Venue and Race Overview
Fair Grounds Race Course is located at 1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70119. The Louisiana Futurity (Fillies Division), a $116,170 restricted stakes race for Louisiana-bred 3-year-old fillies (entered as 2-year-olds), is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026, with a post time of 1:45 PM CT. This six-furlong dirt sprint is part of the track’s New Year’s weekend card and serves as a showcase for state-bred talent, often highlighting future stakes performers in Louisiana racing. The race is contested on Fair Grounds’ main dirt oval, which typically favors speed horses, especially in sprints, with a potential inside bias on fast tracks.
Expected Weather and Track Conditions
Based on forecasts for New Orleans on January 3, 2026, expect mild conditions with a high of 72°F and a low of 59°F. There’s a 25% chance of precipitation, possibly patchy rain amounting to about 0.16 inches, with winds around 9 mph. These balmy temperatures for January could lead to a fast dirt track, but any light rain might result in a “good” surface. Fair Grounds’ dirt drains well, so expect fair playing conditions unless heavier precipitation occurs.
Field Analysis
This compact field of six features standout Little Miss Curlin, who dominates recent speed figures after a commanding stakes win, facing challengers like Liteupthenite and Wickedwithbourbon with solid form. The sprint distance rewards early speed, but closers could benefit if a duel develops up front. Below is a detailed breakdown, including post position, jockey, trainer, morning line odds (from official entries), weight (all at 122 lbs per conditions), recent finishes (drawn from available past performances), and analysis. Odds are morning lines; monitor tote for live shifts.
| Post | Horse Name | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line Odds | Weight | Recent Finishes | Analysis |
| 1 | El Star | Marcelino Pedroza, Jr. | Sturges J. Ducoing | 30-1 | 122 lbs | 11/15/25: 4th (Fair Grounds, 6f MSW, speed rating 87); Debut: 5th (Delta Downs, 5f MSW). | This bay filly by El Deal has shown modest improvement but lacks the class of top contenders. Her inside post could allow a ground-saving trip, but her speed figures (low 80s) suggest she’ll need a major step up. Jockey Pedroza, Jr. (consistent at Fair Grounds) and trainer Ducoing (solid with state-breds) add some appeal, but she’s likely outmatched. Best for exotics underneath. Owner: Valene Farms, LLC. Earnings: ~$15,000. |
| 2 | Wickedwithbourbon | Ben Curtis | J. Keith Desormeaux | 9-2 | 122 lbs | 12/13/25: 3rd (Fair Grounds, 6f Louisiana Champions Day Lassie S., beaten 4 lengths, speed rating 96); 11/20/25: 1st (Delta Downs, 5f allowance, wire-to-wire). | A chestnut filly by Bobby’s Wicked One, she pressed the pace in the Lassie Stakes but faded late against stronger. Her allowance win shows front-end speed that could play well here. Trainer Desormeaux (strong with juveniles, 20% win rate) has her sharp, and jockey Curtis (tactical rider) suits a stalking style. Value if she controls the pace. Owner: Picard Thoroughbred Racing Stable, LLC. Earnings: ~$45,000. |
| 3 | Varinisi | C.J. McMahon | Kyle Deville | 12-1 | 122 lbs | 12/13/25: 1st (Delta Downs, 6f AOC, won by 2 lengths, speed rating 89); 11/10/25: 2nd (Fair Grounds, 5½f MSW). | This bay filly by The Factor broke through in allowance company with a solid closing kick, posting an 89 figure. She’s lightly raced with upside, but steps up in class. Trainer Deville (develops state-breds well) and jockey McMahon (aggressive) could position her mid-pack. Possible upsetter if pace melts. Owner: Gerald Bruno, Jr. et al. Earnings: ~$30,000. |
| 4 | Little Miss Curlin | Jareth Loveberry | Patrick Devereux, Jr. | 3-5 | 122 lbs | 12/13/25: 1st (Fair Grounds, 6f Louisiana Champions Day Lassie S., won by 3½ lengths, speed rating 123); 11/5/25: 1st (Fair Grounds, 5½f MSW, dominant). | The class of the field, this bay filly by Charlatan crushed the Lassie Stakes with a towering 123 figure, drawing off impressively. Her debut was equally sharp. Trainer Devereux, Jr. (excels with sprinters) has her peaking, and jockey Loveberry (precise rater) knows how to conserve energy. Post 4 allows versatility; heavy favorite with ~50% win probability. Owner: Coteau Grove Farms, LLC. Earnings: ~$85,000. |
| 5 | Liteupthenite | Jose L. Ortiz | Jayde J. Gelner | 4-1 | 122 lbs | 11/22/25: 3rd (Delta Downs, 7f Donovan L. Ferguson Memorial S., rallied late, speed rating 105); 10/15/25: 1st (Delta Downs, 6f MSW). | A dark bay filly by Aurelius Maximus, she showed grit rallying for third in stakes company despite traffic. Her maiden win was professional. Trainer Gelner (hot with juveniles, recent stakes wins) pairs with top jockey Ortiz (elite closer, high win rate). Outer post aids her style; strong contender. Owner: Norman Stables, LLC. Earnings: ~$40,000. |
| 6 | Justlikelouise | Thomas L. Pompell | Brett A. Brinkman | 5-1 | 122 lbs | 12/20/25: 4th (Fair Grounds, 6f allowance, even effort, speed rating 89); 11/8/25: 1st (Delta Downs, 5f MSW). | This bay filly by Custom for Carlos debuted with a win but was flat in allowance ranks. She has tactical speed for a pressing trip. Trainer Brinkman (good with LA-breds) and jockey Pompell (underrated) could surprise if she improves. Value play in a short field. Owner: Clear Creek Stud, LLC and Theodore Brandon. Earnings: ~$25,000. |
