The menu at Fair Grounds on February 7 will be all about stakes and we're not talking about ribeye or T-bone.

Six added-money events are carded with sophomores spotlighted in the Risen Star and older turf stars in action in the 9-furlong Fair Grounds Handicap.

The subject today will be the latter and how the race may unfold.

A total of 17 runners were nominated and the field although probably not as quality-laden as year's past should be contentious.

Last year California invader Daytona stole the hearts of the fans and the race itself by wiring the field as the chalk while posting a 104 Beyer but there are no Left Coast runners in the mix here.

That will probably leave us with players that have been pointed directly for this race by their connections.

The nominees in alphabetical order included Acting Zippy, a game local winner on the grass in late January. This guy has good speed but he basically flattered another nominee in French Beret in the win.

Ballast has the class to make some noise. He was given a nice prep by trainer Graham Motion and he has also won in a second off the layoff situation in the past.

Things will have to unfold right for Brother Nicholas since he has limited speed but he has the cagey Louis Roussel pulling the strings.

Catch the Luck looms an outside as only a maiden breaker and would have to give this one only a glance if he shows on race day.

Corrupt has been sidelined and although he boasts a bit of back class, it may be asking too much for him to win at 9 furlongs off the pine.

Home-court advantage just might go to Demarcation. In the clever barn of Paul McGee, this guy is 2 for 5 on the grass at Fair Grounds and has been right there in 2 other events.

The good thing about Diamond Tycoon is he's sharp and will be shooting for the hat trick. The bad news is he will be getting the acid test in the stakes.

Would not count on Equitable suiting up as he has been working in Florida but he has faced Grade 1 rivals.

French Beret has run well at a number of different venues. He's game but with limited speed, the trip gods will have to be called upon.

Going Ballistic was recently an even 5th vs. inferior and he will be hard pressed to cashed.

Timing is everything in life and the timing looks very good for Steve Asmussen's Jimmy Simms. Out of the money only once, and wide that day, this runner has speed but proved in his last win he can come from anywhere and still perform.

My Happiness has not made backers happy since he's still seeking his first win in this country.

If glory is going to come to Recapturetheglory, he'll have to do something he has never done and that's win on the grass.

If a runner like Sidcup wins, he's 0 for 20 on the grass; he'll blow up the tote.

Smokeyjonessutton was out of the money in lone turf try and was a no excuse beaten chalk in his latest race.

Trackerman won in late 2008 but was 17-1 that day and you know what they say about lightning striking twice.

Windward Islands has done the bulk of his damage in Canada and this is a whole new ballgame.

So how does the race materialize?

Ballast will be on the muscle early since he's fresh and he might be able to carve out the splits. Jimmy Simms won't be far behind and with his tactical speed he'll get first run on the deep closers. As they get to the top of the lane French Beret will be picking them up and laying them down but by the time he gets clear it will be too late and Jimmy Simms will let out a notch and score.

Enjoy this fine day in 'Orleans, grab a crawfish or two if you can and here's hoping you get lucky.