Only one graded stakes races happens this week. But although there is a single graded race, it’s a big one, the Grade 1 Starlet at Los Alamitos. Other than the Starlet, this weekend’s top thoroughbred races are non-graded stakes. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, December 10th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds, Picks, and Betting Analysis | December 5th Edition

Aqueduct | Saturday, Dec. 10

• Garland of Roses – 6 furlongs dirt – 3 year olds fillies & mares 

So far, connections for five horses will run in the Garland of Roses. Lacey Gaudet puts the saddle on last out allowance winner Dontletsweetfoolya. The Gaudet runner could go off third choice behind Rob Atras trained Smash Ticket and Hot Peppers from the Richard Rodriguez barn. Disco Ebo and Beguine are also confirmed to break from the gate.  

Fair Grounds | Saturday, Dec. 10

• Louisiana Champions Day Sprint – 6 furlongs dirt – 3 & up

An overflow field has signed up for the Louisiana Champions Day Sprint. Trainer Scott Gelner puts the saddle on Big Chopper, Sam B. David Jr. trained Jax Man breaks from the rail, and Schnell, a Star Guitar sired 4-year-old gelding, breaks from post-2. Jockey Corey Lanerie hops aboard Big Chopper, which means Chopper, more than likely, will go off the chalk. 

• Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Distaff – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 3 year old fillies & mares

At least eight runners will break from the gate in the Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Distaff. Patrick Mouton puts the saddle on Fort Polk, a 6-year-old mare named after the Army Fort near Leesville, Louisiana. Other runners include Wholelottamo, A G’s Charlotte, and the likely favorite, She’s Gone d’Wild from the Bret Calhoun barn.   

• Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile – 6 furlongs – 2 year olds

Not on Herb, a First Samurai trained youngster from the Ron Faucheux barn should attract plenty of action. So will Munnings sired and Jose M. Camejo trained Late September. No doubt, the chalk will end up Bryan Lynch trained Tumbarumba. The Oscar Performance trained 2-year-old gelding broke its maiden in early November.    

• Louisiana Champions Day Classic – 1 1/8 miles dirt – 3 & up

Bret Calhoun will saddle a couple in the featured race at the Fair Grounds on Saturday. Highland Creek has finished second twice and third behind Who Took the Money in the gelding’s last three races. Calhoun hasn’t sweated the finishes because Bret also trains Who Took the Money, the likely favorite in this. 

Brad Cox will go after Who Took the Money with likely second-choice Ballinonabudjet. The 4-year-old won a claimer in his last. Cox hasn’t given up on the Sky Kingdom trained sired runner. Keep that in mind when handicapping this race.   

Los Alamitos | Saturday, Dec. 10

• Grade 1 Starlet – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 2 year old fillies

As of the Monday before the weekend’s top thoroughbred race in the United States, only two runners are confirmed. Bob Baffert trains both.

Doinitthehardway has yet to break her maiden. The Mike Pegram owned runner finished second to Fast and Shiny in her debut, third behind Getthemoney and Lilly Poo in her second race, and second to Ice Dancing in her third. 

Baffert’s other runner, Faiza, dominated Lily Poo and Miss Monarch Bay when breaking her maiden first out. Faiza, a daughter of Girvin from Sweet Pistol, a Smart Strike sired broodmare, ran six furlongs in 1:09.28 to break the maiden. So no matter who else enters, Faiza projects as the chalk.

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