Top Stakes Races for the Week

Horse racing enthusiasts anticipate another hectic week of action, with Fair Grounds primed to host one of its marquee events. The track will stage four of the top stakes races to bet on this week, with the action headlined by the G2 Risen Star Stakes, which offers points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Top Races for the Week Picks

• Pick 1: Track Phantom
• Pick 2: Intricate
• Pick 3: Best Actor

horse racing predictions for the top stakes races to bet on at Fair Grounds below.

Risen Star Stakes

One of the top stakes races to bet on this weekend comes in the form of the Risen Star Stakes, which is the 14th race on an action-packed card at Fair Grounds. This race is a huge prep on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, with two previous runners having later landed victory in the opening leg of the Triple Crown.

Track Phantom is one of the most interesting contenders when it comes to a bet on horse racing this weekend. The three-year-old for trainer Steven Asmussen has made a very eye-catching impression over the last three months, and he was last seen winning the G3 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds. A victory on Saturday would only further his Derby claims.

Sierra Leone will once again be his main competition, with the Chad Brown runner clocking a higher speed figure despite finishing second in the G2 Remsen Stakes in December. Steven Asmussen’s induction into the Hall of Fame reflects significant progressiveness and warrants attention. But, Saturday could be all about Track Phantom showcasing his Derby credentials.

• Pick: Track Phantom

Rachel Alexandra Stakes

As well as Derby prep action at Fair Grounds, there is also a crucial race for fillies targeting glory in the Kentucky Oaks. The Rachel Alexandra Stakes is a Grade 2 affair, with a total distance of 1 1/16 miles covered. This race produced multiple winners of the race at Churchill Downs, including Monomoy Girl in 2018.

Alpine Princess looks to be one of the most exciting runners in the field for trainer Brad Cox, as she has done nothing wrong since finishing seventh in the G1 Alcibiades Stakes. On her previous effort, she clocked an excellent 97 speed rating when winning the Untapable Stakes at Fair Grounds.

However, it could be worth taking a chance with Intricate for trainer Brendan Walsh. The three-year-old was excellent on her final start of last season when landing Grade 2 success in the Golden Rod Stakes. She sets the standard, and will be hard to beat if at that level on her return to action.

• Pick: Intricate

Mineshaft Stakes

The graded stakes action at Fair Grounds on Saturday gets underway with the Mineshaft Stakes. Horses aged four and older can enter this Grade 3 race, which covers a distance of 1 1/16 miles. It has been run as a handicap since 2020, and there have been some notable winners in recent seasons, including Olympiad and Maxfield.

Red Route One is one of the most consistent performers at this level, as he has finished in the top three in each of his previous three starts. He was also in solid form when returning to action in late January to take second in the G3 Louisiana Stakes. Once again, he’s unlikely to be far away.

Dubyuhnell sets a high standard based on speed rating for Danny Gargan, clocking a 104 rating when finishing sixth in the G3 Harlan’s Holiday Stakes in December. A first run at Fair Grounds could produce a fourth career victory. However, the preference remains for Best Actor for trainer Brad Cox. The competitive five-year-old has won on each of his previous two starts, and looks set to be a bold impression on his return to graded company on Saturday.

• Pick: Best Actor

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