By Matt Shifman and Bob Ehalt

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

Race 12 – 6:42 p.m. EDT – The Louisiana Derby is a [100-50-25-15-10] points qualifier on the road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby. A field of 10 was drawn including two Brad Cox and two from Steve Asmussen that will run 1 3/16 miles which is the longest distance on the Derby trail. (2) Chunk of Gold was second last time in the Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds behind Magnitude who got loose on the lead in what was one of the most visually impressive performances on the Derby trail. Chuck of Gold had to overcome trouble at the start and entering the stretch and still defeated several horses that ran well in Derby preps. Chuck of Gold will get a fast pace to set up his closing move which is well-suited to the long stretch at the New Orleans track. (1) John Hancock is clearly the horse to beat with two wins from two starts including the Sam F. Davis on the Derby trail. He will go to the lead again as he did in both of his victories but will have to run a furlong farther as a heavy favorite. (5) Caldera will give Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas a chance to get a second horse Derby qualified. Last time out he had the lead in the Sunland Derby and finished second by a nose to a Bob Baffert runner. He gets a positive rider change. (6) Built gathered Derby points with top three finishes in his last three starts. Blinkers go on for this late runner. Betting strategy:  Exacta key box: 2 with 1, 5, 6, 7, 9. Trifecta box: 1, 2, 5, 6.