HORSE RACING

​Fair Grounds Horse Racing Picks for Saturday 1/16/21

It's a great time to dive into horse racing, an TVG gives you the chance to do just that.

Starting at 1:00 p.m. EST, we have 13 races at Fair Grounds. Using TVG as a guide, here are some of the best bets.

As always, check the program for scratches and changes, and check the weather and track conditions.

(I will reference Equibase's Speed Figure in selected races, which tells you how fast a horse has been running in each of its races -- adjusted for track, distances, and conditions.)

Wells Bayou and Blackberry Wine, Race 10

FanDuel Racing Odds: 3/1 and 9/2

Race 10 is the $125K Grade III Louisiana Stakes for older horses, and it's going 1 1/16 miles. Daily Hose Picks and Guaranteed Tip Sheet project Wells Bayou (3/1) to win for EPO trainer Brad Cox in front of Blackberry Wine (9/2).

Wells Bayou is the class horse but is trying to win following an eight-month break. Sonneman (4/1) has the highest speed number in his first race following a short rest and should do well second off the sidelines, according to Horse Racing Radar. Blackberry Wine won easy last race and should also improve second off a layoff. A potential live longshot is Grand Luwegee (20/1), who is coming off a high last-race speed figure.

Souper Sensational, Race 12

FanDuel Racing Odds: 5/2

Race 12 is the $150K Silverbulletday Stakes for three-year-old fillies going 1 mile and 70 yards. This is a Kentucky Oaks qualifying race with the top four finishers earning qualifying points (10-4-2-1).

Sun Path (2/1) is the top pick of Guaranteed Tip Sheet. She won her last race by 12 lengths at Fair Grounds, and EPO trainer Brad Cox and improved her speed figure to 93 off a win the race prior. She has a solid shot returning here while stablemate Divine Comedy (8/1) lacks enough speed but broke her maiden second time out with a 79 speed figure.

Souper Sensational (5/2) breaks from the rail for top horseman Mark Casse. She’s undefeated in two starts and posted a 96 speed figure in her last stakes race. Littlestitious (6/1) romped in her last start and is bred to route top and bottom.

Mandaloun, Race 13

FanDuel Racing Odds: 3/1

Race 13 is the $200K Grade III LeComte Stakes at 1 1/16 miles for three-year-olds. This is a Kentucky Derby prep race with the top-four finishers earning qualifying points (10-4-2-1).

Mandaloun (3/1) is undefeated in two starts, and Florent Geroux rode him last race for trainer Cox and posted the top last-race speed figure with a stalking trip as favorite. Guaranteed Tip Sheet projects another move forward for the Into Mischief colt and the top pick.

Proxy (6/1) is a neck away from winning his first three races, including both over this course. Beep Beep (12/1) won his debut with ease as the favorite -- as noted by Horse Racing Radar -- while Manor House (8/1) won his debut by 12 lengths.