This Saturday, all eyes will be on the $1 million Louisiana Derby, marking a significant milestone in the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The Grade 2 race, spanning 1 3/16 miles, features ten competitors and headlines an extensive 12-race card at New Orleans' Fair Grounds, which includes eight stakes races. As a Championship Series event, this derby will allocate qualifying points to the top five finishers: 100 for first place, 50 for second, 25 for third, 15 for fourth, and 10 for fifth, securing spots for the winner and runner-up in the prestigious $5 million Kentucky Derby on May 3.
The Louisiana Derby, set to run as Race 12 at 6:42 p.m. ET, is accompanied by the $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) for three-year-old fillies, offering similar qualifying points towards the Kentucky Oaks. Historically, since 2013, 44 horses that started in both the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby have participated in the Kentucky Derby. Notable contenders include Chunk of Gold, Built, and Vassimo, who aim to challenge John Hancock, undefeated in two starts and making his debut outside Florida.
Among the promising entrants is Caldera, trained by the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, who narrowly missed victory by a nose in last month's Sunland Derby. While only two Louisiana Derby winners—Black Gold in 1924 and Grindstone in 1996—have triumphed in the Kentucky Derby, there are exceptions like Country House, who claimed the controversial 2019 Kentucky Derby at long odds.
In another highlight, the $777,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky, offers 100 Derby points to its winner. Top contenders here include Baby Max and He’s Not Joking. Fans can enjoy live coverage through FanDuelTV and CNBC's dedicated programming, with streaming options via Peacock. Additionally, the "Bayou Bluegrass 5" Pick 5 offers an estimated $1 million guaranteed prize pool, starting with Race 8.
The accompanying Fair Grounds Oaks sees Good Cheer as the projected favorite, aiming for her sixth consecutive win. With the Run for the Roses just weeks away, horse racing enthusiasts gear up for these critical prep races, blending excitement with strategic betting opportunities.
Beyond the track, the anticipation builds as participants and fans prepare for what promises to be a thrilling climax to the Road to the Kentucky Derby. These events serve not only as stepping stones but also as showcases of talent and potential, captivating audiences worldwide. As the countdown continues, each race adds layers of intrigue and drama, setting the stage for one of the most iconic sporting events of the year.