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FAIR GROUNDS NOTEBOOK MARCH 11, 2010 by Frank Cotolo March began like a lamb, not a lion, and four almost spring-like days produced 39 races, 14 of which were sprints and routes on the green. The 38 races were, as last week, fairly evaluated by the public with a hit rate of 36 percent (on both surfaces). Since the beginning of February, the public has chosen winners at Fair Grounds at an impressive rate of 39 percent. On the surface The speed factor was back in the top category of handicapping tools with most winners going either wire-to-wire or closing from off the pace, 28 percent and 40 percent, respectively. Winning from off the pace remained a steady 36 percent and, although it earned a higher rating than wire-to-wire efforts when the two speed categories combine, it leveled the figures. The turf course's 14 races were the most in a few weeks. However, speed at all distances was the best tactic. A strong 71 percent of the races were won going wire-to-wire or being close to a pacesetter. Trainers Steve Asmussen and Bret Calhoun, tied with winners the week before this one, parted company as Calhoun took a clear lead for the week with five trips to the winner's circle. Asmussen had three again, a tie with Ed Johnston. Only one other trainer doubled: Eric Guillot, and one of his winners was a first-time starter. HORSES TO WATCH We have to make note of a great hit that surfaced from our Fair Grounds Horses to Watch list, one that appeared in the February 19 notebook. We suggested a bet back for a horse named BACKTRACK (Grand Slam), who had broken its maiden as a first-time starter impressively and was claimed by Gary Scherer. On March 6, Backtrack raced in the 6TH at Fair Grounds, won, and paid $56. It sparked a $2 trifecta that returned more than $1,200. Friday (3/5) 2ND -- RITE IN STRIDE (Finest Hour) fought hard against one other to be worn out in the end. 6TH -- ELLE SPECIAL (Giants Causeway) is a first-time starter who won impressively enough to make the bet-back list. Saturday (3/6) 2ND -- SID'S BEST HOUR (Finest Hour) held well in the pack before being overtaken in a better-than-appeared attempt. Sunday (3/7) 2ND -- PAULA'S PLANET (Planet Earth) had sharp early foot and dueled strongly with two others late in the fray, getting fourth. 5TH -- SCENE OF THE CRASH (Forest Camp) dueled for two calls with a pair of horses, settling for fourth. 7TH -- QUICK DELIVERY (Distorted Humor) battled head-to-head for three calls and held on well for second. Monday (3/8) 3RD -- SUN VALLEY STORM (Stormy Atlantic) was on the outside throughout the race, running extra ground while battling an inside horse for room. 4TH -- VALID CRISIS (Out of the Crisis) could not stop being headed from the start to the finish. 9TH -- KNOCKOUT BERTIE (Distorted Humor) got second after a trial battling for a good closing spot.
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