‘Two Big Opportunities’ for Brad Cox Paulick Report on the Louisiana Derby.

Trainer Brad Cox has the morning line favourites for the $1 million TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) and $400,000 Fasig-Tipton Fair Grounds Oaks (G2). Last year, the barn won both races with Catching Freedom and Tarifa.

Cox has two entries in this year’s local derby in New Orleans, Louisiana, where they will compete for a share of the 200 Derby qualification points available.

Though WinStar Farms and CHC Inc’s John Hancock is the morning line favourite for the Louisiana Derby, his odds are only 7-2. It makes sense, since the unbeaten Constitution colt has only raced twice. Instant Replay, on the other hand, has five races of foundation and seasoning under his belt and is the 6-1 fourth choice.

“We feel they both deserve a shot at getting to the Kentucky Derby,” according to Cox. “We have been lucky to win this event twice, in two distinct ways. Wells Bayou leads the way after starting well behind with Catching Freedom. The course plays fairly, and each of our colts has a unique running style. We believe we are well-positioned for two significant opportunities.”

John Hancock has demonstrated natural gate speed by leading every call in his first two races. However, the Constitution colt can struggle, dig in, and fight off bids across two turns, as seen by his excellent performance in the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs against Owen Almighty.

“He’s a nice horse,” Cox explained. “Lightly raced, but he handled a mile and a sixteenth the first time out, and we’re hopeful he can maintain his speed. I believe he can get the distance. There is other speed in the race. We are drawn to the interior. We hope he gets into a good position and leaves the pitch late.”

Gary and Mary West’s Instant Replay demonstrated his worth by rallying from behind to defeat Furio in a local tournament. Furio, who is running in the Louisiana Derby for Joe Sharp, was off the pace, and Instant Replay overcame what many handicappers regard as a speed-favored course.

“(Instant Replay) had a big run here last month and he came out of the race in great shape,” Cox pointed out. “It made reasonable to refer to the Louisiana Derby after the performance he performed on this track. I’ve really appreciated his physical appearance since the race. He starts off the pace, so if there’s a pace meltdown, perhaps he’ll be the one to pick it up.

The Louisiana Derby will round up Saturday’s 12-race schedule.

Godolphin’s Good Cheer is undoubtedly the best horse in the Fair Grounds Oaks. Made 4-5 in the morning line, the Rachel Alexandra’s last-out winner by open lengths is set to go off at a lower price.

The Medaglia d’Oro filly was unstoppable as a 2-year-old, winning her four rookie outings by a combined 32 1/4 lengths, including the Golden Rod (G2) and Rags to Riches last autumn at Churchill Downs. Although she has been visually the best in all of her races, Good Cheer’s results may indicate that she did not advance as a 3-year-old.

“I am a figures guy and I hear that, but with her, that doesn’t concern me,” he remarked. “She has been domineering. It’s not like anyone has approached her. When you mention an eye test and urge her to hurry, she truly separates herself. She beat the person we asked her to run against, and she did it the proper way. She is just unusual. The term I always use is “class.” She’s quite clever. It’s hard to describe if you don’t spend a lot of time with horses, but she’s simply different psychologically. Physically, she doesn’t impress you.”

Beginning with Bonny South in 2020, Cox has won the Fair Grounds Oaks three times. On Saturday, Good Cheer appears to be on track to win its fourth title.

The Fair Grounds Oaks is scheduled for race 11. The first post on Louisiana Derby Day begins at 12:00 CT.