Meet the Contenders: 2025 Louisiana Derby
John Hancock winning the Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs (Photo by SV Photography)
March 18th, 2025
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Louisiana Derby Saturday at Fair Grounds. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your Stable Alerts.
Click on each horse's name to add them to your stable. Never miss a race they're a part of again!
John Hancock winning the Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs (Photo by SV Photography)
#1 John Hancock ****
Pro: Enters undefeated including Sam F. Davis S. win over Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner.
Con: One-dimensional in running style so far and likely overbet.
🖊️🌹 John Hancock signs, seals and delivers in the Sam F. Davis, picking up 20 @kentuckyderby points!
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) February 8, 2025
Flavien Prat was up for trainer @bradcoxracing!
🎥 TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/3pUHekNPsH
Chunk of Gold wins at Turfway Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#2 Chunk of Gold ***
Pro: Surprise of the Risen Star (G2) when a rallying second at 43-1 in dirt debut.
Con: Will not offer anywhere near the same value and still has something to prove.
Tiztastic wins at Kentucky Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)
#3 Tiztastic **
Pro: Placed in three of four Derby preps; perhaps hurt by wide draw in Rebel (G2).
Con: Seems well exposed by this point in the Derby prep season.
Yinzer wins at Fair Ground. (Photo by Hodges Photography)
#4 Yinzer *
Pro: Turned in big effort breaking maiden on Risen Star Day undercard.
Con: Perhaps helped by speed-friendly track; taking stiff class hike.
Caldera wins at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#5 Caldera *****
Pro: Solid when losing Sunland Park Derby in a photo; extra furlong might help.
Con: Faces a much stronger group than he did in New Mexico.
#6 Built ***
Pro: Has won or placed in all three FG preps and adds blinkers for this.
Con: Didn’t seem to appreciate extra ground in latter stages of Risen Star.
Built joined the RTKD with a gate-to-wire triumph in the 1 1/16-mile Gun Runner S. at Fair Grounds.
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) December 23, 2024
His pedigree contains both in a mixture that suggests stretching out over 1 1/4 miles for the KY Derby (G1) is within reach.
Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/9NbSPIJf4a pic.twitter.com/OjOJgaPq2h
Vassimo wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
TwinSpires
#8 Furio **
Pro: Second best in allowance prep after setting a solid pace.
Con: Tough spot in which to try stakes company and pace could be hot.
Instant Replay wins at Churchill Downs.
#9 Instant Replay ***
Pro: A likely contender if he reproduces the form of his five-length allowance win.
Con: Inconsistent at times and lacks stakes experience.
Hypnus wins at Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photography)
#10 Hypnus **
Pro: Derby-winning connections are still positive he can make an impact.
Con: Made no impact in Rebel (G2) despite strong pace setup.
