Fair Grounds: How to bet the Risen Star and Rachel Alexandra

Racing fans will have an opportunity to see Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders compete in back-to-back races Saturday, Feb. 13 at Fair Grounds.

The $300,000 Rachel Alexandra S. (G2) and the $400,000 Risen Star S. (G2) will conclude a stellar 13-race card at the New Orleans oval. Large, competitive fields have been entered in both races, so let’s take $50 and put together exotic wagers geared toward big payoffs.

Race 12: Rachel Alexandra (G2, 1 1/16 miles, 6:47 p.m. ET)

#8 Travel Column and #1 Clairiere ran 1-2 in the Golden Rod (G2) at Churchill Downs last fall, while #2 Souper Sensational finished second in the Silverbulletday S. at Fair Grounds four weeks ago. With #9 Charlie’s Penny expected to scratch, these three are the main players in the Rachel Alexandra.

But which one will emerge victorious?

The Golden Rod was the faster race on paper, so Travel Column — who hails from the high-percentage barn of trainer Brad Cox — is the filly to beat, but I believe Clairiere can turn the tables. A beautifully bred daughter of Curlin, out of the multiple Grade 1-winning mare Cavorting, Clairiere arguably moved too soon in the Golden Rod, when she rallied to lead in the homestretch but was caught late by Travel Column.

Clairiere has trained forwardly for her 2021 debut, and if she times her rally better Saturday, she can spring a mild surprise.

I’m also keen to support Souper Sensational. She endured a rough trip in the Silverbulletday, when she got bounced around in traffic and forced back to last place early. A slow pace further compromised her chances, but Souper Sensational never gave up and rallied gamely to finish second.

Let’s bet Clairiere on top in the superfecta and emphasize Travel Column and Souper Sensational underneath.

$3 superfecta: 1 with 2,8 with 2,8 with 3,6 ($12)
$3 superfecta: 1 with 2,8 with 3,6 with 2,8 ($12)
Total: $24

Race 13: Risen Star (G2, 1 1/8 miles, 7:18 p.m. ET)

#6 Midnight Bourbon is going to be a popular play, after he wired the Lecomte (G3) at Fair Grounds last month. But the son of Tiznow enjoyed a very favorable trip, as he shook loose on an uncontested lead, through slow fractions of :24.68, :48.99, and 1:13.57.

There appears to be considerably more speed entered in the Risen Star, which could tip the scales in favor of #11 Mandaloun. The Cox trainee rallied to finish third in the Lecomte, where he was beaten only a length, after he raced wide off a slow pace.

Mandaloun has trained sharply for the Risen Star. He breezed five furlongs in a bullet :59 4/5 Saturday, and the addition of blinkers could sharpen his focus. Cox wins at a 37% rate with horses running long for the second time, which stamps Mandaloun as a formidable contender with hot jockey Florent Geroux aboard.

Let’s bet Mandaloun on top of two trifectas, with Midnight Bourbon and Remington Springboard Mile S. winner #5 Senor Buscador emphasized underneath.

$2 trifecta: 11 with 5,6 with 1,2,5,6,10,13 ($20)
$1.50 trifecta: 11 with 5,6 with 2,5,6 ($6)
Total: $26

Good luck!