When last seen racing at Fair Grounds, Saudi Crown won the Grade 3 Louisiana Stakes gate-to-wire at 3-5 against nine overmatched rivals.

The scenario appears similar on Saturday in New Orleans, where he will face seven others in the Tenacious Stakes at the same track and distance as his Louisiana score.

What’s different this time, though, is the presence of Rigney Racing’s Warrior Johny, The Phil Bauer-trained Cairo Prince gelding does not always fire his best shot, but when he does he is as competitive with anybody.

He will have to go back-to-back in that regard, as he was super impressive when winning the Turkey Trot Stakes 3 1/2 weeks ago at Parx. So impressive, in fact, that his Ragozin Figure earned that day is the fastest of anyone in this race lifetime. That kind of number power has me looking for the win button at his 6-1 morning line.

Velocitor interests me as well. He is not as fast as Warrior Johny at his best, but he figures to get a similar trip and is consistently fast enough to be in the mix if no one else freaks.

Thankfully, there is other speed in here to go with Saudi Crown, as I do not think either Warrior Johny or Velocitor can step on the gas early to get it done and will have to rely on stalk-and-pounce trips.

Happy American is 8-for-12 in the money at this distance and figures to get some pace to maybe carve up a slice late. A win would be a surprise, but he should not be the longest price on the board. 

I am going to fade Track Phantom. He just has never run fast enough to warrant second choice here, and his trip from the rail is likely to be aggressive to keep up with Saudi Crown.