The Louisiana Derby at Fairgrounds is Saturday and there are some undeniable historic tendencies in the race- which could help bettors decide a Winner.

Reviewing the past 15 years of Louisiana Derby might simplify the handicapping process.

Here then are some trends from the recent history of the LD which may help to narrow the field:

Look For Tactical Speed: 11 of the last 15 Louisiana Derby Winners were positioned in the first four after the opening half-mile. The ability to race on or near the lead is very advantageous in the Louisiana Derby.

Short-Priced Horses: While there have been exceptions, the Louisiana Derby is seemingly a predictable race. Eleven of the last 15 winners started at odds of 9-2 or less, including six Winning favorites.

Graded Stakes Experience: The stats are convincing: 13 of the last 15 Louisiana Derby Winners had previously finished 4th or better in a Graded Stakes, including six Louisiana Derby Winners who previously Won at the Graded Stakes level.

Horses who have competed against tough fields have an edge over unproven up-and-comers.

Jockeys To Respect: Joel Rosario and Flavien Prat have dominated the Louisiana Derby jockeys in recent years.

Rosario Won aboard HOT ROD CHARLIE (2021) and EPICENTER (2022) before finishing 2nd on DISARM (2023) and 4th aboard TRACK PHANTOM (2024).

Prat didn’t ride in the Louisiana Derby prior to 2023, but he’s Won the last two editions aboard KINGSBARN (2023) and CATCHING FREEDOM last year.

Catch A Risen Star: The Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds is a pivotal springboard to the Louisiana Derby.

Nine of the last 15 Louisiana Derby Winners have come out of the Risen Star. That said, it’s worth noting only four managed to Win both races.

There ya have em, a few tidbits to help Windex the crystal ball for Saturday’s Louisiana Derby. Now get to work handicapping.