The Fair Grounds card on Saturday, Feb. 9 was a chalk-fest for the most part. Of the 12 contest races (11 at FG + one at TuP) the chalk won seven times and was on the board in 11 instances. The final race in New Orleans provided the only real fireworks of the day when the betting favorite ran fourth and big prices rolled in on top. As noted in Andrew Offerman’s blog offering, 20% of the total points were up for grabs in that final race and you really had to score there to win.
It always amazes me how a contest player can have numerous favorites, and week 2 winner Mike Weidenbacher selected chalk five times, and then somehow also tab a 52-1 shot that runs second for the best score of the day. It’s tough to win these contests with short prices but Mike had four winning favorites and his mid-range odds horses all ran well enough to score. There were 2355 points up for grabs and Mike had 1603 of them, a very solid effort when grinding it out was a must. He had six winners, two seconds, and four thirds, scoring in all 12 contest races. The key was #9 in the 11th which returned 536 points. Mike’s total was 106 more than the closest opponent.
Thanks to all that played and congrats to those that cashed. Complete results are online. This week brings us an early start time at Tampa Bay Downs. They always but on a good show there with full fields and plenty of turf…..best of luckjm
