John Hancock breaks inside in Louisiana Derby; Good Cheer stands out in Fair Grounds Oaks

Mar 17, 2025 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

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

John Hancock might be the name horse among trainer Brad Cox's two three-year-old contenders in Saturday's $1 million Louisiana Derby (G1) at Fair Grounds, but it might not be wise to overlook stablemate Instant Replay in the 1 3/16-mile test.

John Hancock drew post 1 in the Louisiana Derby, which has a scheduled post time of 6:42 p.m. ET as the last of 12 races. He enters Fair Grounds' signature race with a 2-for-2 record, including a gutsy half-length win in the Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs last month.

The form of the Davis has been flattered since by runner-up Owen Almighty's blowout victory in the March 8 Tampa Bay Derby (G3). Davis third Poster might enhance the race more if he were to win Saturday's Jeff Ruby (G3) at Turfway Park.

But the inconsistent Instant Replay, if he brings his A game, can compete. That is if he can replicate or improve on his dynamite allowance win over the Fair Grounds strip on Feb. 17, which he won by five lengths over Furio after falling 10 lengths behind early. Furio set an honest pace that day and might be helped in that regard Saturday by both John Hancock and last-out maiden winner Yinzer.

Built, who kicked off his Fair Grounds meet with a blowout victory in the Gun Runner S., has subsequently run second by a neck in the Lecomte (G3) and a distant third in the Risen Star (G2). He will race with blinkers on for the first time in the Louisiana Derby.

The surprise in the Risen Star came from Chunk of Gold, who as a 43-1 outsider rallied to finish second by a head over Built. Previously unraced over dirt but stakes-placed over the synthetic surface at Turfway Park, he will garner far more respect this time.

Caldera was beaten a nose by Getaway Car in the Sunland Park Derby last time but should appreciate the additional furlong. He is trained by D. Wayne Lukas, whose American Promise was a convincing winner of last weekend's Virginia Derby.

Completing the field are stakes winner Tiztastic, who has placed in three of four prior Derby prep appearances; Vassimo, who adds blinkers after finishing fourth in the Risen Star in his stakes debut; and Hypnus, who made no impact from the back when seventh in the Rebel (G2).

The Louisiana Derby will offer Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifying points of 100-50-25-15-10 to the respective top five finishers.

Good Cheer figures to be an overwhelming favorite to maintain her undefeated record in the $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), a 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Oaks (G1) prep with qualifying points of 100-50-25-15-10 for the top five up for grabs.

Good Cheer's average margin of victory has been 7 3/4 lengths over her five starts, which includes Oaks prep scores in the Rags to Riches S., Golden Rod (G2), and Rachel Alexandra (G2).

Also among the field of nine are Rachel Alexandra runner-up Gowells Delight, Untapable S. winner and Suncoast S. runner-up Her Laugh, and debut maiden winner Ahavah, a half-sister to Grade 1 sprint star Vahva.

Both the Louisiana Derby and Fair Grounds Oaks can be watched and wagered on at TwinSpires.com, the title sponsor of the Louisiana Derby.