Fair Grounds: 111th Louisiana Derby Picks; Full Card Selections

By Rick Francis —-

A mild day with sunny skies are forecast for the 111th Running of the Grade II Louisiana Derby. Morning line favorite Track Phantom will look to solidify his Derby contender status, this time over what will be a fast and dry surface. A full field of twelve are slated for the starting gate in the first of the “Road to the Derby” 100-50-25-15-10 points contests, it should be an exciting race.

Race 12) TWINSPIRES.COM LOUISIANA DERBY 1&3/16THS Mile GII 3YO

12) Track Phantom – to those that were at Fair Grounds for Risen Star day all will attest it was one of the worst track conditions due to relentless rain, and take nothing away from Sierra Leone, the half length victor but with dry ground under his feet today none in this field will catch this Quality Road colt; riding him here and in the 150th Run for the Roses.

5) Catching Freedom – Constitution colt is the only returning Risen Star starter that was closing, this track is playing to closers.

10) Common Defense – Grade 2 Rebel runner-up has been working lights out since moving south from his Oaklawn base; trainer/jock combo have been lights out so far this year.

3) Antiquarian – Pletcher trained colt by Preservationist makes only his third career start, a trend that worked for this conditioner a year ago with Kingsbarn; have to include in all wagers.

The field for the 111th Louisiana Derby from the rail out:
1) Triple Espresso (Pletcher/Saez)
2) Hall of Fame (Asmussen/Santana)
3) Antiquarian (Pletcher/Velazquez)
4) Agate Road (Pletcher/Otiz, I, Jr.)
5) Catching Freedom (Cox/Prat)
6) Awesome Ruta (Foster/Murrill)
7) Honor Marie (Beckman/Curtis)
8) Next Level (Desormeaux/Riquelme)
9) Real Men Violin (McPeek/Lanerie)
10 Common Defense (McPeek/Hernandez, B. Jr)
11) Tuscan Gold (Brown/Gaffalione)
12) Track Phantom (Asmussen/Rosario)

Race 1) MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $75,000. For Accredited La Bred Maidens
5) Alvarado Cat
6) Causeway Benny
12) Jackson D
AE- 14) Our Determination
15) Chad’s Flashy Ways

Race 2) COSTA RISING STAKES 5 1/2 Furlongs Turf. Purse $100,000.
8) Custom Bobby
7) My Pal Mattie
6) Sharp Charlie
4) Mangum
10 Swot Analysis

Race 3) CRESCENT CITY OAKS 1 Mile 70Y Dirt. Purse $125,000 FILLIES 3YO, ACCREDITED LOUISIANA BRED
1) Accommadate Eva
6) Pip Squeak
3) Platinum Minit
2) Sister Ella

Race 4) MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $75,000. FOR MAIDEN FILLIES 3YO
10) Union Mist
1) Without Cause
6) Mischief My Way
9) Purr Factor
AE- 11) War Siren
13) Lucky Speech

Race 5) MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $75,000. FOR MAIDENS, 3YO
1) Stinger Bee
6) Corporal
5) Devilsgotcause
4) Charnico
9) Coach Campbell

Race 6) ALLOWANCE. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $75,000.
2) Athens Moon
10) Battle Scars
5) Moment of Stardom
4) Brown Liquor Man
AE- 14) Deer Crossing
15) Tiverton

Race 7) CRESCENT CITY DERBY 1 1/16 Miles Dirt. Purse $125,000. 3YO
3) Blue Eyed George
2) El Dinero
5) Gamer Nate
6) Sonofaship
7) Good And Stout

Race 8) TOM BENSON MEMORIAL STAKES 1 1/16 Miles Turf. Purse $150,000 FILLIES AND MARES
12) Oeuvre
4) Watch This Birdie
6) Tufani
9) Spirit And Glory
10) Delahaye

Race 9) NEW ORLEANS CLASSIC STAKES GII – 1 1/8 Miles Dirt. Purse $500,000
3) Touchuponastar
9) Best Actor
5) Money Supply
2) Gasoline

Race 10) MUNIZ MEMORIAL CLASSIC STAKES GII 1 1/8 Miles Turf. Purse $300,000
13) I’m Very Busy
3) Webslinger
9) Johny’s Fireball
2) Strong Quality

Race 11) FAIR GROUNDS OAKS GII 1 1/16 Miles Dirt. Purse $400,000. FILLIES 3YO
5) Tarifa
7) Our Pretty Woman
1) V V’S Dream
6) Intricate

.