Fair Grounds horses to watch: Week of March 22

CLASS LEADER
Trainer: Neil Howard
Last race: March 13, 3rd
Finish: 1st by 1
Beyer: 86

This thrice-started 3-year-old with the pedigree to really stay now is 2 for 2 going two turns. He beat Divine View by one length, but though Divine View seems exposed as average, he finished more than 10 lengths clear of third and might have run an improved race. Class Leader has room to grow and might have turf as a spring and summer option, too.

LORI’S DARLING
Trainer: Lori Hendrickson
Last race: March 15, 2nd
Finish: 4th by 1 1/4
Beyer: 62

This Louisiana-bred in a decent-seeming open turf maiden special weight race rallied steadily to be fourth of 10, and after getting off track for two starts following an encouraging debut, he’s very much ready to clear the maiden ranks if returned to statebred maiden turf-route competition.

PROMISE ME MORE
Trainer: Wes Hawley
Last race: March 15, 4th
Finish: Dead heat for 3rd by 4
Beyer: 80
She’s been stop-and-start since returning to the races last summer at Saratoga and almost certainly will benefit from this race if the outfit can find another similar spot in a month or so. Closed best of all behind a tepid pace.