Fair Grounds gears up for a dynamic juvenile showcase with the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie Stakes, a six-furlong sprint dedicated to two-year-old fillies accredited as Louisiana-bred. Boasting a $100,000 purse, this dirt dash is expected to spotlight the region’s rising stars on Champions Day.
Race Overview
- Date: Louisiana Champions Day – December 2024
- Distance: 6 furlongs (dirt)
- Eligibility: Accredited Louisiana-bred 2YO fillies
- Entry Fee: $550 + $550 to start
- Supplemental Nomination: $2,000 (all fees included)
- Weight: 122 lbs base
- -5 lbs allowance for maidens
- Field Limit: 14 starters (preference to winners, then earnings)
- Trophy: Presented to winning owner
- Purse Distribution:
- 1st: $60,000
- 2nd: $20,000
- 3rd: $11,000
- 4th: $6,000
- 5th: $3,000
Contenders & Morning Line Odds
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | ML Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secret Faith (LA) | J J Gelner | C McMahon | 7/5 |
| Blue Fire (LA) | S M Asmussen | J L Ortiz | 9/5 |
| Fast Flame (LA) | J Sharp | B J Hernandez Jr. | 3/1 |
| Warrior’s Justice (LA) | B P Walsh | D Cannon | 12/1 |
| Wannawholelottaluv (LA) | J Jeansonne | J Loveberry | 15/1 |
| Majestic Rags (LA) | J J Gelner | E J Barrera | 20/1 |
| Clearly Credo (LA) | O Modica | A Concepcion | 20/1 |
| Tdz Dancinlilslew (LA) | N Eschete | C Fusilier | 30/1 |
Leading Contenders to Watch
- Secret Faith (7/5) – The morning line favorite trained by J.J. Gelner, she enters with strong form and track experience. Rider C. McMahon gives her an edge in tactics and positioning.
- Blue Fire (9/5) – With elite connections in Steve Asmussen and Jose L. Ortiz, this filly brings momentum and pedigree into the gate. Expect early pace and assertive positioning.
- Fast Flame (3/1) – Sharp’s barn is on a roll and with B.J. Hernandez Jr. aboard, this filly could press the leaders and close hard.
Race Strategy Insights
- Fast-track conditions and a short sprint distance make gate breaks crucial. Look for Secret Faith and Blue Fire to challenge early, while Fast Flame could draft and rally in the final furlong.
- Trainer-jockey combinations point to solid prep work and tactical execution, especially among the top three.
Final Word
This year’s Louisiana Champions Day Lassie promises intense speed, high stakes, and a glimpse into the future of Louisiana’s racing elite. Whether it’s the favorite’s finesse, a sleeper’s surge, or a battle down the stretch, the six-furlong test is primed for drama.
