Pick 5 Play for Fair Grounds: Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

With fewer tracks to compete with, Fair Grounds’ multi-race wager pools often swell on Mondays. It’s a great opportunity to take a stab in the Early Pick 5.

50-cent Pick 5 = $72

Race 1: Dirt, 6 furlongs, Clm 5000N4X, 4-year-old & up statebred fillies and mares

#2 Candy’s Pride (3-1) has serious jets but will have to tussle with #3 Charlie’s Peak (12-1) on the front end. Whoever wins that battle could easily win the war. Or they’ll both tire setting up for #6 Enduring Peace (4-1) and #8 Commercial Flash (5-2).

Race 2: Dirt, 6 Furlongs, MC 12500(12.5-10), 3-year-old & up fillies and mares

There are three fillies in here dropping from maiden special weight to maiden claiming ranks, each with a decent shot at winning this: #2 Little Fairy (7-2), #3 Sweetasbaily (6-1), and #7 She’s Jersey Tuff (3-1).

Race 3: Dirt, 6 Furlongs, MC 30000, 3-year-old & up fillies and mares

#1 One More Laugh (5-2) paved her path to the front last out by breaking out three lanes and clearing her foes early. Figures and running style make it hard to fade this runner. #4 Carnelian (4-1) has tactical speed and sharp recent works. You can see #8 Terranova (12-1) get uncomfortable late as foes get closer. Blinkers off will help her relax and make her best run to date.

Race 4: Dirt, 1 1/16 Miles, OC 17k/N1X, 4-year-old & up fillies

I’ll take my stand with #1 Fine Cotton (9-2). Neil Pessin’s filly had throat surgery, recovered, and now has her confidence back after beating next-out winner Tales of Home.

Yes, a big debut figure and a huge gallop out suggest two turns will be no trouble for #2 Non Violence (5-2) and yes, she has the top trainer and jockey, but who did she beat? No one. Who will use Non Violence on their tickets? Most everyone. Trying to beat a horse like this is what Pick 5s are all about.

Race 5: Dirt, 6 Furlongs, OC 20k/N2X, 4-year-old & up statebred fillies and mares

#1 Box of Pictures (9-2) ran well last out and has a recent bullet work for Jose Camejo. #2 G’s Squeeze (3-1) is a solid runner who exits a key race with two next-out winners so far. I too would fold if Ova Charged passed me, so I’m not going to blame the speedster #3 Lake Marie (8-1) for doing exactly that in the Happy Ticket. #7 Basalt Street (7-2) is progressing nicely and has the advantage in the outside position to track the leaders and come strong late.