Distance
1 3/16 miles
Surface
Dirt
Eligibility
3yo only
Grade
G2
Track
Fair Grounds
Location
New Orleans, LA
When
Late March
About the race
Fair Grounds' Derby prep — at 1 3/16 mi, the longest of the major preps, a real distance test.
Race history
First run in 1894. Fair Grounds (in New Orleans) hosts a winter-spring meet that produces the Louisiana Derby as its 3yo headliner. Worth 100 Road-to-the-Derby points. Notable past winners: Risen Star (1988), Catholic Boy (2018 connection), Mandaloun (2021).
Betting trends
What sharps watch for
- 01
Distance is the differentiator — the 1 3/16 mi trip filters out short-distance specialists.
- 02
Closers do well at Fair Grounds with the longer trip.
- 03
Strong prep for horses planning to handle 1¼ mi at the Derby.
Recent winners
Last 4 editions
| Year | Winner | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Catching Freedom | — |
| 2023 | Kingsbarns | — |
| 2022 | Epicenter | — |
| 2021 | Hot Rod Charlie | — |
Where to bet the Louisiana Derby
US pari-mutuel wagering happens through licensed operators. TVG (FanDuel-owned) and TwinSpires (Churchill Downs) are the two largest dedicated US racing platforms; both ship win/place/show plus the full exotic ladder (exacta, trifecta, superfecta, daily double, Pick 3/4/6) at the Fair Grounds meeting.
Other Derby preps
Bet responsibly · 21+ · 1-800-GAMBLER