Meet the Contenders: 2026 Louisiana Derby
Golden Tempo wins the Lecomte at Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photography)
March 18th, 2026
Meet the horses running in the 2026 Louisiana Derby (G2) on Saturday 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 the opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your Stable Alerts.
Click on each horse's name to add them to your stable. Never miss a race they're a part of again!
Pavlovian (outside) catches Express Kid in a thrilling Sunland Park Derby at Sunland Park (Photo by Coady Media)
#1 Pavlovian **
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Pro: Pressed and then beat the heavy favorite in the Sunland Park Derby.
Con: Has several losses against softer fields.
AutoBahn wins at Meydan. (Photo by horsephotos.com)
#2 Autobahn ***
Trainer: Brad Cox
Pro: Won convincingly in two-turn debut at Gulfstream.
Con: Improving fast but concedes experience versus winners.
Chip Honcho wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)
#3 Chip Honcho ****
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Pro: Big run in Risen Star (G2) against Paladin; major threat.
Con: Might not get as easy a trip on the front end this time.
Universe wins at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#4 Universe **
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Pro: Multiple graded-placed colt enters off a bullet 5f workout.
Con: Has not developed as much as others this year.
Golden Tempo wins at Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photo)
#5 Golden Tempo *****
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Pro: Blinkers might help this talented closer stay more in touch.
Con: Whether he gets sufficient pace remains to be seen.
A @reredevaux exacta in the G3 Leocomte! 🏆 @fairgroundsnola
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) January 18, 2026
GOLDEN TEMPO comes up the rail after being last to earn 20 @kentuckyderby points! @jose93_ortiz was aboard! 🌹
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/ZYTBtAaRzS
Spirit of Royal wins at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#6 Spirit of Royal *
Trainer: Dallas Stewart
Pro: Given run style, this distance should suit.
Con: Hard to endorse off the uncompetitive Southwest (G3) run.
Blacksmith. (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
#7 Blacksmith ***
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Pro: Placed in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) before belated maiden win.
Con: Speed ratings have been up and down.
Easterly wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photo / Credit to Lauren King)
#8 Easterly **
Trainer: Brad Cox
Pro: Showed natural improvement to graduate second out for the top barn.
Con: Perhaps asking a bit much to beat them all off maiden score.
Emerging Market wins at Tampa Bay Downs. (Photo by SV Photography)
#9 Emerging Market ****
Trainer: Chad Brown
Pro: Earned 99 Brisnet Speed rating on debut; plenty fast.
Con: Inexperienced and the form of maiden win not recently flattered.
