Weekend Stakes Action - Horse Picks from the Hottest Tracks

Grade II Louisiana Derby and Grade I Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap

Race-day: 3/14/2009

Saturday is a huge day in the Louisiana Derby.

Then, later on Santa Anita Park will showcase some fantastic fillies and mares in the Grade I Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap.

Let’s analyze the best stakes races on Saturday.

Fairgrounds Racetrack – Race 9

Grade II Louisiana Derby

$900,000

For Three Year Olds

1 1/16th miles on dirt

Papa Clem beat I Want Revenge, who destroyed a field of three year olds in the Gotham Stakes last Saturday, and lost by only a ½ length to Pioneer of the Nile, in his last. He should relish the switch from Pro-Ride to traditional dirt and will be Friesan Fire’s biggest obstacle in this race. I like Papa Clem to win. Friesan Fire is a serious player on the Kentucky Derby trail because of his breeding, trainer, and overall talent. Fire could win the Louisiana Derby and sweep the Fairgrounds’ top three Derby prep races. The third place finisher in this could be Nowhere to Hide who couldn’t get to both Flying Pegasus and Friesan Fire in the Grade III Risen Star Stakes, but might improve off of that since this will be his second start since December of ’08.

1. Papa Clem

2. Friesan Fire

3. Nowhere to Hide

Santa Anita Park – Race 8

Grade I Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap

$300,000

For Fillies and Mares Four Years Old and Upward. By invitation with no nomination or starting fees.

1 1/8th miles on Pro-Ride

The Paddy Gallagher trained Magical Fantasy looks to turn the tables on Life is Sweet in this Grade I event. Magical Fantasy lost by ¾ of a length in the Grade II La Canada but that was her first race off of a layoff. She should be better in this. Model has been in excellent form lately but just hasn’t been able to get to the winner’s circle. She figures to finish second again after making a huge run at the top of the stretch. Life is Sweet has won two races in a row for trainer John Shirreffs. Jockey Garrett Gomez takes the call again and will have her in good position turning for home.

1. Magical Fantasy

2. Model

3. Life is Sweet