Chip Honcho Headlines Louisiana Derby Field as Favorite

Fair Grounds Race Course will host the 113th running of the Grade 2, $1 million Louisiana Derby this Saturday, with Chip Honcho emerging as the morning-line favorite. The 1 3/16-mile race is a Championship Series event on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, awarding qualifying points on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale to the top five finishers. Horse Racing Nation reports that total stakes purses for Louisiana Derby Day will reach $2.55 million across seven races, including the $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks, offering 200 qualifying points for the Kentucky Oaks.

Chip Honcho’s Journey to the Derby

Trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, Chip Honcho has participated in all three local Kentucky Derby preps at Fair Grounds. He secured a win in the Gun Runner Stakes as a 2-year-old and followed with a second-place finish to Paladin in the Risen Star Stakes (G2). A fourth-place finish in the Lecomte Stakes (G3) also contributes to his 39 Derby qualifying points, currently placing him ninth on the leaderboard. Yahoo Sports highlights that jockey Luis Saez will return aboard the 3-1 morning-line favorite from post 3.

Contenders and Challenges

While Chip Honcho is the favorite, he will face a competitive field. Emerging Market, a highly-regarded stablemate of Paladin from the Chad Brown barn, leads a contingent from Florida. Brad Cox will saddle Easterly and Autobahn, adding further strength to the challenge. California is represented by Blacksmith, trained by Bob Baffert, and Pavlovian, trained by Doug O’Neill. The Kentucky Derby website notes that Golden Tempo, also based at Fair Grounds, is another well-regarded competitor.

Asmussen’s Louisiana Derby Record

Steve Asmussen boasts an impressive record in the Louisiana Derby, having won the race five times, including last year with a long shot winner. His experience and strategic approach will be crucial as Chip Honcho aims to secure his spot in the Kentucky Derby. Brisnet.com reports that Chip Honcho captured the Gun Runner S. In December and nearly lasted against Kentucky Derby favorite Paladin in the Risen Star.

Race Details

The Louisiana Derby is scheduled as Race 12 on a 14-race card, with a first post time of noon CDT on Saturday, March 21. The race promises an exciting battle for Kentucky Derby points and a glimpse into potential contenders for the Run for the Roses.