Turf Sprints Bookend Fair Grounds Pick 3 Play

A pair of turf sprints help comprise a very inviting Pick 3 sequence at Fair Grounds on Saturday. Each of the races lacks a standout in my opinion, and I think it presents a good time to take a swing at what could be a healthy return without requiring an ambitious investment.

Race 3 -- Maiden Special Weight

First leg of the sequence is for sophomore fillies vying in a 5 1/2-furlong turf affair. A field of 10 will go postward in the dash, and I will be searching for value to start things off. I am not in love with any of the horses that have run to date, so it’s the first-time starters that I will focus on.

#1 Millennium Force (3-1), #3 Go Tweet (8-1), #4 Three Quarter Time (8-1), and #8 Pink Posse (12-1), will be included in the opening leg.

Race 4 -- Claiming

An overflow field of 13 will contest a $5,000 claiming dash on the dirt for Cajun-bred runners. #6 Alma Derby (6-1) won two in succession on the main surface prior to being overmatched with allowance foes last time out. The big class dropper would be of little surprise.

Recent runner-up #8 Lord Colliery (8-1), and #9 See Carlos Run (6-1), fresh off the claim by Foster, also have appeal as I will go three-deep in the middle leg.

Race 5 -- Maiden Special Weight

The 3-year-old boys will have their chance in a 5 1/2-furlong run on the lawn as well. #2 Lontano (3-1) is my top choice for Casse in a deep field. $535,000 son of fine turf influence Street Boss rallied to be second on debut behind a horse that freaked on the day, and some improvement will make him dangerous in his second assignment.

I will also include Al Stall’s #4 Haig Point (8-1), and #10 And He’s Loose (10-1), both debuters, for some protection.

Suggested Wager

• 50-cent Pick 3: 1,3,4,8 with 6,8,9 with 2,4,10 ($18)