Pick 3 play for Fair Grounds Feb. 17, 2026

For those who can't get enough of Fair Grounds, the time around Mardi Gras is typically a favorite for fans of the New Orleans track. As is customary, the track will be running six days this week, including a special Tuesday program on Mardi Gras itself.

A Pick 3 ending with the nine-race card's featured stakes looks like a good opportunity to cash before hitting the Quarter.

$1 Pick 3: 1,3 with 3,6 with 1,5,6 = $12

Race 6: Allowance, 4:15 p.m. ET

Although she hasn't started since June, #1 Sy B (7-2) would normally be a standout on class. Grade 2-placed a couple seasons ago, her last appearance was a credible third in a key Churchill Downs allowance won by Destino d'Oro, recent heroine of the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G2).

If Sy B is in need of a race, though, #3 Malibu Smart (10-1) might be interesting at a price. She ran her best race in months the first time out for Mike Maker last month, albeit in a much softer spot. However, the barn has a way of moving the horses it claims way up. Note, too, she nearly won at this level last September at Kentucky Downs, so she seems far from hopeless against this kind.

Race 7: Maiden, 4:45 p.m. ET

I expect a couple of these to make inroads, stretching out to 1 1/16 miles for the first time after starting slow in their respective one-turn debuts. One is #3 Tap to Open (4-1), a full brother to Suburban (G2) winner Chance It. The other, #6 Tiffany Cross (8-1), might be flying a little more under the radar, given his absence since Sept. 18. The son of Curlin showed late interest going seven furlongs and is likely to be the better value of the two DeVaux entries.

Race 8: Mardi Gras S., 5:15 p.m. ET

Morning line favorite #6 Shining Star (5-2) figures tough if she can replicate her two U.S. allowance wins, which she won by a combined margin of 11 1/2 lengths. #1 Big Trouble (9-2) ran just as fast, winning the Pan Zareta S. two back before settling for second in an off-the-turf stakes last time. #5 Civetta (6-1) faced better than these last season as a three-year-old, and I'm willing to give her a pass for not loving the Tapeta surface at Turfway Park when last seen.