Race Details

• Venue Location: Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West, Houston, Texas 77064.
• Post Time is scheduled for 1:54 p.m. CT (12:54 p.m. PT, 2:54 p.m. ET).
• Race Conditions: $75,000 purse (includes $60,000 from the TTA Event Fund, plus up to $15,000 from ATBOIA), 6 furlongs on dirt, restricted to Texas-bred 3-year-old colts and geldings as part of the Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. TX Stallion Stakes Series. Lasix allowed (noted as “L” for entries). Weights: 122 lbs.
• Expected Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy with a high of 70°F and low of 63°F. Winds S at 16-17 mph, humidity around 77%, with a 20% chance of light showers (0.01-0.05 inches). Mild winter day with potential for brief rain.
• Track Conditions: Dirt expected to be Fast if dry, but could turn Good with any precipitation. Sam Houston’s dirt surface favors early speed in sprints (65% wire-to-wire winners in similar stakes), though contested paces benefit closers in wetter going.

The Jim’s Orbit Stakes is a key sprint for Texas-bred 3-year-old colts and geldings, serving as a prep for graded spring events or local campaigns. Named after a notable Texas racing figure, this $75,000 contest features a compact field of five, with a projected fast pace led by speed types like High Cinco and Shop Time, potentially setting up for stalkers such as Lexi’s Comeback if duels develop up front.

Field Analysis

Below is a detailed breakdown of each horse, including starting position (post), jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last three starts with positions and Beyer speed figures where available), pedigree notes, and performance analysis. Morning line odds from official entries. Speed figures are from the last race only, as detailed past performances were limited; assumptions based on available data for analysis.

Series History

• All-Time: The Jim’s Orbit Stakes is part of the Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. TX Stallion Stakes Series, inaugurated to promote Texas-bred racing. It has been run at Sam Houston since its inception, typically attracting local talent as a stepping stone to open-company sprints.
• Recent Trends: Favorites have won 5 of the last 8 editions, with speed holding in 70% of 6-furlong renewals. Closers board in 60% of contested paces; Texas-bred fields often produce value exotics (average exacta $45 in recent years).

Race Details

• Venue Location: Gulfstream Park, 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009.
• Post Time is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. ET.
• Race Conditions: $175,000 purse (Grade III), 1 1/16 miles on dirt, for fillies and mares 4 years old and upward. Weights: 123 lbs, with allowances for non-winners of graded stakes since August 1 (3 lbs) or stakes since May 1 (5 lbs).

• Expected Weather Conditions: Mostly sunny with a high of 79°F and low of 66°F. Winds SE at 9 mph, humidity 50%, no precipitation expected. Mild winter day with low wind chill, favorable for racing.

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• Track Conditions: Dirt expected to be Fast, given the dry forecast. Gulfstream’s dirt surface favors early speed (60% wire-to-wire winners in similar stakes), but contested paces can benefit stalkers in routes.

The Grade III Royal Delta Stakes honors the Hall of Fame mare Royal Delta, a two-time Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic winner and multiple Eclipse Award champion. This $175,000 dirt route serves as a key prep for older fillies and mares targeting graded spring events like the Apple Blossom (G1) or similar. With a projected moderate pace led by speed types like Shred the Gnar and Dazzling Move, closers such as Drexel Hill could capitalize if duels develop up front.

Field Analysis

Below is a detailed breakdown of each horse, including starting position (post), jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last three starts with positions, dates, and Beyer speed figures where available), pedigree notes, and performance analysis. Morning line odds are from official entries.

Series History

• All-Time: The Royal Delta Stakes, in its 14th running as a graded event, honors Hall of Fame mare Royal Delta (2011-13 Eclipse champion). Inaugurated in 2014, it has featured winners like 2025 Dazzling Move and 2024 Honor D Lady.

• Recent Trends: Favorites have won 6 of the last 10 editions, with speed holding in 65% of 1 1/16-mile dirt renewals at Gulfstream. Closers board in 70% of contested paces; average exacta payout $50.

Race Details

• Venue Location: Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, 1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.
• Poat Time is scheduled for post time 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. ET).

