Kentucky Derby Prep Races: 2025 Louisiana Derby

Share News

Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds and News

Louisiana Derby 2025: John Hancock The Top Contender

The Grade 2, $1 million Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds is a pivotal stop on the Kentucky Derby Prep Races, offering 100-50-25-15-10 qualifying points to the top five finishers. The winner is guaranteed a spot in the 2025 Kentucky Derby starting gate, while the runner-up is highly likely to qualify. 

This 1 3/16-mile event has attracted a competitive field of 10, featuring seasoned contenders and rising stars. The outcome will significantly shape the Kentucky Derby odds and impact Kentucky Derby betting strategies as the first leg of the Triple Crown approaches.

Top Contender: John Hancock

John Hancock, trained by Brad Cox, is the morning-line favorite at 7-2 after drawing post position 1. The undefeated son of “Constitution” was initially slated for the Virginia Derby but was redirected to the Louisiana Derby. 

Owned by WinStar Farm and CHC, John Hancock won the Grade 3 Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs on February 8, leading from start to finish for a half-length victory. Flavien Prat retains the mount as the colt looks to solidify his position on the 2025 Kentucky Derby trail.

Key Contenders in the Louisiana Derby

Built (9-2), trained by Wayne Catalano, enters as the second choice after a strong performance on the prep circuit. The son of Hard Spun won the Gun Runner Stakes before finishing second in the Lecomte Stakes and third in the Risen Star Stakes. Jose Ortiz takes the reins for the first time, guiding the colt from post 6.

Chunk of Gold (8-1), trained by Ethan West, was runner-up in the Risen Star, earning 25 Derby points. He followed his debut victory at Turfway Park with a second-place finish in the Leonatus Stakes. Jareth Loveberry retains the ride.

Instant Replay (6-1), also from the Cox barn, captured a Fair Grounds allowance race in mid-February with a decisive late move. The son of Maximum Security is undefeated in two-turn races and will be ridden by Florent Geroux from post 9.

A Todd Pletcher trainee, Vassimo (12-1) ran fourth in the Risen Star. Owned by Team Penney Racing, he makes his second stakes appearance, with Irad Ortiz Jr. taking the mount.

Caldera (5-1) is another leading contender after finishing second in the Sunland Derby. The D. Wayne Lukas-trained son of Liam’s Map will break from post 5 under jockey Tyler Gaffalione.

Tiztastic (8-1), trained by Steve Asmussen, ran fifth in the Rebel Stakes and will try to improve with Joel Rosario in the saddle.

The remaining entries include Yinzer (12-1), a recent maiden winner at Fair Grounds. Furio (12-1), who finished second in an allowance race, and Hypnus (12-1), who was seventh in the Rebel Stakes.

Race Analysis and Betting Strategy

The Louisiana Derby presents a mix of early speed and late closers, making pace strategy a key factor. John Hancock has already shown the ability to win on the front end, but he may face early pressure from Built and Caldera. “Chunk of Gold” and Instant Replay will likely benefit from a fast pace, setting up a strong late kick.

For more analysis, live odds, and wagering options, be sure to visit our racebook for the latest insights into the road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby.