HorseCenter: Louisiana Derby preview day top picks

This week on HorseCenter, your hosts Brian Zipse and Matt Shifman hit the Big Easy for a trio of graded-stakes races on Louisiana Derby preview day from Fair Grounds. Kicking off their coverage is analysis of a 14-horse field in the Grade 2, $400,000 Risen Star Stakes as well as the Rachel Alexandra (G2) and the Mineshaft (G3).

The favorite in the Risen Star is the undefeated Brad Cox runner Victory Formation. The winner of the Smarty Jones on the 2023 Kentucky Derby trail drew the 13 post position, and that makes him a morning-line favorite who may be vulnerable.

In the Rachel Alexandra, the 3-year-old fillies will compete for Kentucky Oaks qualifying points. Hoosier Philly also is unbeaten in three career starts. She is part of a small field of six, which will make her a favorite who is hard to beat.

The Mineshaft drew a field nine horses from the older male division. Happy American is in the best form of his career with a pair of stakes wins at Fair Grounds, including the Louisiana (G3) last month.

Matt and Brian offer picks and analysis that should help with the all-graded stakes Pick 4 at Fair Grounds. As always, thanks for watching the show.