By Matt Shifman and Bob Ehalt

The $1 Million Louisiana Derby (G2), Saturday, Fair Grounds

Race 12 The Louisiana Derby is a [100-50-25-15-10] points qualifier on the road to the 2026 Kentucky Derby. A field of nine was drawn including four from Kentucky Derby winning trainers who will run 1 3/16 miles which is the longest distance on the Derby trail. (5) Golden Tempo made all three starts at Fair Grounds with a debut victory followed by a Derby trail win in the Lecomte (G3). Last time he was third in the Risen Star (G2). (3) Chip Honcho will have run in all four of the New Orleans stops on the Derby trail with a win in the Gun Runner, fourth in the Lecomte, and second in the Risen Star. (9) Emerging Market was a promising debut winner last month with a speed figure that towers over this field for Chad Brown. It is a big challenge to jump to a 100-point Derby prep in his second start. (8) Easterly was a maiden winner at Gulfstream Park in his second try for Brad Cox. Betting strategy:  Exacta key box: 5 with 3, 8, 9. Trifecta box: 3, 5, 8, 9.