Horse Racing Lock Picks – Fairgrounds Racetrack in New Orleans

It’s Louisiana Derby Day at the Fairgrounds on Saturday. That fact should put a smile onto the faces of most horseplayers.

But horseplayers would be missing on a lot of other betting opportunities if they were to concentrate solely on the Louisiana Derby. The BetOnline racebook is offering wagering on every race on the Louisiana Derby Day card including betting on the Grade II New Orleans Handicap.

The New Orleans Handicap is where our pick of the day can be found.

Let’s analyze Race 7 at the Fairgrounds on Saturday, the New Orleans Handicap.

Fairgrounds Racetrack – Race 7

Grade II New Orleans Handicap

$500,000

For Four Year Olds and Upward

1 1/8th miles on dirt

Richard’s Kid – - 20/1 morning line

The step up in class is the biggest issue as Richard’s Kid is going from essentially a bottom level $50,000 stakes race to this Grade II. He shouldn’t have any chance in this race, but his lifetime form is ultra-impressive. Out of 13 starts, Richard’s Kid has hit the board in 10 of those with 5 victories. His last two races have been his best and his owners and trainer do think enough of him to ship him all the way down south from Laurel Park. He’s a player since there is enough speed in this race, and the Fairgrounds stretch is one of the longest in the nation, for him to get up in time. Let’s go for the home run with this 20 to 1 shot.

Honest Man – - 3/1 morning line

The likely chalk has a terrific record over the Fairgrounds racetrack going 4 out of 5 lifetime. He will likely rate right off of the speed before trying to separate himself from everyone else at the top of the stretch. He’s got a good shot to win this but this field is super tough so taking short odds might not be a good idea.

Dry Martini – - 6/1 morning line

Like Richard’s Kid, this old pro is a straight closer. The difference is that Dry Martini has been running in graded races for most of his career. He’ll also be closer to the pace than Richard’s Kid, but his form has been slightly off lately and he just doesn’t appear to be the same horse that he was just six months ago. He’s got a shot for a top three placing but expecting a win might be asking too much.

Wagering Strategy

Richard’s Kid figures to go off at close to 30 to 1 in this race because he’s never faced these types of horses. He’s my long shot special to win and place. I will also bet Richard’s Kid to show. I will also play a small exacta box and an even smaller trifecta box with Dry Martini, Richard’s Kid and Honest Man.