Horse racing doesn’t depend solely on the athletes’ skills. A win in a race is heavily attributed to the preparedness of the four-legged companion. For Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, making sure the horse is on top of its game is as important as sharpening the rider’s skills. Probably that’s what made sure Pletcher’s Kingsbarns won the 2023 Louisiana Derby, and now he’s eyeing another sensational kickstart to the Kentucky Derby 2024 journey.

The country’s longest-running derby race beckons the nation’s top riders and horses to etch their names among the elites of the sport. A recent social media post measured the chances of Pletcher at the Louisiana Derby with prize money of $1M.

Kentucky Derby’s calling needs to be paid heed

Horse Racing Nation has shared details of the lineup for the upcoming Louisiana Derby. The G2 race will take place on Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, this Saturday. “Familiar face for Derby prep“, reads the caption of the post. With 100 points and a spot in the Kentucky Derby, Pletcher will have two candidates running the upcoming race. Agate Road (9-2 odds) last raced in Tampa Bay Downs for the Sam F. Davis Stakes, where he placed second, and is poised as the favorite from Pletcher’s iconic facility.

Winning the race will ensure Todd has another chance to repeat his feat from 2010, and 2017, when he won the Kentucky Derby. Agate Road will be joined by another of Pletcher’s prodigal sons: Antiquarian (21-1 odds)., who will also try to give Todd another shot at glory. While Agate Road looks to be the logical choice for the winner, for now, Catching Freedom (4-1 odds) and Track Phantom (6-1 odds) won’t be giving him and rider Irad Ortiz Jr. a hall pass by any means. And yet, Pletcher remains hopeful of his Kentchy dreams.

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Pletcher’s hopefuls gearing up for the big game

Agate Road is certainly not the only horse from Pletcher’s stable to set eyes on the big prize. 3-year-old Fierceness will also compete at the Grade 1 Florida Derby (March 30) at the Gulfstream Park. The eight-time Eclipse Trainer of the Year Award winner Todd’s beloved Fierceness has been making waves across the racing circuit at his debut in Saratoga and in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in Santa Anita.

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“We know he’s been able to come back from an off performance and come back with a good one. Based on the way he is training right now, that is what we would expect him to do“, said Pletcher of Fierceness’ current dip in form after Holy Bull, but he also sounded hopeful for next weekend’s race. With both Agate Road and Fierceness looking to catapult Pletcher back to the headlines, who do you think will ultimately bring the good news?

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