1/ST BET and Xpressbet handicapper Eddie Olczyk is back for another round of Saturday spot plays, including the main event at Fair Grounds for the season, the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby. His key plays include a fast start to the Santa Anita card and the early pick five.

FAIR GROUNDS, RACE 6 (2:42PM ET) // MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
EDDIE'S PICK: #5 SHALDAG (6/1)

The ‘other’ Asmussen entrant as compared to 5-2 morning line favorite Hidden Enemy. In 3 career turf races, he’s started from an outside post position in all 3. He’s drawn better today, and I’m hoping for a run similar to the one he had at Kentucky Downs Downs last September. The price will be right. Win bet.

SANTA ANITA, RACE 1 (4:00PM ET) // MAIDEN CLAIMING
EDDIE'S PICK: #2 NEW DRAMA (4/1)

Trainer Tim Yakteen has it going really well currently, and his numbers second start off after layoffs of 6 months or more are outstanding recently. New Drama had a bad post in last start, a speed-and-fade in that race off the brutal post. Thinking that he needed it, though a 5-year-old maiden with only 3 career starts a concern. But he can make one run into a race that should be quick. I’ll take my shot with a win bet.

FAIR GROUNDS, RACE 14 (6:44PM ET) // LOUISIANA DERBY
EDDIE'S PICK: #4 PROXY (7/2)

The added distance from the Lecomte and Risen Star will help. Proxy gets blinkers on, and I’m hoping to save some ground this time, unlike last race. He should find speed to track. Johnny V should be able to rate a bit and follow #2 Rightandjust. Trainer Michael Stidham is on a roll all over the country. Win bet.