Fair Grounds horses to watch: Week of Jan. 18

CASSATT
Trainer: Larry Jones
Last race: Jan. 9, 9th
Finish: 1st by 4 1/4
Beyer: 72
The speed figure and even the margin of victory don’t do this performance justice. This twice-started Tapit filly appears to be exceptionally talented and could wind up a player on the Kentucky Oaks trail. You won’t get a price if her connections opt for a soft stepping-stone spot, but another modest speed figure could lead to appealing odds when she jumps into graded stakes.

UDOKNOWJACK
Trainer: Jorge Gomez
Last race: Jan. 12, 1st
Finish: 2nd by a head
Beyer: 64
A 47.79-second half-mile split in a race at one mile and 70 yards for Louisiana-bred $12,500 claimers or $5,000 starter horses is a taxing split, yet this horse led to the final stride, while his closest pursuer, a 4-5 shot, faded to sixth. Just hope he gets enough recovery time.

ELUSIVE KNOLL
Trainer: Frank Springer
Last race: Jan. 9, 8th
Finish: 3rd by 2 1/2
Beyer: 65
This Louisiana-bred filly is meant for turf, and despite being rained off it in both of her starts at this meet, she has a win and a third. She will improve – presumably at square odds – when she finally gets in a statebred-restricted grass race.