All Eyes on Louisiana

The horses who finished first and third in last year’s Louisiana Derby went on to fare well in the Kentucky Derby.

Funny Cide, who finished third at the Fair Grounds, won in Louisville and took the Preakness two weeks later in Baltimore.

Peace Rules, who won in Louisiana, returned to finish third in the Kentucky Derby, beaten by less than two lengths.

The connections of the 11 3-year-olds entered in today’s $600,000 Louisiana Derby are hopeful the Kentucky Derby winner comes out of the race again.

The Grade II field includes the Neil Howard-trained and Will Farish-owned entry of Breakaway and Gradepoint, the Todd Pletcher-trained duo of Shaniko and Pollard’s Vision, Lecomte winner Fire Slam and California shippers Wimbledon and Borrego.

Race of the day: Bluesthestandard will try for his second stakes victory of the meet and ninth victory in 14 starts at Santa Anita in today’s $150,000 San Carlos Handicap. A Grade II at seven furlongs, the race also lured Casas Caballo, Amerindio, Captain Squire, Marino Marini, Pico Central, Question, Kela, Pohave, Eye Of The Tiger, Taste Of Paradise and Publication.

One for the road: Seducer’s Song adds Lasix after a troubled trip as the beaten favorite on Feb. 15 at Gulfstream Park. The 3-year-old gray daughter of Unbridled’s Song can make amends in today’s ninth, a $32,000 maiden affair at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Astarak in the seventh, Bluesthestandard, Casas Caballo and Publication in the eighth and Bella Nunzi and Force The Way in the ninth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/158. Money: Previous day/meet total: $16.60/$840. Total money bet: $910.