Stakes Spot Plays for Louisiana Champions Day at Fair Grounds

A total of nine black-type events for Cajun-bred runners will be hosted by Fair Grounds on Saturday as part of Louisiana Champions Day.

Race 7 – Juvenile S.

Nine will travel six panels on the main oval in the heat. #6 El Dinero (5-1) went last-to-first on the surface last time out and will get another robust pace to rally into on Saturday. The Patrick Devereux pupil shows improving Brisnet Speed figures and will benefit from the extra half-furlong of ground to work with. James Graham retains the ride aboard the fine closer.

Race 8 – Turf S.

The about 1 1/16-mile endeavor on the green attracted a field of eight. #6 Regal Kingdom (8-1) is two-for-three on the course and will race as a gelding for the initial time for conditioner Graham Motion. The Animal Kingdom sophomore has been facing some good ones in open company and will relish the move to state-bred runners in this spot. The one-run closer will be asked for his best approaching the turn for home by pilot Jareth Loveberry.

Race 9 – Distaff S.

Defending champ #5 A G’s Charlotte (5-2) had a fine prep for the contest and will aim to repeat in the 1 1/16-mile dirt test. Trained by Patricia West, the dark bay daughter of Mo Tom has compiled a solid 9-3-2-2 local line in her career, and the four-year-old has the positional speed to be in range throughout, as well. Marcelino Pedroza will take the reins and have the filly tracking the tempo from the second or third flight to the top of the lane.

Race 10 – Ladies Sprint S.

The six-furlong heat for fillies and mares will see 10 go postward in an interesting dash. #3 Basalt Street (8-1) is surely worth a look with Loveberry in the stirrups. The Uncaptured four-year-old has good local experience and will relish the return to the dirt for this run. The dark bay was in solid form prior to the layoff, and I expect her to make a big push late at a nice price for Gary Scherer.