Tag: Fair Grounds

Paddy’s Picks February Invitational: Week 3 Recap

My attempts to escape the chalk may have failed, but the Fair Grounds Stakes was nevertheless a worthwhile stop in the Paddy’s Picks February Invitational. A victory for reputable turf runner Two Emmys at 9-5 odds shook up both divisions in the competition while keeping things extremely close going into the final week.

Between the scratch of deep closer Corelli and a hotly contested debate among guests between a pair of rival horses, there was plenty to appreciate about this week in New Orleans and its impact on the Invitational. Let’s take a closer look: read more

Paddy’s Picks February Invitational: Week 3 Preview

The Paddy’s Picks February Invitational continues on to its third week, where competitors will evaluate the G3 Fair Grounds Stakes at the Fair Grounds Race Course outside New Orleans.

As I write this, it’s approximately noon on the beautiful Penn State campus, where I’m visiting my sister and guest competitor Emma Moquin for the weekend. I’m exhausted, so if my writing for this preview doesn’t reflect my usual zest for life and the people in it, I offer that as an excuse.

In the first two weeks of this Invitational competition, guests analyzed the G3 Robert B. Lewis and G3 Withers Stakes, two prep races for the Kentucky Derby which yielded predictable winners at short prices. Regardless of the result this week, the Fair Grounds is almost certain to provide more value. read more

Road to the Derby: Louisiana Derby Analysis

Though the Dubai World Cup was fun earlier this afternoon, the Louisiana Derby is still my focus on this Saturday of racing. But in a way, I’m hoping that the headline from Fair Grounds after today will not concern this race but the one preceding it. 

In the 11th race in Louisiana this evening, the champion filly Echo Zulu will make her three-year-old debut in the Fair Grounds Oaks, a prep for the Kentucky Oaks in May. Of all the three-year-olds in this year’s class, I have to admit that she’s the one I’m currently most excited to see. If my predictions are correct for both feature races, Fair Grounds may be a little chalky tonight.  read more

Road to the Derby: Risen Star Stakes Analysis

I’m not sure if sitting in a Pennsylvania diner is really getting the muses going, but this article needs an introduction and I’m the man for the job.

This weekend, everyone’s favorite New York handicapper finds himself abroad to visit his sister, and I have to admit that I’m not cut out for country living. Waiting outside the Waffle Shop North in State College this morning, my family and I experienced our first squall. I don’t know the exact definition of a squall, but I can describe it well enough now. In one moment, visibility decreased to 30 feet as sudden gusts of wind blew snow around like Super Bowl confetti. There was an inch on the ground within minutes, but it ended as soon as it began. This place is bizarre. read more