Handicapper's Corner: 2020 Louisiana Derby (G2)

Three to play in Louisiana Derby

By: Robert Marks (@theyreinthegate)

Saturday at 5:49 pm Eastern time is the Grade 2 2020 $1,000,000 Fair Louisiana Derby for 3-year-old at 1 and 1/16 miles. This is a Kentucky Derby Prep race. 

If things were normal this would be a prep for the Kentucky Derby 43 days away on May 2nd. But due to Covid-19 virus, the Kentucky Derby has been postponed to September 5, 2020. 

So, we all enter into a strange and different world. As I write this, many racetracks are closed indefinitely including Aqueduct Racetrack in New York which closed when a backstretch worker tested positive for Covid-19. 

I have mixed feelings as to whether racing should continue at all right now, but as of today, the Louisiana Derby is on. It will be broadcast both on FS1, TVG, and NBCSN. 

#10 Enforceable (7-2)   This large field will have plenty of speed. Look for Wells Bayou, NY Traffic and Modernist to be upfront early. With all this speed I see a stalker type of horse winning. Enforceable, sired by Tapit, fits the bill. Plenty of foundation with 8 starts including the last 2 at Fair Grounds, the last being a place showing in the Grade 2 Fair Grounds. He has a win at the 1 1/16th mile distance on this same track. 

#9-Portos (8-1) This Todd Pletcher Trainee is also sired by Tapit and has the breeding to win at this distance. Lightly raced with only one race as a 3-year-old, but all 4 2-year-old starts were at a 1 1/8th or longer. Nothing flashy here, just the type of horse that always shows up for a placing. 

#14-Modernist (6-1)  Yes, we said we don’t see a speed horse winning and he has a far outside post in the 14 hole but he is the Risen Stakes winner and is coming off of 2 bullet workouts. We don’t think he can hold off the horses who will stalk him but do think he has enough raw talent to hold on for a show placing. 

Overall, we expect a fast pace with Modernist right there going early setting up the race for our other 2 picks, Enforceable and Portos closing late. We see Enforceable as the victor. 

Wagering/Betting Handigambling Bankroll: Here is our $100 worth of betting for the race

Exacta Key Box: $10 10/9,14 = $40

Trifecta Box: $5 Box 10/9,14/9,14 =  $10

Win Bet: $50 #10

 
As always, watch the Board and how the horses look in the Paddock and adjust your bets accordingly. 

Good Luck!