Road to the Kentucky Derby 2022: Louisiana Derby

Louisiana Derby:

The Louisiana Derby, which dates back to 1894, is almost as old as the Kentucky Derby (started in 1875). Its purse was originally only a few thousand dollars, but has risen to a million dollars (in 2011). With its 100-40-20-10 points awarded to the top four finishers, the Louisiana Derby is an important stop for prep horses. 

It was a sunny, but sloppy day at Fair Grounds. Zozos, Pioneer of Medina, and Epicenter instantly took the front and held it until the finish line. They stuck together, but Epicenter put on the speed in the homestretch and took the win. Epicenter is currently dominating the leaderboard with 164 points. Zozos is currently in the running for a gate position on Kentucky Derby day in thirteenth place. Pioneer of Medina fought Epicenter for a front spot, but, as his trainer and jockey says, he may not be built for longer distances. He’ll need to race more to keep his spot at eighteenth on the leaderboard. Rattle N Roll stuck to the middle, before pulling out a fourth place in the last few seconds. Rattle N Roll needs to step up his game and win this weekend if he wants to be considered for Derby day. He is currently ranked twenty-first. The race finished at 1:54:38.