Louisiana Champions Handicap Features Competitive Field

The race is scheduled for a mile and seventy yards on the main track led by 3/1 favorite The Louisiana Kid trained by Jose Camejo.  A five year-old gelded son of 2005 Preakness and Belmont Stakes winner Afleet Alex, The Louisiana Kid is fresh off a decisive six furlong win November 21 versus a $10,000 optional claiming field at Fair Grounds.  Primarily a sprinter, The Louisiana Kid is notably 0 for 4 at the mile and seventy yard distance over his career, but should be prominent early under jockey Miguel Mena. 

Candiano hasn't fared well at FG

7/2 second choice Candiano fits with this bunch from a speed figures standpoint, but the Keith Bourgeois trainee has been idle since October 15 and has just one career win at Fair Grounds in 21 tries.  Still, Candiano has won two of his last five races and hasn’t finished off-the-board in any of those starts.  The eight year-old gelding was facing better in his last two starts at Delta and should give an honest account of himself again versus a suspect field. 

Blinkers off on Over a Barrel 

Over a Barrel (4/1) has the best last race Beyer Speed Figure (90) in the field and appears to be in the best form of his career under the direction of trainer Victor Arceneaux.  The five year-old gelded son of Brahms was beaten just a neck against $30,000 optional claimers last out at Delta and has posted five consecutive runner-up finishes. He will race without blinkers – a piece of equipment he has worn in at least twelve straight starts.