Muniz Memorial Classic S. Presented by Horse Racing Nation

First run in 1992 as the Explosive Bid Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf, the race changed its name to the Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap in 2004 but is still run at the same distance and on the same surface. Part of Fair Grounds' big spring weekend of racing, the Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap has been won by horses such as Always a Classic, Joyeux Danseur, Einstein and Proudinsky. Proudinsky won the race twice (2008, 2009), giving his trainer Bobby Frankel the most wins in the race at two with Bill Mott joining Frankel at the top of the winners list. Jockey Robby Albarado has won the race four times and Joyeux Danseur holds the winning margin of victory record at six lengths.