Louisiana Derby Day

 On this Stakes Saturday we go down to NOLA for one of the best Kentucky Derby prep races. It is the lucky last on an awesome card.

Fair Grounds Race 12 {Louisiana Derby~G2~1 3/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A talented field of ten will go to the gate in the first of the large point Kentucky Derby prep races.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

All of these lads will stretch out to this distance which is just 110 yards shy of the Kentucky Derby distance. There is plenty of speed to create a furious pace. Only three have hit the triple digit speed fig. Speed figs are fairly close, nonetheless. Three will be trying the Fair Grounds dirt for the first time. All seem well prepped for the battle ahead. It should be a fantastic race on a great Saturday of racing.

#3 Tiztastic (Rosario / Asmussen) comes in from Oaklawn with the third highest last out speed number and two solid peaking workouts. He should sit chilly with the tracker pack. This guy should take another step forward on the Derby trail. A son of Tiz the Law, he is 72% in the money from seven starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#1 John Hancock (Prat / B. Cox) is the deserved favorite with the second highest last out speed number and four strong workouts. This lad comes in from Tampa Bay Downs having secured two wins in a row. He should be part of the speedsters on the front-end. A son of Constitution, he holds a win rate of 100% from two starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#5 Caldera (Gaffalione / Lukas) comes in from Sunland Park with the highest (tie) last out speed number and three powerful workouts. This guy should be forwardly placed in the thick of the action. A son of Liams Map, he is 75% in the money from four starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#9 Instant Replay (Geroux / B. Cox) shares the highest last out speed number and has put in three efficient workouts. He should track the pace closely and get first jump on the runners coming from off the pace. A son of Maximum Security, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

#2 Chunk of Gold (Loveberry / West) is another one of the tracking crew. He has posted three strong workouts in the last thirty days. This guy should take another step forward. A son of Preservationist, he is 100% in the money from three starts.

#6 Built (J. Ortiz / Catalano) has the tactical speed to adapt to the pace. He holds a good last out speed number and three sound workouts. This guy is one of four that have posted two career wins. A son of Hard Spun, he is 100% in the money from five starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#3 Tiztastic  ///  #1 John Hancock,  #5 Caldera,  #9 Instant Replay,  #2 Chunk of Gold,  #6 Built.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#1,  #5,  #9,  #2,  #6  ///  #3 Tiztastic.

Best of Luck with all your Stakes Saturday plays!!!