Big Trouble, a homebred horse from Donahmere Farm, is set to compete in the $100,000 Nelson J. Menard Memorial at New Orleans Race Course this Saturday. After a career-best victory over Panzareta at the Fairgrounds on November 29, the 5-year-old Cantaros filly trained by Greg Foley will face eight other older fillies and mares in this five-and-a-half furlong turf sprint, which is one of three stakes races scheduled for January 10. The day’s nine-race card also features two additional Louisiana-bred dirt sprint stakes: the $100,000 Gary P. Palmisano Memorial and the $100,000 Bob F. Wright Memorial.
Big Trouble has remained unbeaten in five local turf races and is coming off a solid performance with jockey Declan Cannon, who will be retained for this race. Serving Time, ridden by John Gunther and trained by Shelley Devaux, will seek a smoother trip after finishing third behind Big Trouble in the Pan Zareta Stakes. Another intriguing contender is Lots and Lotsof Candy, a 5-year-old Twirling Candy filly making her first open stakes and turf start under trainer Paul McGee.
The Gary P. Palmisano Memorial will feature 10 older male horses, including Joe Sugar, a two-time winner of the Louisiana Champions Day Sprint, trained by Keith Bourgeois. Joe Sugar, known for his strong early pace, will face competition from Bron and Brow, both two-time Palmisano winners under the guidance of Steve Asmussen.
The Bob F. Wright Memorial showcases a rivalry between secretive Norman Stable’s Secret Face and Blue Fire, with Secret Face holding a 3-1 record and having narrowly beaten Blue Fire in their last encounter. Wright Memorial is scheduled as race five.
Below are the full fields for the stakes races with jockeys and trainers:
Nelson J. Menard Memorial:
– Big Trouble (Cannon, Foley)
– Serving Time (Ortiz, Devaux)
– Vantera (Paco Lopez, Asmussen)
– Party Pauline (Mitchell Murrill, Hartman)
– Lou Lara (Isaac Castillo, Wilson)
– Harbor Springs (Jareth Loveberry, Foley)
– Sporting Lady (Jamie Torres, Brion)
– Gavea (Marcelino Pedrosa Jr., Stoll Jr.)
– Lotsandlotsofcandy (Brian Hernandez Jr., Maggie)
Gary P. Palmisano Memorial:
– Benoit (James Graham, Duhon)
– Lord Wellington (Paco Lopez, Robertson)
– Bron and Blow (Isaac Castillo, Asmussen)
– Hey Jude (Jose Ortiz, Amos)
– The Money (Jareth Loveberry, Devereux Jr.)
– Joe Sugar (Mitchell Murrill, Bourgeois)
– A Strong Promise (Florent Geroux, Landry)
– He was late again (Brian Hernandez Jr., Landry)
– Calpis (Sophia Vives, David Jr.)
– Sounds Like Power (Marcelino Pedrosa Jr., DeGator Jr.)
Bob F. Wright Memorial:
– Blue Fire (Jose Ortiz, Asmussen)
– Bereout (Erica Murray, Dandridge Jr.)
– Hopeitsmyluckyday (Mitchell Murrill, Muñoz)
– Custom Design (Colby Hernandez, Pitzer)
– Secret Face (CJ McMahon, Gellner)
– Sixth String (Florent Geroux, Landry)
Fan Take: This weekend’s slate of races brings top-tier competition that highlights the depth and excitement of Louisiana’s racing scene. With compelling rivalries and potential breakthroughs on turf and dirt, these stakes could shape the narrative for the 2026 season, offering fans thrilling moments and a glimpse at rising stars in horse racing.
