Thirteen horses have been entered for the Costa Rising Stakes, with a dozen older, state-bred turf sprinters expected to line up for the 5½-furlong, $100,000 feature on Louisiana Derby Day at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The Costa Rising serves as the opening leg of an estimated $1 million All-Stakes Pick 5 that spans four graded races, includes two turf events, and culminates with the Grade 2, $1 million TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby.
Installed as the 3-1 morning-line choice is Nine Part, owned by Keith Plaisance and trained by Bobby Felks. This will be just his second start on grass; his first turf test on Feb. 21 over 5½ furlongs resulted in a 2¼-length victory against six rivals, three of whom return in this spot. A five-time winner who has been in the top three in all six career starts, Nine Part remains unbeaten at Fair Grounds. Jose Ortiz has the mount.
The race projects as wide open beyond the favorite. Strong Promise, trained by Allen Landry, brings eight career victories into the race and most recently captured the Premier Night Sprint at Delta Downs. He has two wins in three turf tries.
Big Chopper, owned and trained by Jayde Gelner, comes in off a sharp score