Handicapping: 113th Louisiana Derby, Fair Grounds Oaks, Stakes Undercard

By Rick Francis —-

A field of nine three-year-olds will head to the post for the 113th Running of the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby highlighted by the rivarly of Leland Ackerley Racing’s Chip Honcho and Phipps, St Elias Stable’s Golden Tempo. It’ll be clear skies with temps in the mid 80’s; Good Luck to all.

FAIR GROUNDS

Race 12) Grade 2 Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby 3YO 1&3/16TH Miles Post Time 5:42 CDT

1) Pavlovian (O’Neill/Maldonado); exits a determined Sunland Derby score; appears a notch below.
2) Autobahn (Cox/Pedroza); maiden win last out at GP was a dominant one jus against a suspect field of five rivals.
3) Chip Honcho (Asmussen/Saez); makes fourth start over the track, winner of the Gun Runner was caught late in Risen Star; a board finish here and he’s in the Big Dance.
4) Universe (McPeek/Hernandez, B. Jr); he’s been running against the best of his class; just not there yet.
5) Golden Tempo (DeVaux/Oriz, J.); son of Curlin should relish this distance; another making fourth FG start.
6) Spirit of Roayal (Stewart/Arrieta); maiden winner was totally empty last out in Southwest; Pass.
7) Blacksmith (Baffert/Geroux); enters off a solid maiden win at Santa Anita; his early speed will cause trouble for some in here.
8) Easterly (Cox/Zayas); som of Uncle Mo will be one who’ll benefit for the speed to his inside; exotics player.
9) Emerging Market (Brown/Part); big time class test but these are big time connections

A couple of the newcomers to the Gentilly oval will cause some trouble early for the contenders but the “locals” will prevail: 5,3,4,7

Race 2) Fasig-Tipton Crescent City Oaks 1 mile 70yds 3yo fillies

2) Braken Poppa
1) Thrill Seeker
4) Fade to Gold

Race 6) Tom Benson Memorial S. 1&16th Turf Fillies & Mares | 4 Year Olds And Up

3) Wayto be Marie
1) Ready for Shirl
For Love and Honor

Race 8) Costa Rising S. 5&1/2 Turf Open | 3 Year Olds And UpPurse: $100,000

1) Nine Part
5) Monsieur Candy
3) Hay Jude
ADD: 12) Dr. My Eyes & 9) Sounds Like Power

Race 9) New Orleans Classic S. Presented by Hagyard 1&1/8th Mile New Orleans Classic S. Presented by Hagyard

2) Touchuponastar
1) Westwood
5) Not This Boy
3) Accelerize

Race 10) Muniz Memorial Classic S. Presented by Horse Racing Nation Open 1&1/8th Turf | 4 Year Olds And Up Purse: $300,000

2) Montador
7) Program Trading
4) Lagynos
5) Tom’s Magic

Race 11) Fasig-Tipton Fair Grounds Oaks 1&1/16th Mile Fillies | 3 Year Olds Purse $400,000

5) Bella Ballerina
4) Luv Your Neighbor
7) Love and Trust