Horse of the day for 12/7

Fair Grounds - Race 3
6 Furlongs
Maiden Special Weight (Louisiana-breds)
2-year-olds
Purse $42,500

CONNOR'S CALL took some money for his career debut, and the second foal from multiple stakes-placed Auto Be a Pro showed excellent early speed from the often-intimidating inside post. He battled throughout with the favored winner before grudgingly giving way in the stretch, and finished ahead of two of the runners he'll face on Thursday. That race was the faster division of Louisiana-bred maiden special weights on November 23, and Connor's Call should be prominent once again when the field turns for home. OVIE's trainer, Andrew Leggio Jr., is 6-18 (33%, $4.22 ROI) over the past five years with juvenile debut runners according to Formulator 4.1 statistics. Sire Montbrook does very well with his babies, and the dam is a half-sister to juvenile debut winner (and multiple stakes-winner) Richard's Lass (375K in earnings). The dam did do her best running going long, however. MO COLD removes the hood after a promising try in first start since July, and he should benefit with that run under his belt. He has some tactical speed, but must step back up from maiden claiming competition. GREEDEE ME showed drastic improvement in second lifetime start, but still needs to make up 5 3/4 lengths on the top choice. OVERLAYED's dam is a half to 15-time sprint winner Calledons Prospect (stakes-winner, 128K) as well as stakes-winning sprinter Punchbowl (52K). The barn is clicking at 35% for the year, but is 0-7 over the past five seasons with juvenile debuters. GRAND RADE is the first foal out of the wonderful Hallowed Dreams (30-25-1-3, 740K, 9-9 at two, won first 16 races of career), and he shows quick works for his debut. Sire Tirade has connected with 3 of his first 17 juvenile firsters.

The selection: Connor's Call to win (5/2 odds or more)