Fair Grounds horses to watch: Week of Dec. 28

IMPOSING GRACE
Trainer: Wayne Catalano
Last race: Dec. 21, race 5
Finish: 4th by 3 3/4
Beyer: 82
This 3-year-old filly ran on turf but is not a grass horse, and this was a race she probably needed, coming back from a break and minor surgery. She’s definitely better on synthetics, might be better on dirt, and almost certainly is better with this comeback race behind her.

GROUND TRANSPORT
Trainer: Michael Stidham
Last race: Dec. 21, race 8
Finish: 2nd by 6 1/4
Beyer: 95
Still rounding into peak condition, he set a decent pace in the $75,000 Tenacious, ceded the lead and appeared to be fading at the top of the stretch, but came back on late to get second, well beaten by the sharp winner but ahead of some decent horses. Still room to grow in dirt routes.

ADIOS NARDO
Trainer: Leo Gabriel
Last race: Dec. 21, race 9
Finish: 2nd by 3 1/2 lengths
Beyer: 95
He had no business finishing anywhere near the front in the Diliberto Memorial after dueling on easily the hottest turf-route pace of the meet, but while no match for the sharp winner, he was easily second-best in his stakes debut. Much to build on in this performance.