How to bet the Louisiana Stakes

A well-matched field of eight will contest the $100,000 Louisiana (G3) at Fair Grounds on Saturday.

Louisiana Analysis

Runner-up in last year’s edition, #2 Silver Dust is the inside pace of the field. He may control things from the start. #4 Gun It is eligible to force the issue early, and his stablemate, #7 Tone Broke, will also be forwardly placed in the 1 1/16 miles tussle.

Louisiana Contenders

#1 MY BOY JACK (8-1) -- 2018 Louisiana Derby (G2) third-placer draws the rail for his seasonal debut. Trained by Keith Desormeaux, son of Creative Cause was winless from six outings last campaign, but he did run his best lifetime race at Fair Grounds. Kent Desormeaux will guide the Grade 3 winner.

#2 SILVER DUST (3-1) -- Multiple Grade 3 victor brings fine form to the race for conditioner Bret Calhoun. Gelded son of Tapit suffered a narrow defeat in the Lukas Classic (G3) in his most recent assignment, and the 6-year-old has trained well in the interim. He sports a 6-2-3-0 mark locally and will be tough to beat with a top showing.

#3 BLENDED CITIZEN (7-2) -- Contender has relished the move back to the dirt since arriving in the Brad Cox barn. Grade 2 victor was a head second in the Tenacious last time out, and he fired a bullet in advance of this event. Florent Geroux retains the mount.

#4 GUN IT (9-2) -- $2.6 million purchase is one of two in the cast for Steve Asmussen. Tapit colt has paired up good efforts since returning off the bench, and he could improve making his third off the long absence. Ricardo Santana Jr. has the call atop the exotics contender.

#5 CAPTIVATING MOON (6-1) -- Consistent late runner has won two of his last three, including a stakes tally on the course most recently. Chris Block pupil always fires, and he moves forward if there is moisture on the oval on Saturday. Brian Hernandez Jr. retains the ride.

#6 ROILAND (12-1) -- Successful Appeal colt snapped an eight-race losing skid when taking a local allowance winner in the slop last time out. Tom Amoss trainee will need another step forward to challenge this smart field in the stretch, however. James Graham will be in the silks.

#7 TONE BROKE (10-1) -- Two-time Canadian classic winner makes his four-year-old bow for Asmussen. Versatile son of Broken Vow has bagged stakes races on turf and dirt, and he could be poised for a big season starting on Saturday. Joe Talamo picks up what could be a very live mount.

#8 KUKULKAN (9-2) -- Mexican superstar prepped for today with a daylight stakes win at Gulfstream Park most recently. By Point Determined, the 5-year-old draws widest but has the tactical speed to receive a good trip under Mena. Multiple Group 1 hero is a viable win threat with his best in his local debut.

Louisiana Stakes Wagers

• $5 Exacta: 2 with 5,7,8 ($15)

• $5 Trifecta Key: 2 with 5,7,8 ($30)