How to bet the Lecomte undercard stakes at Fair Grounds

The $200,000 Lecomte (G3) headlines six stakes that will be contested at Fair Grounds on Saturday. I will take aim at the handful of black-type events leading up to the feature for Kentucky Derby hopefuls.

Louisiana (G3) -- Race 10

I will take a shot with #3 Silver Prospector for Steve Asmussen. The Grade 2 victor was well placed before tiring late in the deep Clark S. (G1) most recently, and he shows four solid morning drills on the course in the interim.

Wagers:

• $1 Trifecta Key: 3 with 4,6,8,9 ($12)
• $1 Trifecta: 4,6,8,9 with 3 with 4,6,8,9 ($12)

Silverbulletday S. -- Race 12

#3 Charlie’s Penny is my value play for Chris Block. Race Day filly stretches out for the initial time, and I think that she will be in a fine spot turning for home with aim on the leaders. She will be used with the two favorites in the affair.

Wager:

• $5 Exacta Key Box: 3 with 1,9 ($20)
• $2 Trifecta Box: 1,3,9 ($12)

Colonel E. R. Bradley S. -- Race 11

I really like the aggressive move to run #6 Vettori Kin in a stakes endeavor off the claim and layoff for Stidham. One-run closer is far from a win machine, but he will get a fast early pace to rally into for a sharp layoff outfit. Brian Hernandez rides.

Wagers:

• $2 Exacta: 6 with all ($20)
• $1 Exacta: All with 6 ($10)

Marie G. Krantz Memorial S. -- Race 9

Tom Morley’s #4 Xanthique will be overlooked following a pair of subpar showings on soft and good surfaces while sprinting, and she will fare much better going a route of ground on Saturday. Into Mischief mare improved last season with the removal of blinkers, and she offers great value in a winnable spot.

Wagers:

• $5 Exacta Key Box: 4 with 2,5 ($20)
• $1 Trifecta Key: 4 with 2,3,5,8 ($12)

Duncan F. Kenner S. -- Race 3

Turf sprint attracted a fine field of eight, and my plays will center on half of the contenders. #4 Readyforprimetime and #1 Born Great ran one-two in a recent allowance test on the course and loom large with any improvement. #8 Archidust won a stakes race on the course most recently, while #2 Fast Boat has the best turn of foot in the field and will be rallying late behind a fast pace.

Wagers:

• $2 Exacta Box: 1,2,4,8 ($24)
• $.50-cent Trifecta Box: 1,2,4,8 ($12)