Stakes Selections for Fair Grounds on Dec. 19

A six-pack of stakes events highlight a fantastic 13-race card at Fair Grounds on Saturday.

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Race 4 -- Letellier Memorial S.

A field of seven juvenile fillies will go postward in the 6-furlong test. I thought that #4 Charlie’s Penny (7-2) was very impressive in her dirt bow at Churchill Downs most recently for Block. Daughter of Race Day will be tough to hold off in the stretch with any kind of improvement on Saturday.

Race 6 -- Sugar Bowl S.

A 6-furlong sprint for 2-year-olds attracted a field of seven. I am not certain that #4 Warlock Doc (12-1) can win the race, but the Pish pupil rates as a live longshot with a forward move off of his game debut try. Jack Milton colt has posted four strong morning moves on the course in preparation of his stakes bow, and I like him as a late exotics threat beneath Mena.

Race 7 -- Richard R. Scherer Memorial S.

Well-matched field of 11 will dash 5 1/2 furlongs on the lawn in this tussle. #2 Guildsman (10-1) will have to pass a lot of runners in the lane to come out victorious in the heat, but the Walsh trainee might be up to the task under Geroux. The Grade 3 winner draws well to save ground and make one run late.

Race 9 -- Buddy Diliberto Memorial S.

I am tabbing #3 Dot Matrix (4-1) for success in the 1 1/16-mile turf endeavor. Freud gelding has kept some solid company in the Empire State in his last few tries and will relish the return to Fair Grounds, where he sports a 4-2-1-0 career line. Bay moves forward if there is some give in the ground as well.

Race 11 -- Blushing K. D. S.

Fillies and mares will run on the green in this route outing. The bulk of the main players in the field are deep closers, so #5 Curlin’s Journey (15-1) figures to get first run turning for home at a big number. Keen charge might not be good enough to cross the wire in first, but the 5-year-old could help spike some big exotics with her best performance.

Race 13 -- Tenacious S.

I have been a fan of #5 Sonneman (3-1) since his allowance tally at Gulfstream Park in April, and the colt brings excellent form to the race for Asmussen. While all eyes will be on the brilliant #6 Maxfield (8-5) making his return to action, Sonneman has the recency edge on his counterpart and is worth a play.