Venue and Race Overview
The Bob F. Wright Memorial Stakes is a Listed stakes race conducted at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Located at 1751 Gentilly Blvd in the Gentilly neighborhood, Fair Grounds is America’s third-oldest racetrack, established in 1852, and features a one-mile dirt oval with a turf course inside it. The facility is known for its historic charm, including the iconic clubhouse and grandstand, and hosts major events like the Louisiana Derby during its winter meet. This $100,000 stakes honors Bob F. Wright, a longtime Louisiana racing official and steward. It’s restricted to Louisiana-bred fillies and mares aged 4 and up, contested over 6 furlongs on dirt, serving as a key sprint test for state-bred females. The race is part of a 10-race card highlighting Louisiana-bred talent, with potential overlays from the Palmisano Memorial for colts and geldings on the same day.
PostTime is scheduled for 2:45 PM CT (3:45 PM ET). The full card begins at approximately 12:45 PM CT, with races spaced 25-30 minutes apart.
Expected Weather Conditions
Forecasts for New Orleans indicate mild winter weather: daytime highs around 72°F (22°C), nighttime lows near 54°F (12°C), with mostly cloudy skies and a 73% chance of precipitation, possibly including scattered showers or thunderstorms. Winds will be light at 5 mph from variable directions, with humidity around 80%. UV index is low at 1. If rain occurs, expect up to 0.25 inches, potentially impacting the track.
Track Conditions
Fair Grounds’ main dirt track is typically fast and fair, but with a high chance of rain, it could turn good, muddy, or sloppy by post time, favoring horses with proven wet-track ability. No significant biases have been noted recently, but front-runners often hold well in sprints here. The 6-furlong distance starts from the chute, emphasizing early speed, though closers can rally if the pace collapses on an off track.
Field Analysis
The field of 6 Louisiana-bred fillies and mares features a mix of proven sprinters and veterans, with several from top barns. All are on Lasix (L). Morning line odds reflect Secret Faith as the standout favorite based on class. Below is a detailed breakdown, including post position (PP), recent finishes (based on available 2025 form; limited details for 2026 projections), jockey, trainer, and analysis.
Blue Fire (PP 1, ML 9/5)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, bay.
Sire/Dam: Aurelius Maximus – Mystic Blue.
Owner: Stonestreet Stables LLC and Peter Leidel.
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz (top U.S. rider with multiple graded wins; excellent at Fair Grounds).
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (Hall of Famer; dominates stakes with high win rate in sprints).
Weight: 124 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Consistent in 2025 allowances and stakes at Fair Grounds and Delta Downs, including a win in a 6f dirt allowance in November 2025 and a close second in a similar state-bred event. Speed figures in the mid-90s.
Analysis: Draws the rail for a ground-saving trip; tactical speed allows her to stalk or lead. Asmussen-Ortiz combo is lethal (25%+ win rate). Strong contender on any surface; her pedigree suggests she’ll handle mud well.
Beleout (PP 2, ML 15/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 7-year-old mare, bay.
Sire/Dam: Flat Out – My Friend Bele.
Owner: Pendleton Larsen Jr.
Jockey: Erica M. Murray (local rider with steady Fair Grounds record).
Trainer: Courtney Dandridge Jr. (focuses on Louisiana-breds; solid with veterans).
Weight: 124 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Hit the board in lower-level claimers in late 2025 at Fair Grounds, including a third in a 5 1/2f dirt claimer. Speed figures around 80-85; faces class hike.
Analysis: Inside post suits her pressing style, but she’ll need to improve against this group. Durable mare with experience, but longshot unless pace melts. Prefers fast tracks; mud could hinder.
Hopeitsmyluckyday (PP 3, ML 30/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 6-year-old mare, chestnut.
Sire/Dam: Itsmyluckyday – Silver Spring.
Owner: Yovani Rustrian Munoz.
Jockey: Mitchell Murrill (consistent local; good with closers).
Trainer: Yovani Munoz (up-and-coming with value plays).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Sporadic in 2025, with a win in a low-level claimer at Evangeline Downs but off-the-board in stakes tries. Speed figures in the 70s-80s.
Analysis: Light weight helps, but post requires a clean break. Deep closer who needs luck and a hot pace; outsider for exotics at best. Unproven in mud.
Custom Design (PP 4, ML 20/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 7-year-old mare, bay.
Sire/Dam: Custom for Carlos – Tot Shop Donna.
Owner: Floyd D. Pitzer.
Jockey: Colby J. Hernandez (veteran with strong sprint stats).
Trainer: Floyd D. Pitzer (owner-trainer; niche with homebreds).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Steady in claimers throughout 2025, including a second in a 6f dirt event at Fair Grounds in December. Speed figures mid-80s.
Analysis: Mid-pack post allows flexibility; grinding style could factor if favorites tire. Value longshot for underneath in exotics; handles off tracks based on pedigree.
Secret Faith (PP 5, ML 3/5)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, bay.
Sire/Dam: Aurelius Maximus – St. Jean.
Owner: Norman Stables LLC.
Jockey: C.J. McMahon (experienced local with stakes success).
Trainer: Jayde J. Gelner (rising star; high ROI with sprinters).
Weight: 124 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Dominant in 2025, winning multiple allowances and placing in stakes at Fair Grounds, including a victory in a 6f dirt state-bred allowance in October. Speed figures consistently 95+.
Analysis: Class of the field with front-running speed; wide post isn’t ideal but McMahon’s aggressive ride can overcome. The one to beat on talent; thrives in mud from prior wins.
Six String (PP 6, ML 6/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 5-year-old mare, bay.
Sire/Dam: Star Guitar – Oh Whata Holiday.
Owner: World War IV Racing and Rebel Tide Racing.
Jockey: Florent Geroux (elite rider; multiple Fair Grounds titles).
Trainer: Allen Landry (strong with Louisiana-breds; consistent stakes performer).
Weight: 124 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Board-hitter in 2025 stakes, including a third in the Bob F. Wright Memorial last year and a win in a 5 1/2f turf allowance. Speed figures 90-95.
Analysis: Outside post suits her stalking tactics; Geroux adds class. Live upset threat if pace sets up; versatile on surfaces, including wet.
