25 – 2nd (104) at FG (1 1/16m Turf, AOC); 11/10/25 – 1st (106) at FG (1m Turf, ALW); 10/12/25 – 3rd (102) at KEE (1 1/16m Turf, ALW).
Analysis: Local specialist with recent win; figures solid (avg. 104). ML 6/1 contender.
Post Position 4: Lagynos (5YO Horse, Kantharos – Steamy by Speightstown)
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (21% win rate; high-volume barn).
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz (22% win rate; stakes ace).
Recent Finishes: 12/20/25 – 1st (108) at OP (1m Turf, AOC); 11/22/25 – 1st (106) at CD (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 10/11/25 – 2nd (104) at KEE (1m Turf, Stake).
Analysis: Back-to-back wins; top figures (avg. 106). Strong connections; ML 7/2 co-favorite.
Post Position 5: Cameo Performance (5YO Gelding, Oscar Performance – La Moneda by Freud)
Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh (15% win rate; turf-focused).
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr. (24% win rate; elite pilot).
Recent Finishes: 12/21/25 – 1st (102) at FG (1m Turf, ALW); 11/15/25 – 3rd (100) at LRL (1 1/16m Turf, Stake); 10/10/25 – 2nd (101) at PIM (1m Turf, AOC).
Analysis: Recent local winner; ML 6/1 with upside.
Post Position 6: Vote No (5YO Gelding, Divisidero – Sistas Ready by More Than Ready)
Trainer: Kathleen Danner (14% win rate).
Jockey: Paco Lopez (19% win rate; aggressive).
Recent Finishes: 12/10/25 – 3rd (99) at TP (1 1/16m Synth, AOC); 11/5/25 – 1st (101) at CD (1m Turf, ALW).
Analysis: Synth to turf; ML 12/1 exotic play.
Post Position 7: Theismann (6YO Gelding, Quality Road – Brielle’s Appeal by English Channel)
Trainer: Peter Eurton (16% win rate; shipper).
Jockey: Ben Curtis (18% win rate).
Recent Finishes: 12/8/25 – 2nd (103) at FG (1m Turf, AOC); 11/3/25 – 1st (105) at CD (1 1/16m Turf, ALW).
Analysis: Recent form; ML 10/1.
Post Position 8: Point Proven (6YO Gelding, Gun Runner – Secret Jewel by Bernardini)
Trainer: Dallas Terre (13% win rate).
Jockey: Corey J. Lanerie (16% win rate; local).
Recent Finishes: 12/14/25 – 2nd (101) at HAW (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 11/9/25 – 1st (103) at AP (1m Turf, Stake).
Analysis: Stakes winner; wide post concern; ML 12/1.
Post Position 9: Reagan’s Wit (4YO Colt, Authentic – Dayienu by Sunday Break JPN)
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux (18% win rate).
Jockey: Flavien Prat (23% win rate).
Recent Finishes: 12/7/25 – 1st (106) at HAW (1m Turf, AOC); 11/4/25 – 2nd (104) at AP (1 1/16m Turf, ALW).
Analysis: Improving; ML 10/1.
Post Position 10: Gigante (6YO Horse, Not This Time – Summertime Green by Empire Maker)
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (21% win rate).
Jockey: James Graham (14% win rate).
Recent Finishes: 12/5/25 – 3rd (99) at FG (1m Turf, ALW); 11/1/25 – 4th (97) at CD (1 1/16m Turf, AOC).
Analysis: Consistent; wide draw tough; ML 10/1.
Post Position 11: Otago (6YO Horse, Speightstown – Mom’s Deputy by War Chant)
Trainer: Kathleen Danner (14% win rate).
Jockey: Axel Concepcion (15% win rate).
Recent Finishes: 12/18/25 – 2nd (100) at TP (1m Synth, ALW); 11/12/25 – 3rd (98) at CD (1 1/16m Turf, AOC).
Analysis: Outsider; ML 20/1 longshot.
Series History
Named after a Fair Grounds founder, this turf stakes has been run since the 1940s, often favoring stalkers (e.g., Gigante connections have history). Favorites win ~40%; average winning Beyer ~105. Last year’s winner rallied late.
