OT - Horseracing fans - New Orleans Handicap
 

For those of you who remember the 3yo circuit from last season, the New orleans Handicap on Sunday afternoon at the Fairgrouns might be of interest. It's a half million dollar race, which will feature the top three 3yos from last year who remain in training. Derby and Preakness winner FUNNY CIDE will clash with the hard-charging TEN MOST WANTED and the speedy and tough PEACE RULES in a 1 1/8 mile affair. With Empire Maker retired, it's nice to at least see some of the "big names" from last year's Triple Crown races still running in big time events.

Might be worth a look. PEACE RULES returns to the main track, after acquitting himself well over turf courses. If Ten MOST WANTED is fit, he is probably thebest of the three. I haven't looked closely at the card, but if there's a solid local horse, the big names might allow a big overlay on the board. Respect a "horse for the course."

Looking at it quickly I don't think Funny Cide has much chance at all and will take considerable action at the windows.

I'm also wary of Peace Rules. There is much tactical speed here.

The logical horse looks like Ten Most Wanted but off the layoff and at an underlay I'd be inclined to back Seattle Fitz and maybe even Spanish Empire...tricky pace scenario for the upfront types though...

Both Fitz and Empire will have to prove they can win from a couple length stalking trip because if they go with Funny Cide and Peace Rules, Ten Most Wanted is likely to come flying in the lane...

...and here I thought the New Orleans handicap was Jim Mora, Sr. :D

Here are the past performances for the race. This field is really stacked... quality talent top to bottom. Might be the best-looking field below Grade I we've seen in a few years. No true standout, but several very, very solid entries.

I'd go to see it (didn't know it was happening, but it sounds fun), but I'll be watching the Harlem Globetrotters at the New Orleans Arena instead. Darn.

I was driving behind one of the horses today, a few miles from the track. In any case, I plan on going to watch it tomorrow as my uncle used to breed and own race horses and passed at least some interest in the sport to me.

It was a tricky pace scenario indeed. They let Peace Rules walk on the front end...

Giving Peace Rules a two length lead after a half mile at 47 seconds isn't advisable - but he still needed it all to hold off Prado on Saint Liam. Nice race. Funny Cide lookes decent as well, it would be good for the sport to see him round back into top shape.

I'm all in against Peace Rules next time out if there's any speed drawn in. He loves that track to boot...