How to Bet a Pick 3: Ed DeRosa’s Picks for the Fair Grounds on Friday

NEW ORLEANS — By Ed DeRosa

Thanks to a partnership between my employer Horse Racing Nation, and Fair Grounds Race Course, I’ve paid a lot of attention to the races in New Orleans, and one thing I’ve noticed as a multi-race player is that one longshot is enough to completely blow up the payoff.

I.e. logical horses strung together produce logical payouts. That’s not a surprise when you see it written out, but what is a pleasant surprise is the payout when you happen to catch even a $15 or $20 horse.

Today we’ll look to build a Pick 3, where we need to pick winners in three consecutive races.

It is with that in mind that we perused the past performances (I use Brisnet) for Friday, Feb. 23, at Fair Grounds looking for some decent price shots and landed on #5 She Told You So in race 2.

This horse was buried on the rail against 10 others in her local debut a little less than two months ago. She never got a chance to run and was a bad-looking-on-paper ninth. However, that race was her first in 3 ½ months, and she should improve off it. A clear run late against a more compact field (i.e. less traffic to negotiate from the inside post), and she could have a say in the win photo.

Of course, it’s a pick 3–not a pick 1–so we need two other good ideas. Because we’re only using one price horse in race 2, that allows us to spread a bit in other races.

In race 3 (leg 2 of the pick 3 that starts in race 2), #1 Radiant Rebel has inside speed while #10 My Idea could be the one closing late. 

In race 4 (the third and final leg of the pick 3), #3 Chrome Racer is clearly the horse to beat of those who have run, but #9 Trouble Free looks like she can fit this group despite being a five-year-old on debut. This is a low-level maiden after all, and the local works say she fits.

The Bet: $1 Pick 3

Race 2- #5

Race 3- #1 and #10

Race 4- #3 and #9

Good Luck!