Fair Grounds is the place to be this weekend.  They have four very strong races in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes, Mineshaft Handicap, Fair Grounds Handicap and Risen Star Stakes. Those four races make up the late 50¢ Pick 4 and are the beginning of the $1 Pick 6. Let’s breakdown my Pick 4 ticket. Join our mailing list for a chance to see my Pick 6 ticket as well as selections from across the nation this weekend. You can do so by entering your name and email address in the form located to the right of this post.

Rachel Alexanda Stakes

Kathmanblu is our top rated three-year-old filly and a clear stand out in this race. The Bluegrass Cat filly has two sharp works since easily taking a $100k minor stakes on the grass. That was after she romped home in the Golden Rod by 8.5 lengths. The price will be short, but they aren’t beating here and I’m not going to waste money trying.

Mineshaft Handicap

This is a tricky race. I’m going with last years Louisiana Derby winner Mission Impazible as my top selection. He needed his race last out which was his first try since finishing 9th in the Kentucky Derby. He was second that day, but with the added distance his chances improve. Look for him to rate just behind the speed and pounce when the time is right for underrated jockey Rajiv Maragh. I’ll also use Apart, Le Grand Cru and Country Flavor.

Fair Grounds Handicap

Workin For Hops gets a very favorable pace scenario for his first race off the shelf. I love the fact that ace jockey Anna Napravnik opted to get off Gran Estreno to ride him. This is his first race since late September, but he has won on a big layoff before. I’m going to take a chance and leave Gran Estreno off my ticket. The 8-year-old isn’t suited for this distance and the older a horse gets the harder it is to run back to back strong races.  Dubious Miss should put in a strong run from the rail. The old timer looks ready to run a peak race. I’ll also include Sleepless Knight for Joe Bravo and Kelly Breen and Loup Breton for new trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey Rajiv Maragh.

Risen Star Stakes

If you have been to this site before you know we are crazy about Rogue Romance. He is a standout in the Risen Star and a clear single for me. The pace set up looks perfect too. Look for him to mow them all down in the long Fair Grounds stretch for Runnymede Farm, Ken McPeek and Julien Leparoux. Click here to read more about the Risen Star at our sister site, Triple Crown Champ.

Pick 4: 3/1,3,4,5/1,5,8,10/1

So there you have it, our Pick 4 ticket for Risen Star day at Fair Grounds. It will cost just $8 to play for 50¢. Join our mailing list by filling in your name and email address  on the form located on the right side of the page. If you do so you will get our picks for races throughout the nation this weekend as well as a Pick 6 play from Fair Grounds. Look for the picks to go out sometime Thursday afternoon.

Who do you like in these races? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment and we can talk about it. I’m also on twitter @gradedstakes.