This Saturday, horse racing enthusiasts will witness the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby, a pivotal 1 3/16-mile race that serves as the longest endurance trial along the Kentucky Derby trail. With significant points up for grabs—100, 50, 25, 15, and 10 for the top five finishers—the stakes are high as competitors vie for guaranteed spots in the Kentucky Derby starting gate on May 3. The Louisiana Derby has historically produced notable contenders, including two past Kentucky Derby winners, Black Gold (1924) and Grindstone (1996). Recent performances highlight its importance, with Epicenter finishing second in last year's Kentucky Derby, following his victory in the Louisiana Derby.

This year’s field features ten promising colts, each bringing unique strengths to the track. Leading the pack is John Hancock, an undefeated contender who won the Sam F. Davis Stakes and boasts impressive speed figures. Trained by Brad Cox, John Hancock was redirected from the Tampa Bay Derby to Fair Grounds for this crucial third start. His TimeformUS speed figure of 115 and Brisnet score of 97 underscore his potential dominance. Another strong competitor is Caldera, the Sunland Derby runner-up, whose HRN Speed figure of 129 suggests exceptional ability despite narrowly losing by a head.

In addition to these standout performers, several other horses bring noteworthy credentials to the table. Chunk of Gold, Built, and Instant Replay all share the highest Beyer speed figure of 92, demonstrating their competitive edge. Each horse brings its own set of strengths, making the race unpredictable yet thrilling. Below is a summary of the top lifetime speed figures among the entrants:

Among the competitors, John Hancock leads with a remarkable TimeformUS figure of 115, while Caldera stands out with an HRN Speed figure of 129. Other contenders like Chunk of Gold and Instant Replay contribute further excitement with their respective speed figures.

The Louisiana Derby promises not only to test the stamina of these young athletes but also to provide a glimpse into the future stars of the Kentucky Derby. As fans anticipate the outcome, they recognize the significance of this race in shaping the landscape of American thoroughbred racing. The competition will reveal which colts possess the necessary qualities to thrive under pressure and secure their place in history alongside legendary predecessors such as Black Gold and Grindstone.