2022 Top Stakes Races to Bet On: Kentucky Derby Prep Race - Lecomte Stakes

This Saturday, it’s all about the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, Louisiana. The historic racetrack hosts one of the first major Kentucky Derby prep races of the year. 3-year-olds with visions of roses take to the dirt in the 1 1/16 miles Lecomte Stakes. Also on Saturday’s Fair Grounds card is the Grade 3 Louisiana and three other non-graded stakes races.

Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, Jan. 22nd. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks January 17th Edition

Aqueduct Racetrack – Saturday, Jan. 22

Jazil Stakes – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $100,000

We may not know exactly who will run in the Jazil Stakes at Aqueduct on Saturday. What we do know is that whichever horses enter the starting gate, they’re going to break Mr. Buff’s Jazil Stakes winning streak. The 3-time winner has since retired. Don’t be surprised if American Revolution, Wild Banker, and Sea Foam, the top three finishers in October’s Empire Classic, enter the starting gate for this.

Oaklawn Park – Saturday, Jan. 22

American Beauty Stakes – 6 furlongs dirt – $150,000

The American Beauty Stakes’ $150,000 purse should attract some intriguing runners. Frank’s Rockette won this event last year. The Bill Mott trainee should be back at Oaklawn to defend her title. Don’t be surprised if Grade 2 Thoroughbred Club of America winner Bell’s the One, Center Aisle, and Club Car join her.

Fair Grounds Racetrack – Saturday, Jan. 22

Marie G. Krantz Memorial Stakes – 1 1/16 miles turf – $100,000

Connections for at least 12 runners have their eyes on the Mari G. Krantz Memorial Stakes. No doubt, if undefeated Brad Cox runner Janelle Monae enters the starting gate, she’ll go off the chalk. Scorching trainer Brittany Russell could enter a couple in here, Adelaide Miss and Out of Sorts. Neither should challenge Janelle Monae. Both could end up in the exotics, though, which means there’s a way to craft a profitable ticket even if you don’t want to play against the chalk.

Colonel E.R. Bradley Stakes – 1 1/16 miles turf – $100,000

2021 winner and Joe Sharp trained Logical Myth should be back to defend his Colonel E.R. Bradley Stakes’ title. Logical Myth should be tough to beat. Monarch’s Glen and Forty Under, both from the Mike Maker barn, and Steve Asmussen trained Halo Again should attract plenty of action.

Silverbulletday Stakes – 1 mile 70 yards dirt – $150,000

Connections for 6 runners have confirmed they will race in the Silverbulletday Stakes. The 6 equines are Albert Stall Jr. trained Fannie and Freddie, Bernabreezy from the Matt Shirer barn, Norm Cash trained Miss Chamita, Steve Asmussen’s La Crete, Keith Desormeaux trainee Candy Raid, and Sweet as Pie from the Todd Pletcher barn.

Grade 3 Louisiana Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – $150,000

On Saturday, Kentucky Derby second-place finisher and Haskell winner Mandaloun and Preakness second-place finisher and Travers Stakes second-place finisher Midnight Bourbon return to the racetrack to run in the Grade 3 Louisiana Stakes. No doubt, Mandaloun and Midnight Bourbon will attract the most action. Brad Cox’s other entry, Ohio Derby winner Warrant, deserves a look.

Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – $200,000

Saturday’s top graded race pits 3-year-olds going 1 1/16 in the Lecomte Stakes. 9 runners are confirmed, including Steve Asmussen’s Presidential, a Pioneer of the Nile sired last-out maiden winner. The top choice figures to be BC Juvenile second-place runner Pappacap. The Lecomte should send a 3-year-old to the top of the Kentucky Derby rankings.

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