Picks made for fast track and no turf.
Race 1
3: Juju Nineteen: Should have enough speed to get early contention and pounce.
4: Anyotherquestions: Comes off some turf races but has good dirt form under Graham.
Race 2
7: Classical Magnolia: Had lead in last at this level and couldn’t hold; fitter today maybe.
5: Starship Nola: Needs to improve the start of the race and could win this with clean start
Race 3
3: Blurt: First off the claim and into the Camejo barn: should see improvement off last.
1: Max Pandowdy: Gets rail to set up his closing kick; needs some pace up front to help.
Race 4
5: Bartulia: Just outrun in last but galloped out well and should take these today for first win.
4: Maasai Warrior: Has had plenty of chances to get that first win; obvious second choice.
Race 5
2: Field of Vision: Gets a fast track for first time in 3 starts and has run very well on wet tracks.
8: Infinitesimal: Second start; ran OK in first try: needs to improve just a bit here to contend.
Race 6
6: First I’ve Seen: Gonna take this speedster and hope she can go gate to wire against these.
2: Beleout: The other speed in here with top jock Graham and the inside draw; tough in here.
Race 7
2: Braganza: Big win first out; coming in off a layoff but working well for this start
4: Dance It: Another off a layoff after big win in last; well-bred filly for HOF trainer.
Race 8
11: Nosy Banker: Drops to lowest level in long time; loves this track so is live at big price.
12: C’Mon Ve: Another who gets a chance to run against a lower level; throw last out.
Around the Track
Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a safe celebration as we turn the corner to 2023. All horses have their birthdays on Jan. 1, so we wish all horses today a happy birthday. This means no more 2-year-old races since those horses are now 3 and we are on the road to the 2023 Louisiana Derby for three year olds and looking ahead to the Kentucky Derby the first Saturday in May.
Best Bet
Our Best Bet today will be in Race 3 — No. 3 Blurt; should show enough improvement to get the win here today.
Good luck and may they all come home safely.