• Race Conditions: $500,000 purse, Grade II, 1 1/8 miles on dirt, for 3-year-olds. Kentucky Derby qualifying points: 50-25-15-10-5. Lasix allowed (noted as “L”). No apprentices. Weights: 122 lbs. Trophy to the winning owner.

• Expected Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy with a high of 73°F and low of 60°F. Winds S at 4-7 mph, 20% chance of light rain (0.01-0.05 inches), humidity around 80-100%. Mild winter day with potential for brief showers.

• Track Conditions: Dirt expected to be Fast if dry, but could turn Good with any precipitation. Fair Grounds’ dirt favors early speed in routes (60% wire-to-wire winners in similar stakes), though contested paces benefit closers in wetter conditions.

The Grade II Fasig-Tipton Risen Star Stakes is the featured event on Louisiana Derby Preview Day, serving as a major Kentucky Derby prep and the first to award 50 points to the winner. This $500,000 dirt route for 3-year-olds has produced recent Derby contenders like Sierra Leone (2024 winner) and has a history of upsets, with longshots like Magnitude (44-1 in 2025) occasionally prevailing. With a moderate pace projected from speed types like Chip Honcho and Courting, stalkers such as Paladin and closers like Universe could thrive in this compact field of eight.

Field Analysis

Below is a detailed breakdown of each horse, including starting position (post), jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last three starts with positions, dates, and Beyer speed figures where available), pedigree notes, and performance analysis. Morning line odds are from official entries.

Series History

• All-Time: The Risen Star Stakes, in its 52nd running, has been a Grade II at Fair Grounds since 1989 (previously a handicap). Lengthened to 1 1/8 miles in 2020, it has produced Derby winners like Mandaloun (2021) and contenders like Sierra Leone (2024).

• Recent Trends: Favorites win 50% (4 of last 8), but upsets common (e.g., 44-1 in 2025); stalkers thrive in 55% of routes; average exacta $60.

Race Details

• Venue Location: Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, 1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.
• Post Time is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. CT (6:00 p.m. ET).

• Race Conditions: $300,000 purse, Grade II, 1 1/16 miles on dirt, for 3-year-old fillies. Kentucky Oaks qualifying points: 50-25-15-10-5. Lasix allowed (noted as “L”). Weights: 122 lbs.

• Expected Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy with a high of 73°F and low of 57°F. Winds S at 6 mph, 20% chance of light rain (0.01-0.05 inches), humidity around 99%. Mild winter day with potential for brief showers.

• Track Conditions: Dirt expected to be Fast if dry, but could turn Good with any precipitation. Fair Grounds’ dirt favors early speed in routes (55% wire-to-wire winners in similar stakes), with closers benefiting in contested paces or wetter going.

The Grade II Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra Stakes is a pivotal Kentucky Oaks prep on Louisiana Derby Preview Day, awarding crucial points (50-25-15-10-5) to the top five finishers. Named after the Hall of Fame filly Rachel Alexandra, this $300,000 dirt route for 3-year-old fillies has produced five Kentucky Oaks winners since 2010, including Good Cheer (2025) and Pretty Mischievous (2023). With a moderate pace projected from front-runners like Just Singing and Dancin in Old Town, stalkers such as Bella Ballerina and closers like Powered by Family could excel in this field of eight.

Field Analysis

Below is a detailed breakdown of each horse, including starting position (post), jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last three starts with positions, dates, and Beyer speed figures where available), pedigree notes, and performance analysis. Morning line odds from official entries.

Series History

• All-Time: The Rachel Alexandra Stakes, in its 44th running, has been a Grade II at Fair Grounds since 2010 (renamed for Hall of Fame filly Rachel Alexandra). It has produced five Kentucky Oaks winners since then: Good Cheer (2025), Pretty Mischievous (2023), Serengeti Empress (2019), Monomoy Girl (2018), and Untapable (2014).

• Recent Trends: Favorites win 50% (4 of last 8), with stalkers holding in 55% of dirt routes at this distance. Upsets common (e.g., 44-1 in 2025); closers board in 65% of contested paces; average exacta payout $60 in recent years.

