Venue Location: Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, 1751 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.
Scheduled Post Time: 5:45 PM Central Time (officially Race 11 on the 13-race card with first post at 12:45 PM CT).
Expected Weather Conditions: Sunny to mostly clear skies with highs in the lower 80s°F (around 78–82°F during post time) and overnight lows near 60°F. Light southeast winds at 5–10 mph, moderate humidity, and zero chance of precipitation. Ideal conditions for both horses and fans.
Track Conditions: Firm turf (main turf course). The extended dry spell and sunny forecast have produced a quick, speed-favoring turf surface typical for late March at Fair Grounds—no rain in the forecast or recent days.
Race Overview: The Ova Charged Stakes is a $100,000 restricted stakes (accredited Louisiana-bred fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and upward) contested at 5½ furlongs on the turf. Weights are 119 lbs with a 6-lb allowance for 3-year-olds and non-winners of a stakes; one scratch (Mischievous Cindy) leaves a field of seven. This sprint honors a Louisiana broodmare theme and caps the stakes action on closing weekend. The firm turf and short distance favor early speed, tactical versatility, and proven Louisiana-bred turf form. One of the meet’s feel-good stories centers on the undefeated Synthetic making her grass debut.
Full Field with Post Positions, Analysis, Jockeys & Trainers:
Post 1 – Sassi Strutter (5YO mare; Jockey: Thomas L. Pompell; Trainer: Lee Thomas; ML 5-1)
Owned by Elite Thoroughbred Racing, LLC (Michele Rodriguez) and bred by Michele Rodriguez. Recent form includes a pair of solid placings (OR 101) and a strong local turf record. Pompell is a veteran Fair Grounds rider who knows the rail well; trainer Thomas is a reliable local conditioner with this mare. The inside post is a major plus on firm turf for a horse that likes to save ground and close mildly. Live exotic player who could wire or stalk if the pace heats up.
Post 2 – Six String (5YO mare; Jockey: Marcelino Pedroza, Jr.; Trainer: Allen Landry; ML 9-2)
Owned by World War IV Racing and Rebel Tide Racing, bred by the same partnership. Comes in with sharp recent form (OR 98) including a win and multiple placings at the track. Pedroza rides regularly here with success; Landry is having a strong meet and saddles two in here. Neutral post and proven 5½-furlong turf speed make her a prime contender who can press or sit just off the lead. Strong chance at a square price.
Post 4 – Tommie G (5YO mare; Jockey: Jareth Loveberry; Trainer: Patricia G. West; ML 10-1)
Owned and bred by Thomas M. Galvin. Modest recent turf placings (OR 97) but consistent at the distance. Loveberry is a capable rider shipping in; trainer West is a solid Louisiana specialist. The post is workable for a mid-pack stalker. Longshot with a shot if the top choices overperform or get caught in a speed duel.
Post 5 – Synthetic (4YO filly; Jockey: Emanuel Nieves; Trainer: Joseph R. “Bobby” Felks; ML 7-5)
Owned by Keith Plaisance and bred by Clear Creek Stud LLC & Theodore Brandon. Undefeated in four starts (perfect 4-for-4 record) with a dominant open-allowance win on dirt Jan. 31; this is her first turf attempt but she has the pedigree and explosive speed to handle it (OR 105). Nieves knows her perfectly; trainer Felks is enjoying a dream meet and has this filly razor-sharp. The slight favorite has the highest upside and figures to sit just off the pace or take it to them on the firm turf. The one to beat—win candidate if she translates dirt brilliance to grass.
Post 6 – Rue Lala (8YO mare; Jockey: Isaac Castillo; Trainer: Shane Wilson; ML 9-2)
Owned by Brittlyn Stable, Inc. (Evelyn Benoit) and bred by Brittlyn, Inc. Multiple stakes-placed with sharp recent local form (OR 99) and four wins at the track. Castillo is a rising star at Fair Grounds; Wilson is a perennial leading trainer here with Louisiana-breds. Outside post is fine for a versatile mare who can press or close. Co-favorite with Six String and a must-use in all exotics.
Post 7 – Bet Towinit (4YO filly; Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz; Trainer: Allen Landry; ML 5-1)
Owned by Anthony D. Nuzzi and bred by Jose Camejo. Consistent recent placings (OR 98) with upside stretching out slightly. Hall-of-Fame-caliber jockey Ortiz (riding in from out of town) is the big positive; Landry doubles up with Six String and knows the barn’s form. Tactical speed from mid-pack makes her a live longshot who could upset at a square price.
Post 8 – Custom Design (7YO mare; Jockey: James Graham; Trainer: Floyd D. Pitzer; ML 20-1)
Owned and bred by Floyd D. Pitzer & Renee Pitzer. Modest recent form (OR 89) with one local win but outclassed on figures. Graham is a veteran local rider; trainer Pitzer is a small barn taking a shot. Far outside post on a firm sprint turf is tough. Longest shot who needs a pace collapse to factor.
Overall Preview & Strategy Notes:
This is a high-quality, short-field Louisiana-bred turf sprint headlined by the feel-good story of Synthetic (undefeated and stretching her brilliance to grass under hot trainer Bobby Felks). She faces stiff challenges from the proven local duo of Rue Lala (consistent stakes form) and Six String (sharp recent wins). Expect a contested pace with Sassi Strutter and Six String likely showing early speed from the inside; the firm turf rewards tactical speed and clean trips. Key angles: Synthetic’s class edge versus the depth of the Landry barn (Six String/Bet Towinit) and Rue Lala’s experience. Exotics focus on the top three with value underneath from Bet Towinit or Sassi Strutter. No other scratches reported.
