Fair Grounds Late Pick 5 Thursday, Feb. 16 

In the first leg, let’s lean on the class-dropper #7 Planters Punch (7-2), who has a nice finish. We can survive the next three legs with the logical runners, regardless of morning line, while opening up to a few longshots who seem live. There’s two in the last that I like, each I believe will be around 5-1 in the win pools.

50-cent Pick 5 = $36

R4: Dirt, 6 Furlongs, Clm 5000N2X, 3-year-olds and up

#7 Planters Punch (7-2) will be making his second start for Keith Bourgeois after finishing second to a respectable foe. He’s taking a major class drop, which doesn't scare me because Bourgeois doesn’t mind cycling through the runners in his barn. Has speed and a finishing punch, as his name suggests. 

R5: Dirt, 6 Furlongs, OC 20k/N2X, 4-year-old and up statebreds

#2 Available Star (6-1) just ran his best race of his 6-year-old career. Can’t ignore. I’ve been chasing #4 Cohere (8-1) and I won’t stop now. Especially in a race that could set up for his off the pace style. #6 Our Freddie Mac (8-1) just romped in the slop and he could find himself on a similar surface Thursday. Leading jockey Rey Gutierrez takes the call on this front-runner. And with sharp works, a win and a move to Jose Camejo’s barn, #8 G’wildcat (3-1) is the one to beat. 

R6: Dirt, 6 Furlongs, Md Sp Wt 50k, 3-year-old and up fillies

#2 Crimaldi (6-1) is a half-sibling to millionaire Bango (also trained by Greg Foley). He could step forward in his second start at a price. #5 Mad Caper (5-1) debuts for trainer Philip Bauer, who has been sending them out cranked. By Maclean’s Music, who does well with firsters, she is a half to Defunded. Likely a pace presence. #7 Beauxs Artes (5-2) transfers from Chad Brown to Eddie Kennealy and has been working well. Corey Lanerie is up and there’s been no better rider to follow with your money, as his mounts for a variety of barns seem to always be live. 

R7: Turf, About 1 1/16 Miles, Alw 51000N1X, 4-year-old & up fillies

Likely washed off with the current forecast, but hey, you never know. Either way, I want to lean on these three fillies. #4 Blissful (5-2) exits a key race with three next-out winners. She has been working lights-out for the Cherie DeVaux barn and can handle turf or an off track. #7 Lady Emily (12-1) adds blinkers and immediately the morning works got faster. Toss out the last race which she likely needed and assume she’s rounding back into form. #8 Ain’t Broke (4-1) has been taking nice baby steps forward. Trainer Bret Calhoun entered this runner on the turf last month but was scratched in the gate after a neighbor acted up.

R8: Dirt, 1 Mile, Clm 5000B, 4-year-old and up statebreds

#7 C’Mon Ve (12-1) attempted two turns for the first time last race and managed it well. Now he knows the distance and should hopefully save some run late. Give me #10 Gallant Star (4-1) in here. His recent Thoro-Graph figures are best, and his form doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. The lesser known connections and outside post ensure the price will be fair.