Let’s be honest. Nobody really expected a 9-1 longshot to just... inhale the field like that. If you were at Fair Grounds on March 22, you felt the air leave the room when the favorite, John Hancock, hit the wall. Hard.
The Louisiana Derby 2025 results aren't just a list of names and payouts. They’re a warning shot. Steve Asmussen has been here before, tying Todd Pletcher now with five wins in this race, but this one felt different. Tiztastic didn't just win; he devoured 1 3/16 miles of New Orleans dirt like he was born for the extra real estate.
Tiztastic and the 1:56.20 Statement
While the "wise guys" were all over John Hancock at 2-1, Joel Rosario was just sitting back, chilling. He had Tiztastic tucked away in the back while the leaders, John Hancock and Yinzer, decided to turn the first half-mile into a drag race.
They went :22.99 and :46.84. In a race this long? That’s basically suicide.
Rosario didn't panic. He stayed on the rail, let the speed fry itself, and then swung four-wide at the top of the lane. Tiztastic stopped being a horse and started being a machine. He won by 2 1/4 lengths, stopping the clock at 1:56.20.
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It was surgical.
The Full Finishing Order
- 1st: Tiztastic ($17.00 to win) – Now the king of the points leaderboard.
- 2nd: Chunk of Gold – This $2,500 yearling is the real deal.
- 3rd: Instant Replay – Huge late run from the back of the pack.
- 4th: John Hancock – The favorite simply gassed out.
- 5th: Built – Proved he might be better at shorter distances.
The Payouts: Who Actually Got Paid?
If you had the guts to bet against the Brad Cox favorite, you had a very good dinner in the French Quarter that night. Tiztastic paid out $17.00, $7.20, and $4.40.
Chunk of Gold, the scrappy gray trained by Ethan West, kept his Cinderella story alive with a second-place finish that paid $8.40 and $5.20. If you managed to box those two in an Exacta, you were looking at a very healthy return for a race that many thought was a one-horse show.
Why "Chunk of Gold" Is the Story We Need
Can we talk about Chunk of Gold for a second? The horse cost less than a used Honda Civic. Seriously, $2,500. And here he is, grabbing 50 qualifying points and securing a spot in the Kentucky Derby.
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He didn't have the "Blue Blood" pedigree of the Winchell and Coolmore-owned Tiztastic, but he had the heart. He fought off Instant Replay for that second spot, and honestly, he’s the kind of horse that makes people fall in love with this sport. He’s currently sitting with 75 total points, which basically guarantees him a stall in Louisville.
The Road to Louisville Just Got Crowded
The Louisiana Derby is the longest prep race in the U.S. for a reason. 1 3/16 miles is a brutal test for a three-year-old in March.
By winning, Tiztastic banked 100 points, bringing his total to 119. He’s at the top of the mountain. But more importantly, he proved he can handle traffic. Rosario mentioned after the race that they hit a little "bottleneck" at the three-eighths pole. Most young horses would have checked out or lost their rhythm. Tiztastic just shifted gears.
Current Points Post-Race:
- Tiztastic: 119 points
- Chunk of Gold: 75 points
- Built: 45 points
- John Hancock: 35 points
- Instant Replay: 25 points
What Most People Are Missing
People are going to look at John Hancock’s fourth-place finish and say he's a bust. I'm not so sure. He set a "punishing" pace. If he gets a slower lead in the Derby, he’s still dangerous. But the real takeaway? The distance.
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Tiztastic is by Tiz the Law. His sire was a beast at these distances. It’s clear the apple didn't fall far from the tree. While other horses are struggling to breathe at the end of 9 furlongs, Tiztastic looked like he wanted to go around again.
Moving Forward
If you're looking at the Kentucky Derby futures, you have to respect what happened in New Orleans. The "Risen Star" form might have looked shaky to some, but Asmussen’s ability to peak a horse at exactly the right moment is legendary.
Keep an eye on the weight assignments and the final works at Churchill Downs. Tiztastic has the mind, the lungs, and now the points to be a serious threat.
Next Steps:
Check the health reports on John Hancock to see if he emerged from that speed duel with any issues. Then, compare the Beyer Speed Figures from this race against the Florida Derby results to see how this 1:56.20 holds up against the East Coast speed. If the numbers are close, the winner of the 2025 Louisiana Derby might just be the favorite come the first Saturday in May.