Risen Star and Rachel Alexandra Probables On Saturday’s Worktab at Fair Grounds
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Kilroy
Media Relations
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Louisiana Derby Preview Day Nominations Close Today
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Mardi Gras Stakes Nominations Released
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Fair Grounds Sets First Post on Saturday, Feb. 10 for Noon
New Orleans, La (Feb. 3, 2024) – Three probables for the $400,000 Risen Star (G2) were on Saturday’s worktab at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, as well as three likely entrants in the $300,000 Rachel Alexandra (G2).
The Gun Runner and Lecomte (G3) winner Track Phantom and his stablemate Hall of Fame, the impressive maiden winner on the Lecomte undercard, both clocked 5-furlongs in 1:01 flat (5th of 34) for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Catching Freedom put in a 1:01.40 five-eighths drill (11th fastest of 34), his third since returning to his stall at Fair Grounds after winning the Smarty Jones. Brad Cox confirmed the son of Constitution continues to target the Risen Star (G2) on Feb.17.
Untapable victress Alpine Princess worked five furlongs, going a touch faster than her stablemate, Catching Freedom. Clockers had her in 1:01.20 (10th of 34). According to Brad Cox, the three-time winner is on track to make her next start in the Rachel Alexandra (G2) on Louisiana Derby Preview Day.
Golden Rod (G2) winner Intricate breezed second fastest of the 34 workers, going 5 furlongs on in 1:00.20. Trainer Brendan Walsh confirmed she remains on schedule to make her next start in the Rachel Alexandra. While her stablemate Snead, second in the Gun Runner last out, has not breezed since Jan. 20, Walsh reassured all was well with the son of Nyquist, though his scheduled work has been slightly delayed.
Back to the track on Saturday morning for trainer Tom Amoss, Alys Beach followed up her 4-furlong bullet with a 1:00.80 five-eighths move (4th fastest of 34). The daughter of Omaha Beach who ran third in the Alcibiades (G1) is targeting the Rachel Alexandra (G2) for her next start.
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Maycocks Bay scratched from the Southwest Stakes on Saturday morning after running a temperature. Trainer Mike Stidham confirmed that the impressive winner of the local allowance on Jan. 7 will return to his stall at Fair Grounds when the Godolphin homebred shows he is ready to travel.
Louisiana Derby Preview Day Nominations Close Today
Nominations for the six stakes scheduled for Louisiana Derby Preview Day close today. Post positions for the Feb. 17 card (noon CT first post) which includes the $400,000 Risen Star (G2), $300,000 Rachel Alexandra (G2) presented by Fasig-Tipton, the $250,000 Mineshaft Stakes (G3) presented by Relyne GI by Hagyard, the $175,000 Fair Grounds Stakes (G3) presented by Horse Racing Nation, the $100,000 Colonel Power Stakes, and the $100,000 Albert M. Stall Memorial Stakes will be drawn on Saturday, Feb 10.
Mardi Gras Stakes Nominations Released
Nominations for the $100,000 Mardi Gras Stakes closed on Thursday, Feb. 1 with 20. The 80th running of the 5 1/2 furlong turf sprint for older fillies and mares will be run on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
Oeuvre is on track to defend her Nelson J. Menard title against this division. Trained by Chris Block, the 15-time winner took the 2023 edition of the Mardi Gras. The Wilson barn reports that Louisiana-bred Ova Charged is doing great after her dominant Bob F. Wright win and is still pointing to face open company in the Mardi Gras. Trainer Rey Hernandez confirmed that the Pan Zareta winner Carimba will return to Fair Grounds after finishing third in the Menard. Third in the Pan Zareta last out, Redifined is likely in the Mardi Gras according to her trainer Michelle Lovell. Trainer and owner Neil Pessin reported Flatter Me Silly is possible to enter.
Fair Grounds Sets First Post on Saturday, Feb. 10 for Noon
Due to the Endymion Parade, first post for Saturday, Feb. 10 will be noon CT for the 9-race card. The annual Mardi Gras parade draws tens of thousands of attendees and travels through Mid City, the neighborhood adjacent to Fair Grounds.
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About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, one of the nation’s oldest racetracks, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, LA, Fair Grounds, which is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN), also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 16 off-track betting parlors throughout Southeast Louisiana. The 152nd Thoroughbred Racing Season–highlighted by the 111th running of the Louisiana Derby–will run from Nov. 17, 2023 through March 24, 2024. More information is available online at www.fgno.com.
