The Grade III Fair Grounds Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course is set to take place on February 15, 2025. This race offers a purse of $175,000 and covers a distance of one and one-eighth miles on turf for four-year-olds and upward. Here’s a detailed strategic preview of the race:
Race Details:
- Purse: $175,000
- Distance: One and One-Eighth Miles (Turf)
- Eligibility: Four-year-olds and upward
- Weight: 124 lbs
- Entry Fees: $1250 to enter; $1250 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $5,000 will be accepted at the time of entry.
Top Contenders:
- What Say Thee (KY)
- Jockey: Luis Saez
- Trainer: Mike Maker
- Morning Line Odds: 9/2
- Pedigree: Sea The Stars (IRE) – Noisy Feet (by Tapit)
- Recent Form: What Say Thee has shown consistent form and has been successful on turf. He’s a strong contender with a solid track record.
- Gigante (VA)
- Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
- Trainer: Steve Asmussen
- Morning Line Odds: 7/2
- Pedigree: Not This Time – Summertime Green (by Empire Maker)
- Recent Form: Gigante has been impressive this season, winning both the Buddy Diliberto and the Colonel E.R. Bradley. He’s versatile on different surfaces and a top contender.
- Unit Economics (GB)
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- Trainer: Chad C. Brown
- Morning Line Odds: 5/1
- Pedigree: Showcasing (GB) – Cherubic (GB) (by Dark Angel)
- Recent Form: Unit Economics has shown potential and has been consistent in his performances. He’s a horse to watch with a strong pedigree.
- Idratherbeblessed (KY)
- Jockey: Ben Curtis
- Trainer: Chris A. Hartman
- Morning Line Odds: 8/1
- Pedigree: Unified – Celestial Smile (by Tiznow)
- Recent Form: Idratherbeblessed has shown promise and could be a contender with the right strategy.
- Relampago Verde (KY)
- Jockey: Brian J. Hernandez, Jr.
- Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek
- Morning Line Odds: 8/1
- Pedigree: Bolt d’Oro – Colina Verde (BRZ) (by Know Heights)
- Recent Form: Relampago Verde has shown potential and could perform well with a good trip.
Race Strategy:
- Early Pace: With What Say Thee and Gigante likely to set the early pace, jockeys will need to position their mounts well to avoid getting caught in traffic.
- Mid-Race Moves: Unit Economics and Idratherbeblessed may make their moves around the far turn, looking to capitalize on the pace set by the leaders.
- Late Surge: Relampago Verde and Taking Candy could be the ones to watch for a late surge, potentially making a strong finish if they can navigate through the field effectively.
