Previewing Louisiana Stakes Grade 3 Race 12 & Key Contenders

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Analysis of Key Horses in the Grade 3 Louisiana at the Fairgrounds

The Grade 3 Louisiana, slated as race number 12 on Saturday at the Fairgrounds, stands out as a pivotal race, especially for those involved in pick 4s and pick 5s. Among the contenders, Moonlight, the number 1 horse, brings intrigue as a deep closer with potential upside. Despite being newly turned 5, his capability in this race remains a question, yet it could serve as a barometer for his future performances.

Moonlight appears well-positioned to capitalize on a race setup that favors late runners, with previous performances on this track hinting at his preference for making a strong late run. His competitive edge could be sharpened further by a fast pace set by front-runners like Accelerize, Tarantino, and Willie D.

Among the others, Henrow seems to be an uncertain choice. After peaking in 2024 with notable wins, his recent shift to turf sprints suggests a strategy by his team to rediscover his form. This entry might be more about exploration than expectation for him.

Cadet C, maintaining a solid record with top 3 finishes including a Grade 3 placement, faces a formidable challenge in just a touch, indicating a need for substantial improvement to contend against the top rivals.

Accelerize, trained by Todd Fletcher and ridden by Levion Pratt, shows promise with a record of winning 2 of his first 3 starts, albeit lightly raced. His potential is acknowledged, yet there's a cautious approach in evaluating his performance against a possibly stronger field.

Sir Graylin and Tarantino both offer consistency and experience but seem to fall a bit short when matched against the top competitors in the field. Sir Graylin, known for picking up pieces, fits more as a secondary choice rather than a primary one. Tarantino, often in the mix in high-stake races, lacks the edge to secure wins against classier rivals.

Willie D’s record under trainer Maker suggests potential, yet doubts persist regarding his ability to step up further in this race. Finally, just a touch, backed by an impressive track record and trainer Brad Cox's strong performance at Fairgrounds, emerges as a leading contender worth close attention.

This race poses an excellent opportunity to assess the form and tactics of several promising horses, setting the stage for an intriguing contest at the Fairgrounds.