December 22, 2024
Jeff Siegel’s “What You Need to Know”
Fair Grounds
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Fair Grounds Race 6: Post: 3:15 CT Grade: A-
Top Selection/Prime Play: 9-Darrow
Forecast: Just a few days short of turning four years old, Darrow finally makes it to the races and though late to the party may prove to be a worth the wait. The Uncle Mo colt from the dam of Grade-1 winner Matareya has done some exceptional work leading up to his unveiling, and without a whole lot to beat in this straight maiden dash for older horses he should be expected to win at first asking. The B. Cox-trained colt is a Godolphin homebred with immense potential, so if you can get close to his morning line of 3-1 you’ll be getting plenty of wagering value.
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Fair Grounds Race 7: Post: 3:45 CT Grade: B+
Top Selection/Prime Play: 3-Tom’s Magic
Forecast: Tom’s Magic was given an easy run in his debut last month while staying on nicely to be a distant second behind a hot shot first timer while well clear of the rest over this course and distance. With that bit of education behind him, he’ll be much more serious today, and if he can produce the kind of forward move we’re expecting the son of Justify should be set to graduate. A nice breeze since that race is another strong indicator for a barn that has solid stats with second timers, so this $200,000 weanling purchase seems like a solid investment at or near his morning line of 9/2.
