Meet the Contenders: 2025 Louisiana Derby

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.

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John Hancock winning the Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs (Photo by SV Photography)

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.



 

Chunk of Gold wins at Turfway Park.

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.

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.

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.

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.



Vassimo wins at Gulfstream Park.

Vassimo wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)

#7 Vassimo                                  **

Pro: Blinkers on for barn that has won this race a record five times.

Con: Flattened out when distant fourth in Risen Star; needs more.


TwinSpires logo

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.

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.

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.