Emerging Market edges Pavlovian at the Louisiana Derby to earn a likely spot in the Kentucky Derby
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Emerging Market galloped around the outside of four horses during the final three furlongs to win the $1 million Louisiana Derby by a head over Pavlovian on Saturday, earning the Chad Brown-trained horse enough Kentucky Derby qualifying points to enter the opening race of the Triple Crown. Going off as a 2-1 co-favorite from the ninth post and ridden by Flavien Prat, Emerging Market ran alongside pace-setter Pavlovian nearly the entire length of the final stretch before edging in front at the line. Chip Honcho the 3-1 morning-line favorite in the nine-horse field, left the staring gate as a co-favorite with Luis Saez aboard and the Steve Asmussen-trained colt ran near the front until the final turn before fading to fifth.
Emerging Market, now a winner both races he's run, finished the 1 3/16-mile race distance in 1:55. 18 and paid $6, $4 and $2. 80.
The Grade II victory also earned him 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points. Pavlovian, a 21-1 long shot, paid 13. 60 and 5.
80 and earned 50 points to increase its point total for the season to 70. Lecomte Stakes winner Golden Tempo, which went off at 3-1, made a late bid to the inside with Jose Ortiz aboard and finished third. The Cherie DeVaux-trained colt paid $3.
20 and earned 25 points to improve his point total to 60. Universe was fourth and won 15 points, while Chip Honcho won 10 points. ___ AP sports: https://apnews.