Early Pick 4 play on Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby Day

There are two Pick 4s on Saturday's TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby Day program at Fair Grounds, the all-stakes version that runs from races 8-11 and an earlier version that starts with race 2. We'll attack the early one with this ticket.

Race 2 -- Crescent City Oaks

Multiple stakes winner #6 TESTING ONE TWO (7-5) obviously the horse to  beat dropping in class from the Rachel Alexandra (G2), but will also give #7 SAINTS' GIRL (5-2) a shot off two blowout wins. #1 CHAMPAGNE DIVA (8-1) beat the latter on debut convincingly, then had trouble in the Louisiana Futurity filly division and a turf sprint allowance. She's capable of better.

Race 3 -- Costa Rising

#7 TRUST FACTOR (3-1) has never sprinted in 15 career starts, but oozes class as one of the best state-bred turf performers around. We'll include a couple longer shots, too. #1 JACK SNIPE'S (8-1) turned in a solid allowance score over this course and trip against defending titlist Eden Grey's Kitten two back, and slow break in a shorter stakes dash at Delta last time a valid excuse. #11 WIN LION WIN (12-1) typically fares best sprinting on the turf, which he hasn't got to do since returning from a long break. Placed in this event several years ago.

Race 4 -- Maiden Special Weight

#6 RED RIGHT HAND (7-2) obviously the horse to beat off a solid debut second here, but think #5 TRIPLE DOG DARE (6-1) capable of better after a dull local bow for Brad Cox. Florent Geroux joins the team today, and that trainer/jockey combo is rock solid. #4 BORU (5-1) is also one to expect improvement from as the son of Curlin tries dirt after two mediocre tries on the turf.

Race 5 -- New Orleans Ladies

#5 MOM'S ON STRIKE (9-5) has been the dominant older turf mare at this meet and will be hard to fend off in this tune-up for next month's Bewitch (G3) at Keeneland.

Here's the $1 ticket:

1,6,7 with 1,7,11 with 4,5,6 with 5 = $27

If you bet these four races individually, you'll be halfway to being eligible to splitting up to $10,000 with TwinSpires.com's Louisiana Derby Day promotion. Opt in and bet at least $25 (Win, Place, Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta) on eight or more races on the 14-race card and be eligible for a share of $2,500. Cash a ticket on four races and you can split another $2,500. Split an additional $5,000 if you cash a ticket on all eight races. Click here for more details and to opt in.

(Mom's On Strike: Hodges Photography)