The 2025 Louisiana Derby will run on Saturday, with award-winning trainer Brad Cox aiming for another victory in this Kentucky Derby prep race at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. A Cox-trained horse has triumphed in this race twice in the past four years, securing a win with Catching Freedom in 2024 on the path to the Run for the Roses.

This year, Cox is sending two contenders, John Hancock and Instant Replay, into the Louisiana Derby field. John Hancock is the 7-2 favorite in the odds, with Built at 9-2 and Instant Replay at 6-1. As the race day approaches, it’s essential to check insights from racing insider Michelle Yu before finalizing any bets.

Michelle has been a key player in racing commentary for TVG, HRTV, and the Breeders’ Cup. With a strong track record in predicting winning horses, Yu made impressive calls in recent races, including spotting winners in significant events like the Robert B. Lewis Stakes and the Saudi Cup.

In her analysis of this year’s lineup, Michelle emphasizes the potential of Caldera, an underdog at 5-1, who demonstrated impressive performance in previous races. According to her, “In his maiden win, he went to the lead and walked the dog so I was dubious about him, but in his most recent race, he was able to reverse tactics effectively.”

As we move closer to the race, insights from experts like Michelle will be invaluable for making informed decisions.

2025 Louisiana Derby Odds and Contenders:

Horse	Odds	Picks
John Hancock	7-2	SEE PICKS
Built	9-2	SEE PICKS
Instant Replay	6-1	SEE PICKS