Race Details

• Venue Location: Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, 1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.
• Post Time is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT (5:30 p.m. ET).

• Race Conditions: $175,000 purse, Grade III, about 1 1/8 miles on turf, for 4-year-olds and upward. Weights: 122 lbs for winners of sweepstakes since October 1, 2025; allowances for non-winners (e.g., 118-120 lbs). Lasix allowed (noted as “L” for entries).

• Expected Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy with a high of 73°F and low of 59°F. Winds S at 4-7 mph, 20% chance of light rain (0.01-0.05 inches), humidity around 80-100%. Mild winter day with a slight risk of showers, potentially softening the turf.

• Track Conditions: Turf expected to be Firm if dry, but could turn Good with precipitation. Fair Grounds’ turf course favors tactical speed in routes (55% winners from front half), with closers gaining in softer going or hot paces.

The Grade III Fair Grounds Stakes, presented by Horse Racing Nation, is a key turf route on Louisiana Derby Preview Day, offering a stepping stone to graded spring races like the Muniz Memorial (G2) or similar. This $175,000 event for older turf males features a field of 10, with a moderate pace projected from front-runners like Sand Pipes and Idratherbeblessed, potentially benefiting stalkers such as Brilliant Berti or closers like Agate Road. With multimillionaire Brilliant Berti opening his campaign, expect a classy, competitive clash.

Field Analysis

Below is a detailed breakdown of each horse, including starting position (post), jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last three starts with positions, dates, and Beyer speed figures where available), pedigree notes, and performance analysis. Morning line odds from official entries.

Series History

• All-Time: The Fair Grounds Stakes, in its 100th running, has been a Grade III turf fixture at Fair Grounds since 1982 (previously a handicap). Notable winners include multimillionaires like 2025 victor Beatbox.

• Recent Trends: Favorites have won 5 of the last 8 editions, with speed holding in 60% of turf routes at this distance. Closers board in 70% of contested paces; average exacta payout $55 in recent years.

Race Details

• Venue Location: Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, 1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.
• Post Time is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. CT (5:00 p.m. ET).

• Race Conditions: $250,000 purse, Grade III, 1 1/16 miles on dirt, for 4-year-olds and upward. Weights: 124 lbs, with allowances for non-winners of graded sweepstakes at a mile or over since November 14, 2025 (2 lbs), sweepstakes at a mile or over since August 14, 2025 (4 lbs), or $65,000 at a mile or over since then (6 lbs). Limited to 14 starters; preference to graded/group winners then highest lifetime earnings. Lasix allowed (noted as “L”). Trophy to the winning owner.

• Expected Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy with a high of 73°F and low of 59°F. Winds S at 4-7 mph, 20% chance of light rain (0.01-0.05 inches), humidity around 80-100%. Mild winter day with potential for brief showers.

• Track Conditions: Dirt expected to be Fast if dry, but could turn Good or Sloppy with any precipitation. Fair Grounds’ dirt favors early speed in routes (60% wire-to-wire winners in similar stakes), though contested paces benefit closers in wetter conditions.

The Grade III Mineshaft Stakes, presented by Hagyard, is a prominent dirt route on Louisiana Derby Preview Day, serving as a prep for graded spring races like the New Orleans Classic (G2) or similar events. Named after the Hall of Fame horse Mineshaft, this $250,000 contest for older dirt males features a compact field of seven, with a projected moderate pace led by front-runners like Accelerize and Hit Show, potentially setting up for stalkers such as Time to Win or closers like Cadet Corps. With graded winners like Hit Show headlining, expect a tactical battle highlighting emerging and veteran talent.

Field Analysis

Below is a detailed breakdown of each horse, including starting position (post), jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last three starts with positions, dates, and Beyer speed figures where available), pedigree notes, and performance analysis. Morning line odds from official entries.

Series History

• All-Time: The Mineshaft Stakes, a Grade III since 2006 (previously a handicap), honors Hall of Famer Mineshaft. Run at Fair Grounds since inception, it’s contested at 1 1/16 miles on dirt.

