Fair Grounds Pick of the Week for January 20

Whether Sunday's seventh race at Fair Grounds stays on the turf or is moved to the dirt following forecasted rain earlier in the weekend, #3 NOBLE FEVER (10-1) appears an interesting candidate in the one-mile maiden event for three-year-old fillies. Trainer Mark Casse was off to a good start at Fair Grounds, winning with eight of his first 30 starts, and this Dixiana Farms homebred was part of his Woodbine string last fall. Noble Fever debuted on December 1 going seven furlongs over the Tapeta and was compromised at the start by some early bumping. While she didn't reach win contention, she did pass some rivals late to finish fifth. On top was the more experienced Souciologist and in second Sister Nova, both of whom had been competitive in earlier starts. By European star Noble Mission, Noble Fever nonetheless has plenty of dirt influences on the other half of her pedigree. Her dam was twice graded-placed on dirt early in her career and is a half-sister to Jerome (G2) winner Noble Moon. With a little more luck in running and some minor improvement, Noble Fever can be a square-priced contender on Sunday.