NEW ORLEANS, LA – The spotlight at Fair Grounds shines on the Magic City Classic Stakes, showcasing a competitive field of Alabama-bred Thoroughbreds aged three and up. Contested over one mile on dirt, this stakes event offers a $75,000 purse—including contributions from the Arizona Horse Racing (AZHR) and other sources—and promises a tightly matched lineup of proven veterans and emerging prospects.
Race Details
- Distance: 1 mile (dirt)
- Eligibility: Alabama-breds, 3-year-olds & older
- Entry Fee: $300
- Weight Assignments:
- 3YO: 121 lbs
- Older: 124 lbs
- Allowances: -2 lbs (non-winners of $15K twice); -4 lbs (non-winners since)
- Purse Breakdown:
- $32,900 from purse account
- $2,600 from other sources
- $4,500 from AZHR
Full Field & Morning Line Odds
| PP | Horse | Sex/Age | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Channelfortynine | 3/G | J A Guerrero | R P Ward | 115 lbs | 6/1 |
| 2 | Bobby Jr. | 8/G | R R Singh | S Savoie | 118 lbs | 12/1 |
| 3 | Moor to Conquer | 3/F | K Wellington | S Savoie | 112 lbs | 20/1 |
| 4 | Unaffiliated | 5/G | J Barbosa | D Schmidt | 118 lbs | 15/1 |
| 5 | Aoide | 3/G | J Riquelme | J O Duhon | 115 lbs | 20/1 |
| 6 | Wabash | 3/G | J Loveberry | J O Duhon | 115 lbs | 8/1 |
| 7 | Simplicated | 4/G | T S Albert | D Schmidt | 118 lbs | 20/1 |
| 8 | Uncle Brad | 5/G | J L Ortiz | J Wong | 124 lbs | 5/1 |
| 9 | Dromas | 3/C | C McMahon | S Savoie | 121 lbs | 9/2 |
| 10 | Liken It | 7/G | D H Magnon | R Magnon | 124 lbs | 4/1 |
| 11 | Jovie G | 3/F | M Murrill | J Wong | 118 lbs | 9/2 |
Pedigree Highlights
- Liken It / Jovie G / Uncle Brad – All sired by Doc N Bubba G and out of Ausbrook, signaling strong familial ties across the field.
- Dromas – From Divide and Conquer, paired with speed influence Yes It’s True
- Wabash – Sired by Jess’s Dream, offering stamina potential with a late punch
Contender Analysis
- Liken It (4/1): Experience and consistency make this 7-year-old gelding a serious win threat.
- Uncle Brad (5/1): Strong pedigree and top jockey assignment set him up well at the mile.
- Dromas (9/2): Lightly raced colt with upside potential; trainer/jockey tandem adds value.
- Jovie G (9/2): 3-year-old filly shows promise and shares pedigree with top contenders.
- Wabash (8/1): Capable mid-range pick with tactical options if the pace moderates.
Race Strategy & Track Conditions
With clear skies and a fast main track forecasted, early speed and rail position could prove decisive. Expect tactical rides from jockeys on Uncle Brad, Liken It, and Jovie G—each needing a clean break and efficient trip around one turn.
Final Word
The 2024 Magic City Classic Stakes offers a dynamic field of Alabama-bred contenders, blending long-established runners with fresh blood poised to rise. Whether the crown goes to a seasoned gelding like Liken It or a rising 3-year-old like Dromas, the race promises a finish worth watching.
