The New York Hot List Kentucky Derby Preps Picks | Louisiana Derby
By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
The $1 million Louisiana Derby (G2), Fair Grounds, Race 12 | Saturday, March 26, 2022
12th race – (6) Epicenter was a sharp, front-running winner over this track in the Risen Star. He hails from a top barn and has been working sharply since then. The added sixteenth-of-a-mile distance should be within his scope, stamping him as the top pick here. (9) Rattle N Roll didn’t fire while making his 3-year-old debut in the Fountain of Youth, but that speed-favoring surface at Gulfstream Park probably didn’t suit him. He should turn in a better effort here. (3) Call Me Midnight caught Epicenter at the wire in the Lecomte, registering a 28-1 surprise. He hasn’t raced since then and with a spotty record of success, chances are he might bounce here. (2) Zozos makes his stakes debut after a huge allowance win and could make his presence felt in this field. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta and trifecta box: 2-3-6-9.