In a stakes-rich day of racing at the Fair Grounds Saturday, March 26, the Grade 2, $400,000 New Orleans Handicap is one of several outstanding betting races on the Louisiana Derby undercard.
The field of 10 is set to go a mile and an eighth on the main track with the Neil Howard-trained Eagle tabbed as the 2/1 morning line favorite. Eagle, beaten in his last two starts, ran too good to lose in both, but had to settle for second behind two rivals - International Star and Majestic Harbor - that he will face in the New Orleans. This time, however, Eagle will get to navigate and extra sixteenth of a mile while receiving the services of Javier Castellano in the irons, who takes over for Brian Hernandez Jr. Eagle will break from the far outside post, but once again figures to be a threat in the stretch.
International Star (3/1) did not fire last time out, finishing last in a field of four February 20 in the Grade 3 Mineshaft. Prior to that effort the Michael Maker trainee was a perfect 4 for 4 at Fair Grounds. Bettors who think this runner deserves a mulligan will surely get a better price than the 3/5 they were offered last out. Jockey John Velazquez takes over for Miguel Mena while breaking from the rail.
Former Grade 1 winner Majestic Harbor (4/1) woke up in a big way to win the Mineshaft last out in gate-to-wire fashion. The win broke a seven-race losing streak, but the eight year-old Paul McGee trainee will likely face more pressure for the early lead.
Saturday, January 29 at Gulfstream Park is one of the biggest races of the year: the Pegasus World Cup (G1)! This $3 million race, covering a mile and an eighth on the Gulfstream dirt track, drew a field of nine handicap horses. The eyes of the racing world will be on Gulfstream on Saturday, and you can bet it from the comfort of your own home here in Canada!
The Kentucky Derby trail makes its way to Oklahoma on Friday, December 17 for the Remington Springboard Mile! The race drew a field of nine up-and-coming two-year-olds to go a mile on the main track. The prizes are rich: a $400,000 purse, as well as Road to the Kentucky Derby points (10-4-2-1) for the first four horses across the wire.
The Los Alamitos Futurity (G2), California’s most important Kentucky Derby Prep in December, is coming up on Saturday, December 11! The race features the most promising two-year-olds in California, set to go a mile and a sixteenth over the dirt at Los Alamitos Racecourse. The race offers a purse of $300,000, as well as Road to the Kentucky Derby points, apportioned 10-4-2-1 to the top four finishers.
Let's have a look at the 2021 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf betting picks and predictions.
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