Get ready for a fast-paced showdown as the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile returns to Fair Grounds, featuring the top two-year-old colts and geldings bred in the Bayou State. This six-furlong dirt sprint offers a $100,000 purse, a field of rising stars, and a glimpse into the future of Louisiana racing.
Race Details
- Distance: 6 furlongs (dirt)
- Eligibility: Accredited Louisiana-bred 2YO colts & geldings
- Entry Fees:
- $550 to enter
- $550 to start
- Supplemental Nomination: $2,000 (includes all fees)
- Weight Assignments:
- 122 lbs base
- -5 lbs allowance for maidens
- Field Limit: 14 starters
- Preference to winners, then total earnings
- Purse Distribution:
- 1st: $60,000
- 2nd: $20,000
- 3rd: $11,000
- 4th: $6,000
- 5th: $3,000
- Trophy awarded to winning owner
Contender Lineup & Morning Line Odds
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer | ML Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoken Wicked | C J Hernandez | D Stewart | 8/5 |
| Hay Jude | J Loveberry | T M Amoss | 3/1 |
| Voila Magic | J L Ortiz | S M Asmussen | 3/1 |
| Louisiana Jess | B J Hernandez Jr. | W B Calhoun | 6/1 |
| Tdz Hint of Power | C Fusilier | N Eschete | 8/1 |
| Seventh Deal | B Curtis | E Ramirez | 12/1 |
| Hesper | M Pedroza Jr. | G D Foley | 15/1 |
Race Analysis & Key Players
- Smoken Wicked (8/5)
The morning line favorite boasts the sharpest speed figures and has shown consistency over short distances. Trainer D Stewart and jockey C J Hernandez give this colt a tactical edge. - Hay Jude (3/1) & Voila Magic (3/1)
Both carry strong connections, with Tom Amoss and Steve Asmussen handling conditioning duties. Their recent performances suggest they’ll be pressing the pace early. - Louisiana Jess (6/1)
Trained by stakes veteran W B Calhoun, this colt could be the mid-price surprise with a well-timed stretch drive. - Tdz Hint of Power (8/1)
Lightly raced and improving—worth watching if the favorites falter.
Tactical Outlook
With a sprint distance and a field packed with speed, early positioning will be key. Expect a sharp duel in the first two furlongs, followed by a battle-tested charge down the lane. Class and conditioning from the likes of Amoss, Calhoun, and Asmussen could make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
The Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile will be a showcase of raw talent and regional pride. Whether it’s the brilliance of Smoken Wicked, the grit of Voila Magic, or a surprise run from Louisiana Jess, this race sets the tone for the next generation of Louisiana-bred stars.
