Louisiana Derby Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Mar 22)

The Kentucky Derby field for 2025 is beginning to take shape, and a crucial race in the prep series is set for Fair Grounds this weekend.

The G2 Louisiana Derby is staged over 1 3/16 miles, and it has produced Triple Crown contenders such as Hot Rod Charlie, Epicenter, and Kingsbarns in recent years.

Odds

Latest odds taken from Bet365. Correct as of 08:00 GMT on 03/20/25.

Louisiana Derby Recent Winners

Louisiana Derby: Event Information

Event Preview

Standout action on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is set for this weekend, as a fascinating G2 Louisiana Derby will be held at Fair Grounds. Flavien Prat has ridden the winner in each of the last two renewals of the race, and that could be an interesting betting angle on Saturday.

Prat will be aboard John Hancock for trainer Brad Cox. The three-year-old has won on each of his two career starts, which included a notable win in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs last time out.

However, there could be reasons to take him on this weekend, as he will be making a first start at Fair Grounds, and he goes up in trip for the first time this weekend.

Built has been a very progressive runner from the Wayne Catalano barn, but he posted a below-par speed figure of 109 when only third in the G2 Risen Star last time out. However, on the strength of his previous form, which includes a win in the Gun Runner and a second in the G3 Lecomte, he demands respect if back on song.

Vassimo and Tiztastic both finished behind Built in the G2 Risen Star last time out, while Chunk Of Gold finished second. However, of the four runners in that prep race, Built may be the horse to keep on the right side of.

I always respect runners from the D. Wayne Lukas yard, meaning Caldera should be examined. The three-year-old was a winner over 1 1/16 miles at Oaklawn, but will need to improve based on the ratings after finishing only second in the Sunland Derby last time out.

Louisiana Derby Picks

Built, Chunk Of Gold, and John Hancock should all be used in exotics this weekend, but my main fancy is Instant Replay for Brad Cox and Florent Geroux.

The three-year-old was an excellent winner over a mile at Churchill Downs last year, before losing his way when only fourth at Oaklawn Park in December.

However, he got back on track with an eye-catching first effort over 1 1/16 miles at Fair Grounds last month, beating Furio easily in an allowance optional claimer.