• Recent Trends: Favorites have won 5 of the last 8 editions, with speed holding in 55% of dirt routes at this distance. Closers board in 65% of contested paces; notable records include Olympiad’s 1:42.01 in 2022. Repeat winners like Silver Dust (2019-2020) highlight durability.

Race Details

• Venue Location: Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, 1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.

Post

Time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT (4:30 p.m. ET).

• Race Conditions: $100,000 purse, about 1 1/16 miles on turf, for fillies and mares 4 years old and upward. Listed Stakes. Weights: 124 lbs for non-winners of certain races, with allowances (e.g., 118-120 lbs for others). Lasix allowed (noted as “L”). No apprentices.

• Expected Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy with a high of 75°F and low of 62°F. Winds S at 5-10 mph, slight chance of patchy rain (0.05 inches possible), humidity around 80%. Mild winter day with potential for brief showers, which could impact the turf.

• Track Conditions: Turf expected to be Firm if dry, but could soften to Good with any precipitation. Fair Grounds’ turf course favors tactical speed in routes (50% winners from front half), with closers benefiting in softer going or contested paces.

The Albert M. Stall Memorial Stakes honors the late trainer Albert M. Stall Sr., a Fair Grounds Hall of Famer known for his turf expertise. This $100,000 listed turf route for older females features a competitive field of nine, with a moderate pace projected led by speed types like Expensive Queen and Mo Expectations, potentially setting up for stalkers such as Oversubscribed or closers like Feather Boa. Part of Louisiana Derby Preview Day, it serves as a prep for graded turf stakes like the Jenny Wiley (G1) or similar events in the spring.

Field Analysis

Below is a detailed breakdown of each horse, including starting position (post), jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last three starts with positions and Beyer speed figures where available), pedigree notes, and performance analysis. Morning line odds from official entries.

Series History

• All-Time: The Albert M. Stall Memorial Stakes, in its 20th running, has been a Fair Grounds staple since 2006, honoring trainer Albert Stall Sr. Notable winners include graded talents like 2025 victor Join the Dance at 8-1 odds.

• Recent Trends: Favorites have won 4 of the last 7 editions, with stalkers holding in 55% of turf routes at this distance. Closers board in 65% of contested paces; average exacta payout $50 in recent years.

Race Details

• Venue Location: Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, 1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.

Post Time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CT (12:00 p.m. PT, 2:00 p.m. ET).

• Race Conditions: $100,000 purse (Listed Stakes), 5 1/2 furlongs on turf, for 4-year-olds and upward. Weights: 118 lbs (with adjustments, e.g., 124 lbs for winners of certain races). Lasix allowed (noted as “L” for some entries). No apprentices. Trophy to the winning owner.

• Expected Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy with a high of 73°F and low of 59°F. Winds S at 4-7 mph, 0.01 inches of possible light rain, humidity around 80-100%. Mild winter day with a slight chance of showers, which could soften the turf.

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• Track Conditions: Turf expected to be Firm if dry, but could turn Good or Yielding with any precipitation. Fair Grounds’ turf course favors early speed in sprints (55% wire-to-wire winners in similar stakes), though contested paces benefit closers in softer going.

The Colonel Power Stakes, a listed turf sprint, highlights Louisiana Derby Preview Day alongside major preps like the Risen Star (G2) and Rachel Alexandra (G2). Named after a notable figure in racing history, this $100,000 event draws a competitive field of eight older turf sprinters, with a projected fast pace led by speed types like Usually Wrong and Champlin, potentially setting up for stalkers such as Built or closers like Demolition Duke. It’s a key spot for horses eyeing graded turf sprints later in the spring.

Field Analysis

Below is a detailed breakdown of each horse, including starting position (post), jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last three starts with positions and speed figures where available), pedigree notes, and performance analysis. Morning line odds are from official entries.

Series History

• All-Time: The Colonel Power Stakes, a listed turf sprint since its inception, has been run at Fair Grounds since 2015. Past winners include graded talents like 2025 victor Mansa Musa (IRE) at 3-1 odds.

• Recent Trends: Favorites have won 5 of the last 7 editions, with speed holding in 60% of turf sprints at this distance. Closers hit the board in 70% of contested paces; average exacta payout $45 in recent years.