Fair Grounds Pick: How to bet with, and against, Sacred Life in Muniz Memorial

A strong field of nine will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Fair Grounds turf in Saturday’s $300,000 Muniz Memorial Classic S. (G2). Conditioner Chad Brown has the two morning-line favorites in the field, led by #2 Sacred Life (2-1), who fell short by just 2 1/2 lengths in the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) in his latest endeavor.

Sacred Life has been consistently good in his career, with 15 top-two showings from 23 performances, and the nine-furlong voyage seems ideal for the late-running seven-year-old. The French-bred son of Siyouni will come in fresh off the layoff, and some of his best performances have come when entering a race off of morning drills. Picking up Florent Geroux adds to his appeal.

Grade 1 winner #8 Two Emmys (15-1) stopped early in the Fair Grounds S. (G3) on the course in his latest outing, but the accomplished gelding has enjoyed prior success on the course, and he is a must-use at his generous morning-line number. Trained by Hugh Robertson, the son of English Channel was a smart runner-up in the event in 2021 and figures to be a big factor in this edition as well.

The speedy sort received a tough post slot in his latest try and will get a better trip as the one to catch on this occasion. He will have James Graham in the controls.

Godolphin homebred #9 Santin (7-2) has raced just four times in his lifetime, but the son of Distorted Humor has given a fine account of himself on each occasion. Second in the Hollywood Derby (G1) in his three-year-old finale, the four-year-old colt showed excellent late interest in the recent Fair Grounds S. when finishing a half-length back under the wire.

Santin possesses positional speed and a fine turn of foot, and it would not be a surprise to see him move forward in his second run of the season. Tyler Gaffalione will guide the talented contender.

Sacred Life – With

• $15 exacta 2 with 8, 9 ($30)
• $5 trifecta key 2 with 8, 9 ($10)

Sacred Life – Against

• $1 trifecta 8, 9 with 2, 8, 9 with all ($28)
• $3 exacta key box 8 with 2, 9 ($12)