Fair Grounds Notebook

FAIR GROUNDS NOTEBOOK

FEBRUARY 2, 2005

by Brian P. Turner

Saturday's Black Gold H. highlighted the week's racing action at Fair Grounds

as a diminished field of five three-year-olds went to the gate for the eight-furlong main track event that had originally been slated for the turf. The Tom Amoss-trained I'm Bluffing (Pine Bluff) was sent to the gate as the narrow

favorite despite the fact that he had only one career race under his belt, a maiden special

weight victory here back in early January. Chalk players had

to be a bit disappointed when the bay raced near the back of the pack early

before moving into contention in the stretch drive only to flatten out late and

cross the finish line 6 ¾ lengths back in fourth.

In the end, STRAW HAT (Dixie Union) rallied from the back of the

pack and held off a stiff challenge from Medigating (Fr) (Dolphin Street) in the

stretch drive to cross the finish line 1 ½ lengths in front. The dark bay colt

was coming off of a nice victory against optional claiming company on the grass, but his form on the main track had been extremely consistent as well so it was

little surprise to see him in front at the wire.

Medigating, who was making only his second start in North America and was

trying the main track for the first time in his nine-race career, was game to

the end and finished a clear second, 2 ¾ lengths in front of Krises Bells (Kissin

Kris) in third.

Horses on or near the pace dominated the sprint races on the main track this

week, but the routes tended to play pretty fair. As for the turf, one race on

Friday and all of Saturday's races were moved to the main track, but those

run on their intended surface, horses coming from off the pace held the slight

advantage whether they were going short or long.

Steve Asmussen still has a firm hold on the top spot in the trainer standings

as his 32 winners are nine better than Amoss in second. Gamaliel Vazquez is a

close third with 21 winners for the meet. Robby Albarado continues to expand his

lead in the jockey standings as he leads James Graham by a score of 64 – 41.

Corey Lanerie is currently in third having booted home 38 winners thus far.

HORSES TO WATCH

Thursday (1/27)

4TH – LAVENDER BABY (Rubiano) returned from a two-month vacation in fine form

to stalk the pace early and put in a determined effort in the stretch drive only

to miss by a neck in this turf claiming event. The gray seems to have affection

for the Bayou grass and could be tough to contend with next out now that she has

a start under her belt.

8TH – MISS SOPHIE (Prince of the Mt.) made her career debut an impressive one

as she vied for the lead through early fractions of :22 1/5 and :46 3/5 before

opening up in the stretch to take the victory in this state-bred maiden claiming

event by 10 ¾ lengths.

9TH – VITAMIN BAG (Bag) ran her record over the Fair Grounds lawn to a

perfect two-for-two in this Bayou-bred allowance affair. The bay took the lead

shortly after leaving the gate and never looked back, crossing the finish line 2

½ lengths in front.

Friday (1/28)

6TH – SOLDIER'S DREAM (Lost Soldier) trailed the field in this state-bred

turf allowance event until the stretch drive at which time the dark bay closed

with an explosive turn of foot to finish second by 1 ¾ lengths.

Saturday (01/29)

1ST – PIONEER GAL (Pioneering) was extremely solid in her career debut as she

broke on top and never looked back, cruising home to an easy 6 ¼-length score in

this maiden claiming event.

2ND – SINFUL OBSESSION (Rubiano) was the victim of some solid bumping at the

start of this state-bred maiden special event. The gray recovered nicely though

to stalk the pace early before being switched to the outside in the stretch

drive and claiming the lead on her way to a respectable 2 ¼-length victory.

8TH – AERIAL COMMAND (Runaway Groom) rallied from well off the pace to defeat

an extremely tough field in this optional claiming main track event that

included Grade 2 winner St. Averil (Saint Ballado) and Breakaway (Silver

Deputy), who came up only three lengths short in last year's Louisiana Derby

(G2). The chestnut gelding was making his second start for conditioner Josie

Carroll and seems to have found fresh life with his new connections.

Sunday (01/30)

5TH – SOUL SEARCH (A.P. Indy) was extremely impressive in this maiden

special event as she lagged near the back of the pack early before moving up to

take the lead in the stretch drive and finishing powerfully to hit the wire 4 ¾-lengths clear of the field.

9TH – DANCING LIEBLING (Lord Avie) found herself with no room in the stretch

drive of this optional claiming turf event but once she swung to the outside

where there was clear running, she closed impressively to miss by a neck.

Monday (01/31)

8TH – CARLEA (Carson City) was impressive in taking this three-year-old filly

optional claiming event as she rallied from off the pace and opened up in the

stretch drive to hit the wire 4 ½-lengths clear of the field.