The Derby trail intensifies Saturday with the first 100-point prep races: the $1 million Louisiana Derby (GII) at Fair Grounds and the $777,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) at Turfway Park.

At Fair Grounds, Sam F. Davis Stakes winner John Hancock headlines a field of 10 in the Louisiana Derby. Meanwhile, Remsen (GII) winner Poster leads the Jeff Ruby Steaks, facing John Battaglia Memorial winner California Burrito in a packed 12-horse field.

With six weeks until Derby Day, preparations are in full swing at Churchill Downs, where horses are settling in for the Spring Meet starting April 26.

A competitive 10-horse field will compete in the 112th Louisiana Derby (GII), offering 100-50-25-15-10 Derby qualifying points to the top five finishers. The 1 3/16-mile race, the longest Derby prep so far, goes off as Race 12 at 6:42 p.m. (ET).

Top Contenders

• John Hancock (7-2 ML Favorite) – The Brad Cox-trained colt scored in the Sam F. Davis Stakes, going wire-to-wire. Flavien Prat rides from the rail.
• Instant Replay (6-1) – Another Cox trainee, coming off a five-length Fair Grounds allowance win. Florent Geroux rides from post 9.
• Built (4-1) – A consistent Fair Grounds prep performer, finishing 1st in the Gun Runner, 2nd in the Lecomte, and 3rd in the Risen Star. Jose Ortiz rides from post 6.
• Chunk of Gold (8-1) – Risen Star runner-up, looking to add to his 25 Derby points. Jareth Loveberry rides from post 2.
• Caldera (5-1) – Sunland Derby runner-up, trained by D. Wayne Lukas. Tyler Gaffalione picks up the ride from post 5.
• Vassimo (12-1) – Todd Pletcher trainee, closed strongly for fourth in the Risen Star. Irad Ortiz Jr. rides from post 7.