The big stakes schedule is lighter in December, but Saturday, Dec. 12 is a big day of racing at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans.
The 13-race card includes some early quarter horse stakes races, but six $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day races for state-breds, plus the featured $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic, should provide plenty of wagering action at Twinspires. That’s the betting platform owned by Churchill Downs, which owns and operates the Fair Grounds track.
A 60% chance of light rain could dampen the day as the races begin with the quarter horses at 1 p.m. ET. But by Race 5 and the start of the Thoroughbred stakes races, the rain should taper off and any potential sloppy surface should subside.
LOUISIANA CHAMPIONS DAY STAKES
The seven restricted races for Louisiana-breds begin in Race 5.
- Race 5: $100,000 Lassie Stakes — 2-year-old fillies at 6 furlongs
- Race 7: $100,000 Ladies Sprint Stakes — fillies and mares at 6 furlongs
- Race 8: $100,000 Ladies Turf Stakes — fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles
- Race 9: $100,000 Sprint Stakes — 6 furlongs
- Race 10: $100,000 Juvenile Stakes — 2-year-olds at 6 furlongs
- Race 11: $100,000 Turf Stakes — 1 1/16 miles
- Race 12: $150,000 Classic Stakes — 1 1/8 miles
Breaking Down the Field
Here is some race commentary from Guaranteed Tip Sheet on some of the races.
Race 7: Southern Liaison (5/1) is two for two at Fair Grounds and three for three at the distance. Mr. Als Gal (3/1) would be by far the top choice on an off track with seven wins in 10 wet runs. Diamond Crazy (7/2) has three wins in five Fair Grounds races. Vacherie Girl (8/1) is flipping from turf to dirt, where she has won four of five on a fast course.
Race 9: LaughingSaintsSong (5/2) has three wins and three seconds in seven at the distance. Berties Galaxy (7/2) has four wins and two seconds in seven at Fair Grounds. Monte Man (4/1) is another horse for the course with five wins and two thirds in eight races. X Clown(20/1) is one for one at the Grounds and two for two at the distance.
Race 10: Cohere (8/1) won her debut as a long shot on this track, and any step up could make it two. Chu Chus Legacy (9/2) tied for the top, last race speed figure and has won three laughers in a row. Standing Perfect (8/1) is another debut winner that let off the gas late and could have a lot more. Sir Wellington (3/1) should be at or near her best for two reasons; third off a break and first time Lasix.
Race 12: Shang (8/5) has won four of five with a second at Fair Grounds. Underpressure (5/2) has hit the board in seven of eight at Fair Grounds. Sydster (5/1) won his lone trip around Fair Grounds’ grass track and is also entered in Race 11. Jus Lively (8/1) came off the bench to run one of his better races, and should be better in round two.
Betting on the Races
Along with wagering real money on the races at legal online betting platforms like Twinspires, fans can also enter free contests like the one offered by Horse Racing Radar. Pick the winners in selected races and have fun for free with a chance at cash prizes.
