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FAIR GROUNDS NOTEBOOK MARCH 19, 2010 by Frank Cotolo March rolled along with spring on the horizon, though a few rainstorms ensued through the south and northeast, and Fair Grounds racing kept pace with four more racing programs from March 12 through March 15. There were 40 races, with eight on the grass and the rest on the main course, including Saturday's high-profile dirt route where Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro) was defeated. The public maintained its mighty win percentage with 38-percent victories in the four programs, all featuring fast conditions on the main course and firm turf footing. On the surface Nothing but speed on the main course would address winning horses. Wire-to-wire winners in league with the close-to-the-pace victories tallied 81 percent of the 40 races. While only 7 percent went wire to wire, the advantage did not go to the closer but to the stalker, which alone totaled 59 percent of the wins. Closers won only 19 percent of the time. The turf winners, on the other hand, came from behind to win 63 percent of the time, with only two stalker winners and only one wire-to-wire effort. Trainers Bret Calhoun continued his high rate of recent winners with three more, tying him with Tom Amoss for the most winners last week. Steve Asmussen had only a pair, one which was a first-time starter. Also with doubles were Joe Duhon, Eric Guillot, Pat Mouton, Don Moran and Andrew McKeever. HORSES TO WATCH We have to make note of another big from our Fair Grounds horses-to-watch list, one that appeared in the January 8. notebook. We liked RUN FOR Z (Kimberlite Pike) to come back and do well. As we suggest with our horses-to-watch, you should consider any name on the list in its next two starts no matter where it races. Run For Z went to Delta Downs and won, paying $43.20. Here is a list of horses on our lists since the beginning of 2010 which have finished in the money, showing only win prices:
Friday (3/12) 9TH -- FOUR BEARS (Hennessy) dueled all the way around, held for second with little effort. Saturday (3/13) 1ST -- JOSIAH'S GIRL (Zarbyev) got speedy on the second turn from far back and challenged at 10-1. 3RD -- TASTYFROMTHEGITGO (Easyfromthegitgo) came from far back, closing against the speed bias. 9TH -- UTTERLY COOL (Smoke Glacken) had a fast start to get the lead, held sway until failing to win a duel, got third. Sunday (3/14) 1ST -- DAWN'S TRIBUTE (Gold Tribute) dueled all the way, rallied between a pair of horses and picked up the place. 2ND -- BEAR'S MARIE (Congaree) led to the half after zooming wide from post 10 at 71-1. 4TH -- ALAINA'S AURORA (B. J.'s Mark) was bumped badly at the break, rushed to the lead by the half, dueled and tired, only to be claimed and wind up in Pat Mouton's hands. Monday (3/15) 4TH -- GREEN CASCADE (High Cascade) soared to a good lead but could not win a duel at 15-1. 6TH -- MALAWI (Bwana Charlie) was disappointing as the best part of an entry but was good enough to be claimed for Gary Scherer.
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