Three Super Derby Horses Capable of Upsetting Vicar’s In Trouble

Jessica's Star, above on the outside winning the Iowa Derby, has a shot to upset Vicar's in Trouble in the Super Derby at Louisiana Downs on Saturday. (Coady Photography)
The Super Derby has attracted some phenomenal 3-year-old Thoroughbreds over the course of its 34-year history at Louisiana Downs. Exceptional horses such as Alysheba, Sunday Silence, and Tiznow all captured the Super Derby while on their way to being crowned the Eclipse Award winner as champion 3-year-old male.
The 2014 edition of the Super Derby is packed with a field of 11 horses who will compete late Saturday afternoon for a $400,000 purse. 
The most recognizable name in this year’s Super Derby is Vicar’s in Trouble (#4), who won the Louisiana Derby in March 2014 before disappointing in the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May. Popular jockey Rosie Napravnik has been the most successful rider atop Vicar’s In Trouble during his career, and Napravnik will be reunited with Vicar’s In Trouble in the Super Derby on Saturday.
Vicar’s In Trouble probably will be the post-time favorite for the Super Derby, but below are three other horses that I believe should be considered:
Jessica’s Star (#1): Jessica’s Star defeated Vicar’s in Trouble in the Iowa Derby back in June, so we already know he has the ability to win a race of this caliber. Jessica’s Star has raced seven times in his career and has never finished worse than 2nd – talk about consistency! It should be noted that Jessica’s Star has not raced in seven weeks, so it is encouraging that he has been training favorably in preparation for the Super Derby on Saturday.
Louisiana Flyboy (#5): if any horse is going to win one of Louisiana’s signature races based solely off his name, you would have to believe it is going to be this guy! However, Louisiana Flyboy is more than just a name, and he actually comes into the Super Derby riding a 2-race winning streak. He will be facing tougher competition on Saturday, but he may be a longshot who is up to the task.
Announcement (#11):  Announcement is trying to follow in his father’s footsteps by winning the Super Derby on Saturday, as his sire, Tiznow, triumphed in the Super Derby back in 2000. Announcement certainly is the most inexperienced horse in this race, having only two races under his belt. However, both of those races resulted in victories for this colt, and he could perhaps continue to improve. Announcement’s trainer, Kellyn Gorder, knows how to win this race as he visited the winner’s circle after the Super Derby two years ago with Bourbon Courage.
Below you will find a couple of different Super Derby betting strategies – hopefully we all win big on a $20 budget!  
Strategy A:
$1 exacta box:  Jessica’s Star (#1), Vicar’s In Trouble (#4), Louisiana Flyboy (#5), Announcement (#11) = $12
$4 win/place on Announcement (#11) = $8
Strategy B:
$10 win/place on Announcement (#11) = $20
$400,000 Super DerbySaturday, Louisiana Downs, Race 11, 6:12 p.m. ET1 1/8 miles, dirt, 3-year-olds

PP

Horse

Jockey

Weight

Trainer

1

Jessica's Star

James Graham

124

Mike Stidham

2

Louies Flower

Jamie Theriot

124

Bret Calhoun

3

Ide Be Cool

Chris Rosier

124

Henry Ray Dunn

4

Vicar’s in Trouble

Rosie Napravnik

124

Mike Maker

5

Louisiana Flyboy

Richard Eramia

124

Patrick Mouton

6

Victory Nor Defeat

Edgar Prado

124

Ralph Nicks

7

Alamo Heights

Clifton Berry

124

Danny Pish

8

Gold Appointment

Colby Hernandez

124

Robert Rockwell

9

Declan's Fast Cat

Gerard Melancon

124

Steve Flint

10

East Hall

Juan Leyva

124

Bill Kaplan

11

Announcement

Junior Alvarado

124

Kellyn Gorder