HorseCenter: Louisiana Derby day analysis and top picks

This week on HorseCenter, Brian Zipse and Matt Shifman offer analysis and top picks for three big races from New Orleans. The Grade 2 Louisiana Derby, led by Instant Coffee, tops the list, but your hosts also will cover the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) and New Orleans Classic (G2).

The $1 million Louisiana Derby drew a field of 12 hopefuls for the 2023 Kentucky Derby. Instant Coffee is one of three horses entered at the Fair Grounds by trainer Brad Cox. Instant Coffee already won twice on the Derby trail, and that makes him the horse to beat. The increase in distance to 1 3/16 miles made the Louisiana Derby a more impactful prep race this past few years.

Three-year-old fillies will prepare for the Kentucky Oaks in the Fair Grounds Oaks, which drew a small field of five. Pretty Mischievous, The Alys Look and Hoosier Philly are recent stakes winners with a legitimate chance to win and lock up their spot at Churchill Downs on the first Friday in May.

The New Orleans Classic drew a field of eight older males from the handicap division, led by Art Collector, who is the No. 1 ranked horse in North America after his easy victory in the Pegasus World Cup (G1).

There are also Derby preps this weekend at Sunland Park, Turfway Park and Meydan in Dubai to enjoy. As always, thanks for watching the show.