Likely you've seen by now that races 5 & 7 today at Fair Grounds are off turf; races 9 & 11 stay on. The turf is soft and the temporary rail is down, meaning we're at the "zero" position and running true distances. This is the first day of grass racing with that course configuration and I am going to guess, based on historical evidence, that inside paths will be preferred.

The dirt track as of Saturday morning was called "good," but there's a decent chance it's "fast" by noon Central first post.

Race 1 - no scratches

Race 2 - Scratch Speak to Me (#5), who looked like one of the more likely winners in a very tough race

Races 3 & 4 - no scratches. Race 4 has my early Pick 5 single, Run Classic (#8).

Race 5 - four scratches but still 10 betting interests in this off-turf maiden. Connections of Sharp Rocket (#9) will not be displeased with the surface switch. Blinkers on.

Race 6 - no scratches

Race 7 - Just two out of the off-turf Colonel Power. Manny Wah (#1) won't mind the surface switch and I'd imagine Bango (#2) and Went West (#9) were entered with hopes of dirt.

Race 8 - no scratches

Race 9 - Only scratch here we didn't know already is Amazima (#8). I suppose Secret Message (#9) & Dalika (#7) will be considered the two principals, but I'd seriously consider digging deeper. My attempt is Pass the Plate (#3), whom I'm hoping can show just enough pace to get into the second flight while staying close to the fence. 

Race 10 - Wells Bayou (#2) is out, which means Blackberry Wine (#7) could get an easy lead, but he did that last month in the Louisiana Stakes and couldn't win, so how can he hold off the likes of Maxfield (#4). Am quite inerested to see if Enforceable (#1) had a breakthrough that began with his career peak performance last out or if that will prove to be an outlier. 

Race 11 - Favored Factor This (#8) should get loose on the best part of a course he loved last year, though I want to get Dontblamerocket (#7) heavily into the mix.

Race 12 - We knew about the lone scratch, Charlie's Penny (#9), who was diagnosed with an injury after entries were taken a week ago. Boringly, I have favored Travel Column (#8) over second choice Clairiere (#1) with likely third choice Souper Sensational (#2) the one with a mild upset chance.

Race 13 - The two Risen Star scratches, Defeater (#9) and Keepmeinmind (#12) were already known. Should be a really interesting renewal.