FAIR GROUNDS FEB. 10

RACE 6: THE MINESHAFT: Master Command likely to be lopsided favorite, with astonishing Beyers. Everything's right to play even an odds-on favorite in the exotics here: Master leads in Beyers, class and speed, has a top jockey, good trainer, nice post, bullet work.

Wheel with all paid $22.20 for $10. The Master won by 6 despited wide trip.

RACE 7: FAIR GROUNDS BREEDERS. Storm Treasure. Big moves in the stretch for 7 races in a row, plus top class marks.

Finishes a nice third, but still, third. Score -2.

RACE 8: THE SILVERBULLETDAY. The money will likely gravitate to Appealing Zophie, but not mine. Both this horse's trainerws have tried to force her to route. Her only real win was 7 furlongs on an off track. Other than that, she duels and fades. I like Total's chances to stretch out, especially at a price. Her Beyers are superior, her win margins awesome, and she seems like a confident horse. The trainer has a good record stretching from sprint to route, the post position is good, the jock has won on her twice.

Total placed after an awful trip. Sophie wired the field. Score -2.

RACE 9: THE RISEN STAR. 14 in the gate means chaos, usually. Circular Quay is most accomplished, but as a closer in a gigantic field, I don't like his chances. It's a long run to the first turn, so I think that Notional's 12-post can be overcome. His Beyer combined with good early speed is my reasoning, and he's Albardo's pick too....

Notional paid $7.80.

For the card 2 for 4 and $16.