Venue and Race Overview
The Gary P. Palmisano Sr. Memorial Stakes is a Listed stakes race held at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Located at 1751 Gentilly Boulevard in the Gentilly neighborhood, Fair Grounds is the third-oldest continuously operating racetrack in the United States, founded in 1852. It features a one-mile dirt oval and a turf course, renowned for its historic grandstand, infield lakes, and role in hosting the Louisiana Derby prep series during the winter meet. This $100,000 race honors Gary P. Palmisano Sr., a respected figure in Louisiana racing. Restricted to Louisiana-bred colts, geldings, and horses aged 4 and up, it is contested over 6 furlongs on dirt and serves as a key sprint for state-bred males. It’s part of a stakes-filled card that includes the Bob F. Wright Memorial Stakes for fillies and mares on dirt and the Nelson J. Menard Memorial Stakes for fillies and mares on turf.
Note: While the query specified January 8, all sources confirm the race is scheduled for January 10, 2026.
Post
Time is scheduled for 4:45 PM CT (5:45 PM ET). The card begins at 12:45 PM CT, with races approximately 30 minutes apart.
Expected Weather Conditions
Forecasts for New Orleans show mild temperatures with a high of 72°F (22°C) and a low of 54°F (12°C). Expect mostly cloudy skies, light winds at 5 mph, and a 73% chance of precipitation, possibly including scattered showers. Humidity will be around 80%, with low UV index (1).
Track Conditions
Fair Grounds’ dirt track is generally fast and fair, but with a significant chance of rain, it could become good, muddy, or sloppy, favoring horses with wet-track prowess. Recent conditions have been fast, but precipitation may lead to an off surface. The 6-furlong sprint distance often benefits early speed, though closers can prevail if the pace collapses on a tiring track.
Field Analysis
The field of 10 Louisiana-bred older males includes proven sprinters, with Geaux Sugar as the standout based on form. All are on Lasix (L). Morning line odds (ML) and speed figures (from last race) are provided; actual odds may vary. Below is a detailed breakdown by post position (PP), including horse details, recent finishes (summarized from available form), jockey, trainer, and analysis.
Benoit (PP 1, ML 6/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 5-year-old gelding, bay.
Sire/Dam: Closing Argument – unknown.
Owner: Unknown.
Jockey: James Graham (experienced local with strong sprint record).
Trainer: Joe O. Duhon (specializes in Louisiana-breds).
Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 110; consistent in allowances, with a win at Fair Grounds in late 2025 over 6f dirt.
Analysis: Rail draw aids ground-saving; tactical speedster who can press early. Duhon’s charge fits well in state-bred company; handles off tracks.
Sir Wellington (PP 2, ML 20/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 6-year-old gelding, bay.
Sire/Dam: Palace – unknown.
Owner: Unknown.
Jockey: Paco Lopez (aggressive frontrunner specialist).
Trainer: Hugh H. Robertson (consistent with sprinters).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 104; placed in claimers at Fair Grounds in 2025, but off-the-board in stakes.
Analysis: Longshot with early pace; inside post helps, but class rise is challenging. Best on fast dirt.
Bron and Brow (PP 3, ML 15/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 7-year-old gelding, bay.
Sire/Dam: Gormley – Changing Vista.
Owner: Steven M. Asmussen.
Jockey: Isaac Castillo (rising talent with closing style).
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (Hall of Famer; excels in sprints).
Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 122; dual winner of this race; strong in graded tries, including a place in 2025 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint.
Analysis: Proven class with versatility—can stalk or close. Asmussen’s gelding thrives at Fair Grounds; value if pace heats up, especially on mud.
Hay Jude (PP 4, ML 6/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 5-year-old gelding, bay.
Sire/Dam: Aurelius Maximus – unknown.
Owner: Unknown.
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz (elite rider with Fair Grounds success).
Trainer: Thomas M. Amoss (high win rate locally).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 115; wins in allowances at Fair Grounds in 2025 over sprint distances.
Analysis: Tactical speed; Ortiz upgrade boosts chances. Amoss targets these spots; solid on any surface.
El Dinero (PP 5, ML 5/2)
Age/Sex/Color: 5-year-old gelding, bay.
Sire/Dam: El Deal – unknown.
Owner: Unknown.
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry (consistent in routes and sprints).
Trainer: Patrick Devereux, Jr. (develops durable runners).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 126; multiple stakes places in 2025 at Delta Downs and Fair Grounds.
Analysis: Mid-pack stalker with kick; flexible post. Devereux’s charge in form; contender on fast or off dirt.
Geaux Sugar (PP 6, ML 2/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 6-year-old gelding, bay.
Sire/Dam: Half Ours – unknown.
Owner: Single Malt Stables.
Jockey: Mitchell Murrill (local expert).
Trainer: Keith G. Bourgeois (strong with sprinters).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 129; back-to-back Louisiana Champions Day Sprint winner; 2nd in 2025 Palmisano. Over $500,000 earned.
Analysis: Speed demon who controls from the front; Bourgeois has him peaking. The one to beat, especially if unchallenged early; loves mud.
Strong Promise (PP 7, ML 10/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 6-year-old gelding, bay.
Sire/Dam: Broken Vow – unknown.
Owner: Unknown.
Jockey: Florent Geroux (multiple Fair Grounds titles).
Trainer: Allen Landry (expert with state-breds).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 120; board-hitter in 2025 allowances at Fair Grounds.
Analysis: Versatile presser; Geroux adds value. Landry’s charge could upset with pace help; adaptable to conditions.
He’s Late Again (PP 8, ML 12/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 5-year-old gelding, bay.
Sire/Dam: Aurelius Maximus – unknown.
Owner: Unknown.
Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr. (top local rider).
Trainer: Allen Landry (see Strong Promise).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 80; mixed in claimers during 2025.
Analysis: Barnmate to #7; closer who needs luck from wide post. Value for exotics on fast track.
Carpis (PP 9, ML 12/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 6-year-old gelding, bay.
Sire/Dam: Star Guitar – unknown.
Owner: Unknown.
Jockey: Sofia Vives (emerging talent).
Trainer: Sam B. David, Jr. (solid with sprinters).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 118; wins in state-bred allowances in 2025.
Analysis: Wide draw challenges; stalking style. David’s runner has upside; prefers dry dirt.
Sounds Like Power (PP 10, ML 15/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 5-year-old gelding, bay.
Sire/Dam: Power Jam – unknown.
Owner: Unknown.
Jockey: Marcelino Pedroza, Jr. (veteran local).
Trainer: Randy Degeyter, Jr. (niche with longshots).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 110; places in lower stakes in 2025.
Analysis: Outsider closer; widest post hurts. Degeyter’s charge needs meltdown up front; mud-tolerant.
