Classy Veterans Clash in $75,000 Louisiana Handicap

Albano is the 9/5 morning line favorite for trainer Larry Jones despite making his first start since September 1 when he ran third in the Grade 3 Smarty Jones at Parx.  Albano, a four year-old son of Istan, has recorded three wins in nine career starts for earnings of $541,100.  Jones wins with 31% of his runners returning from layoffs of 61-180 days, and Albano has posted consecutive bullet works at Fair Grounds where he has two wins and two seconds in five career starts. 

Grand Contender back in winning form

5/2 second choice Grand Contender won the $50,000 Diliberto Stakes in his last start, showing a return to his summer form after two uncharacteristically poor starts.  The Tom Amoss trainee has worked steadily at Fair Grounds, and will be making the third start of his form cycle which often produces any runner’s top effort.  James Graham will have the mount after Francisco Torres was aboard in the Dilliberto win.  Graham last rode Grand Contender February 22, 2014 to a second place effort in the Grade 2 Mineshaft Handicap.

Horse for course live at fair odds  

Nates Mineshaft is an attractive price at 5/1 on the morning line for trainer Anne Smith.  With five wins in six career starts over the local dirt, Nates Mineshaft always shows up with his race.  The classy eight year-old veteran will also move back to a route race –where he has been most successful in his career – after three consecutive races at sprint distances.