A well-matched field of Kentucky Derby hopefuls will run in the signature race of the Fair Grounds meeting on Saturday in the $1 million Louisiana Derby (G2). Albano led for nearly every step of the Risen Star (G2) here in preparation of this contest and will be tough with even slight improvement for Larry Jones. The bay son of Istan has progressed nicely this campaign and will likely be a fair price on the tote board.
Tony Dutrow’s In Trouble was unbeaten from a pair of runs as a juvenile, capped by a fine tally in the Futurity S. (G2), and came back with a very good third in a deep running of the Gotham S. (G2) last time. The talented son of Tiz Wonderful surely got a lot out of his first try in 2014 and looms large with improvement in this spot. Risen Star (G2) hero Intense Holiday has steadily improved for trainer Todd Pletcher and should appreciate getting more ground to work with in this nine-furlong voyage.
The well-bred Gold Hawk, Divine View, Commanding Curve, a late sixth in the Risen Star, Delta Jackpot (G3) winner Rise Up and Lecomte S. (G3) romper Vicar’s in Trouble, a nice third in the Risen Star from an impossible post, add to the list of betting options.
In the $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), Steve Asmussen’s Untapable demolished her foes by 9 ½ lengths in the Rachel Alexandra (G3) and the race goes through her. The filly by Tapit always flashed big potential and seems to be putting it all together this spring.
Talented dual stakes vixen Fiftyshadesofgold, Silverbulletday S. heroine Unbridled Forever and the well-bred and improving Got Lucky, look like the main threats to the surefire favorite.
A stellar and exciting field will converge on the $400,000 New Orleans H. (G2), arguably the most exciting race on the card. Normandy Invasion, fourth in the Kentucky Derby (G1) last season, came back with a vengeance in his 2014 when setting a track mark at Gulfstream Park, and the Chad Brown trainee could be set for a huge campaign. The bay son of Tapit has a ton of talent and continues to train well leading up to this fine field.
Belmont hero Palace Malice came back for his four-year-old bow at Gulfstream and fought back to take the Gulfstream Park H. (G2) at a mile, a race that should have set him up beautifully for this handicap event. The son of Curlin is another who could be set for big things this year. Revolutionary, who bagged the LA Derby on this oval last season, showed little in the Donn H. (G1) but is much better than he showed and gives Pletcher a nice second option.
Preakness (G1) third Mylute, who just missed in the LA Derby here last year, has trained very well and will be coming on late in this spot, a race he can make a lot of noise in with his top performance.
Mineshaft (G3) winner Bradester comes in with a pair of very nice wins in preparation of this and could be set for another top effort in a good form cycle for Eddie Kenneally. Hard-knocker Mister Marti Gras and Mineshaft third Fordubai, are also expected.
In the $300,000 Mervin Muniz Memorial H (G2), Burn the Mortgage, Class Included, Skyring, Speaking of Which, Potomac River and Real Solution, are the top names mentioned as likely runners.
The 101st Louisiana Derby will be run on March 29, 2014, five weeks out from the 140th Kentucky Derby!
See the $1 million dollar race at 6 pm with the first post of the day at 12:30 pm! In addition, Fair Grounds will be joined by the cast of the 50 to 1 movie. The movie’s stars will host a meet and greet with the first 200 fans getting a signed poster! 50 to 1 star Christian Kane (Angel, Leverage) will start the day off by singing the National Anthem!
Make sure to wear your best as the HAT COMPETITION RETURNS this season! Our favorites will parade around the paddock with the winners receiving cash prizes!
How do you get your tickets? Go to fgno.com/tickets now!
General Admission is $10 and Clubhouse Tickets are $15!
Access to the tent and the cast of 50 to 1 is included in your prize.
First post at 12:30pm CT.