The 2011 New Orleans Handicap Results

Joe Talamo Says:

The Grade 2, $400,000 New Orleans Handicap for older horses Saturday at Fair Grounds features a field of seven. Giant Oak is coming off two excellent efforts. His win in the G1 Donn was his 2011 debut and prior to that won the G1 Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs to end his 2010 campaign. The one knock against Giant Oak is that he has only managed a third place finish in four starts at the Fairgrounds so there is some concern he may not have a great affinity for the track, then again, he may just be a much better horse. Mission Impazible and Birdrun will likely be near the front setting the pace. Mission Impazible came in second by a short head to Demarcation last month in the Mineshaft Handicap, the local prep for the New Orleans Handicap, and won the Louisiana Derby here a year ago. Birdrun disappointed last time out in the Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park, but he did stumble at the start which may have compromised his run. Demarcation has won 10 times in 37 starts, is 3 for 6 at Fair Grounds. Apart is a two time graded stakes winner, taking the G2 Super Derby and G3 Ack Ack, though those victories came last year. Country Flavor, Fast Alex, and El Caballo round out the field.