The 112th Running of the Louisiana Derby at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans delivered a heart-pounding finish that will be remembered for years to come. Before the race it was John Hancock who was the heavy favorite heading into the Derby. The Brad Cox trained 3-year-old was undefeated in “Road to Kentucky Derby” prep races this season leading up to Saturday in New Orleans, and came in at 7-2 odds to gain the 100 qualifying points needed to qualify for the Run for Roses at Churchill Downs.
But in the end it was Tiztastic, a 3-year-old colt trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Joel Rosario, who defied the odds to claim victory and secure his spot in the Kentucky Derby. Going off at 9-1 odds, Tiztastic started the 1 3/16-mile race conservatively, staying just behind a tightly packed group of frontrunners. As the field entered the final turn, Tiztastic began to make his move, surging past rivals with a burst of speed. By the time the horses hit the stretch, Tiztastic was locked in a thrilling battle with Chunk of Gold, the Risen Star Stakes runner-up, and Instant Replay, another strong contender.
With the crowd on its feet, Tiztastic pulled ahead in the final strides, crossing the finish line two lengths ahead of Chunk of Gold, who claimed second place. Instant Replay finished third, while race favorite John Hancock faded to fourth after setting the early pace.
Tiztastic completed the race in an impressive time of 1:56.20, earning 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points and cementing his place in the starting gate for the “Run for the Roses.” The victory marked a significant milestone for the colt, who had shown promise in previous starts but had yet to secure a major win on the Derby trail.
The Louisiana Derby, with its $1 million purse and rich history, continues to be a pivotal prep race for the Kentucky Derby. Tiztastic’s performance not only thrilled fans but also positioned him as a serious contender for the first leg of the Triple Crown.
As the racing world turns its attention to Churchill Downs, all eyes will be on Tiztastic to see if he can carry his momentum forward and make history on the first Saturday in May.
About The Author
