Fair Grounds Feb. 25: Two stakes featured in Late Pick 5

There are two Louisiana-bred stakes in the Late Pick 5 sequence at Fair Grounds on Saturday. One is wide open, and the other looks like an easy single. I see some interesting price shots in a few other legs, so I am going to build a ticket that could pay handsomely. 

Race 5, 1 Mile, Buttercup’s Song S., 3-year-old state-bred fillies

#2 New Destiny (9-2) figured things out on the win end last out against a tough field including a few in here. Stretches out now, and Jayde Gelner has won 26% of the last 35 sprint-to-routes. #3 Guitar Woman (7-2) flashed talent as a two-year-old, and then put it all together earlier this year when stretching out for the first time. Looks for a third win in a row. #7 Olivia G (7-2) is a half to stakes winner A G’s Charlotte. She ran well going two turns at first asking, and though she could simply run in-the-money one more time, I respect the fact that she could also put it all together and cruise to victory. 

Race 6, Turf, About 1 1/16 Miles, Md Sp Wt 50k ,3-year-olds

The two favorites look beatable in here to me. Let’s take the logical longshots. Tough first try on the turf for #2 Ice Time (8-1), who is well bred for the grass. This will be #3 Minnesota Moon’s (8-1) first start on the turf as a three-year-old. He’ll need to step forward, but in Chris Block on the turf I trust.  #7 Two Rivers Over (6-1) ran a field-best 11 on Thoro-Graph last time out. If he can transfer his form to the turf, he can beat this field. #8 Scat Danz (6-1) has a big purchase tag, solid morning drills, and a sire who wins with 20% of his first-time-starters.

Race 7, 1 Mile 70 Yards, Half Ours S., 3-year-old state-breds

#7 Jack Hammer (7-5) has run big in all three races, and Bret Calhoun says he still has more to learn, more to show us. Single.

Race 8, 6 Furlongs, OC 80k/N1X, 3-year-old fillies

One step forward from her debut effort for #2 Topsy (3-1), and she could get the lead and never look back. #5 Shoplifter (6-1) gets Lasix for her three-year-old debut. She ran in the Breeders’ Cup and is fresh for a red-hot Eddie Kenneally barn. #6 Just Like Magic (12-1) has been wearing blinkers and working like a filly who’s ready to strut her stuff in her three-year-old debut. #9 Titled Lady (4-1) bounced last race and had a wide trip. Back to form and she will be dangerous.

Race 9, 1 1/16 Miles, OC 17k/N1X, 4-year-olds and up

#3 Trigger Happy (15-1) made a nice step forward for his four-year-old debut and could easily move up once again to beat these. #6 Brigadier General (5-1) will make his first start as a four-year-old, and though he has been win photo-shy, he’s run some big numbers that could beat these. #8 Cousin Larry (4-1) beat a nice field last out, including the next-out winner Master Game. Can he hold that form?