Horse Racing Picks for Saturday, February 14
Make sure to check out VSiN At The Track to catch up on the latest horse racing news and picks in all the major stakes this weekend! Subscribe on Apple or Spotify to make sure you don’t miss an episode! Now on to today’s picks from Fair Grounds.
Mineshaft Stakes, Fair Grounds, Race #9
The first of four graded stakes on the card, the Mineshaft focuses on the older Male division. A month ago, we talked about #2 Accelerize jumping up into stakes company for the first time. He passed that test with flying colors, winning the Louisiana at 8-1. He is back for more today and should get the trip. Unlike the Louisiana, there is no one else who wants the front today. There is other speed signed on, but it’s all tactical speed that wants to sit close, but not be on the lead. That should allow Accelerize the opportunity to get comfortable in front and have a real shot at taking this field gate to wire.
#5 Time to Win enters with back-to-back wins at a mile, but both coming against weaker and around one turn. His race two back at Aqueduct was massive and makes him a player, but I would not be running to the window at anything shorter than the 4-1 morning line odds considering the new obstacles he will have to overcome here.
#6 Hit Show is the class of the field with multiple Grade 2 and 3 wins in his past, and he won over this track at this distance in 2025. He will come from off the pace, which may be an issue with limited pace in this spot, and will be a short price. He’s the 9-5 favorite and will likely take money. He is one to include in your exacta/trifecta, but the win price is not worth the risk.
#7 Stowaway is the price I am willing to take a shot with here. He has been on the improve after a yearlong layoff and seems to have found a home going two turns on the dirt. It would take some improvement to win, but he should sit in a good position early, which could allow him a slice late.
Top 4: 2-5-6-7
The Bets; $50 Win #2
Risen Star, Fair Grounds, Race #12
We have our first 50 point Derby race of the season, and we get our current favorite in the future pool in the #4 Paladin. He dominated in the Remsen, living up to his $1.9 million dollar price tag while coming from just off the pace. He drew a field here that has limited speed, which could play to his advantage. He can win this race going to the lead or sitting right off the pace. I would expect he sits third, and if so, he will be very tough in here.
#2 Golden Tempo took a very nice step forward in winning the Lecomte in his first try around two turns. He’ll come from deep in the pack with pace early, not the setup expected today, so this will be yet another big test. I think Golden Tempo will get better as they go longer, so getting in the Winner’s Circle today could be a tall ask.
#7 Courting was a $5 million purchase at auction and has shown his talent in spots. He ran fourth in the Remsen to Paladin, but did so running in spots and never being fully focused. You can tell me talent is ahead of the mind at this point. Now, it’s been two months since that race. If he has grown up, he could be a threat.
#3 Carson Street ran third, beating Golden Tempo last time out, but was on the lead, which was a more difficult trip. He is an interesting one if he shakes away and gets brave.
Top 4: 4-2-7-3
The Bets: $50 Exacta 4-2
