Emerging Market up in time in Louisiana Derby

Even in an era when top-level Thoroughbreds race far more sporadically than their ancestors, Emerging Market will be unusual entrant in the May 2 Kentucky Derby (G1). The son of Candy Ride will head to the first American classic with but two starts, the second being a qualifying victory Saturday in the $1 million Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds.

Debuting for owner Seth Klarman and trainer Chad Brown on Feb. 7 at Tampa Bay Downs, Emerging Market won narrowly but fast. Though only three parts of a length ahead of his closest competitor, the effort impressed speed figure makers. His 99 Brisnet Speed rating was the highest earned by the nine Louisiana Derby entries, and bettors trusted his ability to duplicate it and made him the 2-1 favorite against far more experienced rivals.

Needing a top-two finish to enter the Kentucky Derby picture, Emerging Market made good, albeit by a head over the determined pacesetter Pavlovian, a 21-1 chance exiting a win in the Sunland Park Derby. Needing the length of Fair Grounds' long stretch to reel in Pavlovian over 1 3/16 miles, it at least boded well for Emerging Market's chances at 1 1/4 miles next time at Churchill Downs.

"Honestly, when I turned for home I thought I would win easily, but Pavlovian gave us a good challenge," winning jockey Flavien Prat said.

Emerging Market finished up in 1:55.18 over a fast track and paid $6. Pavlovian had one length on Lecomte (G3) winner Golden Temper, who had 5 1/2 lengths on Universe. Chip Honcho, who narrowly missed stealing the Risen Star (G2) last month, was a disappointing fifth.

Rounding out the order of finish were Blacksmith, Spirit of Royal, Easterly, and Autobahn.

Emerging Market is a Kentucky-bred colt reared by Wild Empress, an Empire Maker half-sister to juvenile filly champion She Be Wild. He earned 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points by winning the Louisiana Derby.

Pavlovian earned 50 points, increasing his total to 70, while Golden Tempo boosted his total from 35 to 60. Universe increased his total from 23 to 38, and Chip Honcho rose from 39 to 49 points.