Louisiana Derby Picks, Predictions, Odds

The 148th Kentucky Derby is scheduled to take place on Saturday May 7, 2022 from Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby prep schedule continues to heat up during the months of March and April.

VegasInsider horse racing expert Anthony Stabile will be providing his Free Picks and Finish Predictionsfor key races throughout the prep season and he's focusing on one race for Saturday Mar. 26, 2022 -- the 2022 Louisiana Derby.

Louisiana Derby Resources

• Date: Saturday, March 26, 2022
• Post-Time: 6:44 p.m. ET
• Race: 12
• Distance-Length: Dirt, 1 3/16 Miles
• Qualification: Three-year-olds
• Track: Fair Grounds
• Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Louisiana Derby Betting Analysis

1) SILENT POWER (50-1)

He’s a well traveled who has yet to run a race that’s fast enough to contend with today’s field. Though his last was better, he still looms a huge price today.

2) ZOZOS (8-1)

Exits a huge win when stretched out for his second career start and takes a perfect 2 for 2 career record into this class test. He has the tactical foot to secure a good spot behind the front runners with the move inside today and he resides in the Brad Cox barn that has had plenty of success with its three year olds over the past few years and they teamed up with today’s pilot Florent Geroux to win this race with Wells Bayou two years ago. The pedigree is shaky for today’s added distance but he certainly didn’t look like he was stopping last time.

3) CALL ME MIDNIGHT (6-1)

Showed a nice late kick in the local LeComte before being given some time off to prepare for this. He worked sharply for this last week and the added ground here could benefit him, but think he’ll need to have things get hot up top early to have a shot to get in the thick of this one late.

4) CURLY TAIL (30-1)

Didn’t beat much when breaking his maiden from off the pace in his sixth career start and now he’ll take a big step up the class ladder. He does stretch out in distance and maybe that helps this improving runner, but he looks to have his work cut out for him. His trainer won this race in 1999 with Kimberlite Pipe.

5) KUPUNA (8-1)

He’s only run four times and his first with winners last time out wasn’t bad. Working like he’s got some more to offer, maybe he takes that needed step forward today, but have to think a minor placing will be his ceiling. Barn won this race in 2019 with By My Standards.

6) EPICENTER (7-5)

Looked pretty sharp when allowed things his own way on the front end while prepping for this in the Risen Star last month, earning the best speed figure anyone in this field has run. Geared down late, the extra half furlong he tries today should pose him little problem and expect he’ll again be able to make the lead. Don’t think he’ll offer much value, but he’s very much the horse they’ll have to beat.

7) PIONEER OF MEDINA (5-1)

Ran just off today’s race favorite Epicenter from the outset of the Risen Star and wasn’t beaten much while tiring to finish off the board at a big price. He’ll be considerably shorter than that price today and could be in line for a similar type of trip so he’ll need to find more in the lane at this slightly longer distance. Prefer to side with others for the money spots.

8) GALT (8-1)

Drew the extreme outside post in Gulfstream Park’s Fountain of Youth Stakes a few weeks ago and after sitting at the back of the pack, began to make a run before tripping over a fallen rival and dumping his rider. The relatively quick return at this time of year suggests he has some more in the tank to offer and expect to see some more early interest in him for the Bill Mott barn (last won this race 31 years ago with Richman). that knows how to develop young runners. Big shot to outrun his price.

9) RATTLE N ROLL (6-1)

Should be tighter with his first start if the year in Fountain of Youth behind him and he blew out last week like he’s ready to take a big step forward. He took the Breeders Futurity at Keeneland from well off the pace in his juvenile finale last fall and he should see an honest pace in front of him while getting another furlong in which to make his run today. His barn won this race in 2002 with Repent. Looms a big threat.

Louisiana Derby Best Bets

IF I’M RIGHT…

1. (6) EPICENTER
2. (4) CLASSIC CAUSEWAY
3. (11) MONEY SUPPLY

6-EPICENTER is able to make the lead within himself again under pilot Joel Rosario, who won this race last year with Hot Rod Charlie, and makes every pole a winning one while cementing his status as one of the favorites for the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May. 8-GALT rebounds from his troubled run in Florida, finds a spot tracking the pace early and secures the runner up spot. 9-RATTLE N ROLL rallies through the lane to get a minor share over lightly raced 2-ZOZOS who completes the superfecta.