Scheduled Post Time for Race 10: 4:36 PM CT (Louisiana Derby Day full card begins at noon CT)
Venue: Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots – 1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
The Muniz Memorial Classic (named for longtime turf trainer Albert M. Stall Sr.) is a premier older-horse turf route on Louisiana Derby Day and awards an automatic berth to the Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic (G1) and Arlington Million (G1).
- Distance: 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on turf
- Purse: $300,000
- Surface: Turf
- Field Size: 7 horses (no scratches reported)
- Conditions: For 4-year-olds and upward; weights 118–122 lbs (Lasix permitted for all)
Expected Weather Conditions & Track Conditions
Classic New Orleans spring weather with mostly sunny to sunny skies and zero to minimal precipitation chance (0–8%). Highs will reach the upper 70s to low 80s°F (around 78–81°F at post time), lows in the low-to-mid 60s°F overnight. Light winds (5–10 mph). The turf course has been dry for weeks and will race firm (good to firm). This setup favors tactical speed, clean trips, and proven grass routers who can handle firm going — expect a moderate pace with closing ability at a premium. No wind or temperature extremes anticipated.
Full Field Analysis (Post Positions, Horses, Jockeys, Trainers, Recent Form)
All carry scale weights with Lasix. Recent form drawn from key preps (Fair Grounds Stakes G3, Tampa Bay Stakes G3, Pegasus World Cup Turf G1, etc.).
PP 1 – Chasing the Crown (KY) (7yo horse, 118 lbs)
- Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
- Trainer: Michael J. Maker (sharp with shippers and turf routers)
- Owner: Paradise Farms Corp., David Staudacher & Angelo Carlesimo
- Breeding: Skipshot – La Belle Marquet
- Recent Form: Consistent mid-pack performer coming off allowance/lower-stakes placings; solid but facing a class jump.
Analysis: Rail post helps early positioning on firm turf. Maker/Loveberry combo is live at a price, but he lacks the top-end stakes punch of the favorites. Longshot exotic filler at 12/1.
PP 2 – Montador (KY) (4yo colt, 122 lbs)
- Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione (turf specialist)
- Trainer: Michael Stidham (sending a sharp two-horse entry)
- Owner: Godolphin, LLC
- Breeding: Nyquist – Lady Montdore
- Recent Form: Troubled-trip 2nd (boxed in, rallied gamely) to Lagynos in the recent G3 Fair Grounds Stakes; earlier won the Woodchopper Stakes here. Career 8-3-3-0 with $314K earnings.
Analysis: Stidham notes a better trip could flip the script on his last. Tactical speed and Godolphin class make him dangerous. Strong each-way chance at 7/2 — one of the live Stidham duo.
PP 3 – Idratherbeblessed (KY) (6yo gelding, 122 lbs)
- Jockey: Marcelino Pedroza Jr. (hot locally)
- Trainer: Chris A. Hartman (consistent with statebred/allowance types stepping up)
- Owner: JD Thoroughbreds, LLC & Wayne Scherr
- Breeding: Unified – Celestial Smile
- Recent Form: Game but outclassed in recent restricted stakes; honest grinder.
Analysis: Veteran with local experience but figures say he’s a notch below. Needs pace meltdown; respectable 12/1 longshot for minor awards.
PP 4 – Lagynos (KY) (5yo horse, 122 lbs)
- Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz (elite turf rider)
- Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (perennial FG powerhouse)
- Owner: HRH Prince Sultan Bin Mishal Al Saud
- Breeding: Kantharos – Steamy
- Recent Form: Dominant recent winner of the G3 Fair Grounds Stakes (beat Montador); track specialist with multiple FG wins. High HRN figures.
Analysis: Asmussen/Ortiz tandem fires here often. Tactical versatility and recent class edge on firm turf make him a major threat. Co-favorite at 2/1 — the one to beat on paper.
PP 5 – Tom’s Magic (ON) (4yo colt, 122 lbs)
- Jockey: Luis Saez
- Trainer: Michael Stidham (double threat with Montador)
- Owner: CJ Thoroughbreds & Mo Speed Racing
- Breeding: Justify – (strong route pedigree)
- Recent Form: Game 2nd in the G3 Tampa Bay Stakes (fresh off layoff); prior wins include the Black Gold at FG and Breeders’ Stakes. Versatile (on or off pace).
Analysis: Stidham believes the extra distance helps; developing 4yo with upside. Saez’s timing suits firm turf. Live at 5/1 — the other half of the dangerous Stidham entry.
PP 6 – Faber (ON) (4yo gelding, 118 lbs)
- Jockey: Florent Geroux (local turf ace)
- Trainer: Gary M. Scherer (solid with improving types)
- Owner: Anderson Farms
- Breeding: Improbable – (turf influence)
- Recent Form: Improving allowance winner (Feb. 12 at FG); stepping up in class.
Analysis: Light weight and Geroux help, but recent figures suggest he’s overmatched. 15/1 longshot with minor exotic appeal if he improves again.
PP 7 – Program Trading (GB) (6yo ridgling, 118 lbs)
- Jockey: Flavien Prat (world-class closer)
- Trainer: Chad C. Brown (turf master; multiple Muniz wins)
- Owner: Klaravich Stables, Inc.
- Breeding: Lope de Vega (IRE) – (elite grass pedigree)
- Recent Form: Perplexing 5th in the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) after strong prior form; rebound candidate with 8-week freshening.
Analysis: Brown/Prat combo is lethal on firm turf. Outside post no issue; class edge and history suggest big bounce-back. Clear 9/5 morning-line favorite and the horse to beat.
Betting Trends & Strategy Notes
- Favorites Edge: Recent G3 FG Stakes performers and Brown-trained horses dominate this event on firm turf.
- Stidham Factor: The trainer’s duo (Montador & Tom’s Magic) offers excellent coverage against the top choices.
- Small-Field Dynamics: Only 7 runners = clean trips critical; expect honest pace with Lagynos/Program Trading prominent. Heavy money on the 9/5 and 2/1 favorites.
- Exotics Play: Exacta/trifecta boxes centered on Program Trading (#7) and Lagynos (#4), with Montador (#2) and Tom’s Magic (#5) underneath for value.
Final Prediction
This compact Grade II on perfect firm turf sets up a thriller. Program Trading (PP 7) is the class horse and should rebound strongly for Brown/Prat, but Lagynos (PP 4) is razor-sharp locally and the biggest danger. The Stidham pair adds depth — expect a stirring stretch battle with the top four separating late.
