Stidham, Sharp, Amoss battle to end

NEW ORLEANS – The race for leading trainer at the meet might not be settled until Sunday, closing day. Through Thursday, Mike Stidham led with 35 wins. Joe Sharp stood second with 32, and Tom Amoss was third with 29.

Stidham, who entered seven horses for races Friday and Saturday, has nine entrants Sunday. Sharp, who entered 16 horses for races Friday and Saturday, has six entrants Sunday. Amoss, who entered nine horses for races Friday and Saturday, has three entrants Sunday.

Florent Geroux has wrapped up the jockeys’ race. Through Thursday, he had 81 wins, 16 more than second-place Colby Hernandez.

Geroux said his primary goal for the meet was to connect with quality horses, and the riding title, his first at Fair Grounds, is a bonus.

“You’re always hoping you can get it,’’ he said. “We had the right stock, for sure.’’

In the owners’ race, leader Midwest Thoroughbreds had 15 wins through Thursday, four more than second-place Hugh Robertson.