2025 Louisiana Derby Betting Odds, Roster, and Predictions En Route to the Kentucky Derby
Rewritten Article
Get ready for some high-stakes horse racing action as the Louisiana Derby, a precursor to the prestigious Kentucky Derby, kicks off on March 22nd. This Grade 2 race at 1 3/16 miles takes place at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans and offers a whopping $1 million prize. The race is a part of the Championship Series and boasts 100-50-25-15-10 qualifying points for the top five finishers, with the winner and second-place finisher earning a spot in the May 3 Kentucky Derby if they're not already qualified.
The 112th running of the Louisiana Derby grabs the spotlight in an action-packed 12-race card featuring eight stakes races. The kick-off race of the day will be the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) for 3-year-old fillies, also carrying the same qualifying points for the May 2 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.
The Louisiana Derby field is star-studded, with some notable horses trying to take down the race favorite, John Hancock (7/2), who boasts an impressive 2-for-2 record and is making its first race outside of Florida. Keep an eye on Chunkof Gold (8/1), Built (4/1), and Vassimo (12/1), who finished 2nd, 3rd, and 4th respectively in the Risen Star Stakes, hoping to turn the tables on John Hancock.
Horse Racing Nation's Super Screener is backing Built, John Hancock, and Caldera (5/1), who has shown steady improvement in each of its three races and came in a close 2nd in the Sunland Derby last month for legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas. Caldera lost by a nose to Kentucky Derby contender Getaway Car in that race.
In the past, only two horses have managed to win both the Louisiana Derby and the Kentucky Derby: Black Gold in 1924 and Grindstone in 1996. Risen Star, the 1988 Louisiana Derby winner, went on to become a "Dual Classic Winner" by winning the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. Surprisingly, the 4th-place Louisiana Derby finisher, Country House, bagged the 2019 Kentucky Derby at longshot odds of 65/1.
Another notable prep race on March 22nd is the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky, offering 100 Derby points to the winner. FanDuel Racing tips #6 Baby Max (7/2) and #12 He's Not Joking (20/1) as top contenders, along with other longshots.
If you want to catch the Kentucky Oaks favorite in a final run before the big event, don't miss the Fair Grounds Oaks on March 22nd. Good Cheer (6/5) is currently favored to win its sixth straight race, according to both Horse Racing Nation and FanDuel Racing. Good Cheer boasts the highest Super Screener Energy Reserve Index Score in this field.
Don’t miss out on the excitement and wagering opportunities with FanDuel Racing as they cover the two major Derby preps live from Fair Grounds and Turfway Park. CNBC’s Road to the Kentucky Derby coverage will also broadcast live coverage of the two main races from 6-7 p.m. ET on March 22nd, with streaming available on Peacock.
The "Bayou Bluegrass 5" offers an estimated $1 million guaranteed all-graded stakes pick 5 starting with Race 8 for older horses at the Fair Grounds in the $500,000 New Orleans Classic featuring Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone, the heavy 7/5 favorite.
Stay tuned for more horse racing, live betting, and handicapping, including updates on the National Horseplayers Championship which just wrapped up in Las Vegas. As the Road to the Kentucky Derby heats up, keep your eyes on the prize - the iconic Kentucky Derby, happening in less than six weeks. Get ready to place your bets!
Whether you're a seasoned horse racing fan or new to the game, the Louisiana Derby and the preparatory races are not to be missed. Get in on the action today! Don't forget to check out the latest championship series prep race schedule, trends, and updates for the upcoming Kentucky Derby on Forbes. Good luck, and may your horse run swiftly!
- In the Louisiana Derby 2025, scheduled for March 22nd at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, wagering opportunities abound as bettors compete to predict the winner of the Grade 2 race, which offers a $1 million prize.
- The Louisiana Derby is a vital stepping stone towards the Kentucky Derby, with the 2025 event marking the 112th running of the race and awarding qualifying points to the top five finishers.
- As the Louisiana Derby leaderboard takes shape, notable horses such as John Hancock, Chunk of Gold, Built, and Vassimo will vie for victory, seeking to outperform race favorite John Hancock, who currently stands at 7/2 odds.
