The 113th running of the Louisiana Derby (G2) takes center stage at Fair Grounds on Saturday, March 14, offering $1 million in purse money and crucial Kentucky Derby qualifying points. This 1 3/16-mile race serves as an essential Championship Series event on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, awarding points on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale to the top five finishers.
Key Contenders in the Louisiana Derby
Leading the field is Chip Honcho (3-1 morning-line favorite), who finished second in the Fasig-Tipton Risen Star (G2) earlier this season. The Steve Asmussen-trained colt, owned by Leland Ackerley Racing, James Sherwood, Jode Shupe, and John Cilia, has already earned 39 Derby qualifying points and is ranked ninth on the leaderboard. Luis Saez returns to ride, continuing his partnership with Chip Honcho.
Intrigue in the Field
Several horses are looking to make their mark in the Derby prep scene:
- Golden Tempo (7-2) – Trained by Cherie DeVaux, this Lecomte Stakes winner will be adding blinkers for the Louisiana Derby after a third-place finish in the Risen Star. Jose Ortiz will be aboard.
- Pavlovian (6-1) – The most experienced horse in the field, Doug O’Neill’s California-bred colt won the Sunland Park Derby (L) and is looking to build on that success in the Louisiana Derby. Edwin Maldonado will be riding.
- Emerging Market (6-1) – A promising new face trained by Chad Brown, Emerging Market won his debut in a one-mile maiden special weight at Tampa Bay Downs. The colt posted an impressive 97 Beyer Speed Figure in his maiden win. Flavien Prat will be in the saddle.
- Blacksmith (6-1) – Trained by Bob Baffert, the Liam’s Map colt enters off a dominant maiden win at Santa Anita Park. Florent Geroux will ride in the Louisiana Derby.
Other notable entrants include Easterly (6-1) and Autobahn (8-1), both trained by Brad Cox, and Universe (12-1) for Kenny McPeek.
A Day of High Stakes and Excitement
In addition to the Louisiana Derby, Fair Grounds will host a full slate of stakes races, including the $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), the $500,000 New Orleans Classic (G2), and the $300,000 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes. The day’s stakes action will culminate with the Louisiana Derby, slated as Race 12 on the 14-race card.
Post Time and Additional Information
First post for Louisiana Derby Day is noon (CT), with the Louisiana Derby scheduled as Race 12. The event promises to be an exciting day of top-tier racing with Kentucky Derby points on the line and an outstanding field of talented 3-year-olds vying for their place on the road to Churchill Downs.
Field for the Louisiana Derby (G2)
- Pavlovian (6-1) – Edwin Maldonado, Doug O’Neill
- Autobahn (8-1) – Marcelino Pedroza Jr., Brad Cox
- Chip Honcho (3-1) – Luis Saez, Steve Asmussen
- Universe (12-1) – Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek
- Golden Tempo (7-2) – Jose Ortiz, Cherie DeVaux
- Spirit of Royal (20-1) – Francisco Arrieta, Dallas Stewart
- Blacksmith (6-1) – Florent Geroux, Bob Baffert
- Easterly (6-1) – Edgard Zayas, Brad Cox
- Emerging Market (6-1) – Flavien Prat, Chad Brown
