Meet the Contenders: 2024 Louisiana Derby
Track Phantom scored a front-running victory in the Lecomte (Photo by Hodges Photography)
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your Stable Alerts.
Triple Espresso (Photo by Coglianese Photography)
#1 Triple Espresso **
Pro: Has run exclusively on grass to this point but bred to appreciate dirt more.
Con: Seemingly not quite graded quality yet; cross-entered at Turfway on Saturday.
Hall of Fame (Photo by Hodges Photography)
#2 Hall of Fame ****
Pro: Disappointing run in Risen Star (G2) off big maiden win; connections stay positive.
Con: Price will be better this time but might simply be a cut or two below.
Antiquarian (Photo by Hodges Photography)
#3 Antiquarian **
Pro: Steps up in class off gutsy maiden win versus next-out winner on Risen Star Day.
Con: Remains with plenty of upside but must improve considerably in a hurry.
Agate Road (Photo by Coglianese Photography)
#4 Agate Road **
Pro: Versatile colt handled dirt well again when second best in Sam F. Davis (G3).
Con: Tampa race was rather slow, chances probably better in Jeff Ruby (G3) on Saturday.
Catching Freedom winning the Smarty Jones S. at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Photography)
#5 Catching Freedom ***
Pro: Decent third in the Risen Star after winning two of first three.
Con: Needs to find a bit more to turn the tables on Track Phantom.
Turfway Park Racing (Coady Photo/Turfway Park)
#6 Awesome Ruta *
Pro: Exceeded expectations with midpack Risen Star finish at 223-1.
Con: Doesn’t look any stronger on paper here than he did last time.
Honor Marie winning the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)
#7 Honor Marie ****
Pro: Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) winner likely needed season debut in Risen Star; might improve.
Con: Likely needs a strong pace and that’s no guarantee in this field.
Next Level (Photo by Hodges Photography)
#8 Next Level *
Pro: Stoutly bred colt won’t be caught out by the distance.
Con: Appears too slow on paper and last two stakes attempts were poor efforts.
Real Men Violin breaking his maiden at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)
#9 Real Men Violin ***
Pro: Kentucky Jockey Club runner-up likely better than what he showed in Risen Star.
Con: Jockey Hernandez opts for McPeek stablemate here; Corey Lanerie rides instead.
Common Defense wins at Oaklawn Park (Photo by Coady Photography)
#10 Common Defense ***
Pro: Solid try in Rebel (G2) behind the more accomplished Timberlake.
Con: Fear of regression at short price exists, and McPeek barn has struggled here this meet.
Tuscan Gold (Photo by Coglianese Photography / Credit to Lauren King)
#11 Tuscan Gold ***
Pro: Fourth to stablemate Sierra Leone first out and cozy maiden winner last time.
Con: Tough spot in which to face winners for the first time.
Track Phantom wins at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media)
#12 Track Phantom *****
Pro: Best locally based three-year-old has finished or second in three previous preps.
Con: Fair to question whether speedster will be as effective as distances increase.
