Louisiana Derby Day

 Another terrific Stakes Saturday as we look in on a great card down in NOLA.

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

A full field of eight are expected to go to the gate as the 100 Derby point races begin.

Past Perfomances used:  Equibase.

A very talented field will ALL stretch out to this "Preakness" distance. Only four have yet to race over the Fair Grounds track. Enough speed should produce a quick pace. Speed numbers are fairly close making this Derby prep highly competitive. All of these fellas have been well-prepped by their trainers. It should be a fantastic race as we get closer to that big day in May.

#5 Catching Freedom (Prat / B. Cox) will take another step forward on the Derby trail. He holds the third highest last out speed number and three diligent workouts. This lad should track and strike heading into the stretch. A son of Constitution, he is 75% in the money from four starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#11 Tuscan Gold (Gaffalione / C. Brown) has doubled up his speed figs in his only two races. This guy is sitting on a big effort with four superb workouts adding to his preparation. He should track and close gallantly. A son of Medaglia d'Oro, he has a 50% win rate.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 Agate Road (I. Ortiz / Pletcher) comes in from Tampa Bay after producing the fourth highest last out speed number of this group. Three strong peaking workouts add to his luster. He should track and close into a solid pace. A son of Quality Road, he is 83% in the money from six starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#12 Track Phantom (Rosario / Asmussen) will show speed as the deserved favorite. Another son of Quality Road, he holds the second highest last out speed number and two quality workouts. 100% itm from six starts.

#7 Honor Marie (Curtis / Beckman) is another closer who should factor in a speedy pace. Son of Honor Code, he is 75% itm from four starts. Three hearty peaking workouts add to his cause.

#10 Common Defense (B. Hernandez / McPeek) holds the highest last out speed number and two power workouts. Son of Karkonite [JPN], is 75% itm from four starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#5 Catching Freedom  //  #11 Tuscan Gold,  #4 Agate Road,  #12 Track Phantom,  #7 Honor Marie,  #10 Common Defense.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#11,  #4,  #12,  #7,  #10  //  #5 Catching Freedom.

Best of luck to you on all your Louisiana Derby wagers!!!