New Orleans Classic Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Mar 22)

All eyes will be on Fair Grounds this weekend, as an important Saturday of horse racing action is set. As well as key prep action on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, there is also a standout race for older horses in the form of the G2 New Orleans Classic.

This race will be run over 1 1/8 miles, and the reigning Breeders’ Cup Classic champion- Sierra Leone, will be in action.

Odds

Latest odds taken from Bet365. Correct as of 08:00 GMT on 03/20/25.

New Orleans Classic Recent Winners

New Orleans Classic: Event Information

Event Preview

A high-class renewal of the G2 New Orleans Classic is set for this weekend. Unlike previous years, the field will consist of proven performers in graded level, which includes the seasonal return of 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic champion, Sierra Leone.

The four-year-old for Chad Brown was excellent throughout his three-year-old campaign, and he finally came through on his promise with an excellent showing in the Classic when beating Fierceness.

Sierra Leone set speed figures of 130+ in each of his last three starts, and he certainly sets the standard on all available form lines this weekend.

Hall Of Fame looks like a viable alternative on these terms for Steven Asmussen. The four-year-old will have a fitness edge on last year’s Classic winner after returning to action with a stunning effort over 1 1/16 miles to land the G3 Mineshaft Stakes last month. However, he finished behind Sierra Leone over this course and distance in the G2 Risen Star last year.

Japanese-bred Komorebino Omoide could yet have more to offer at this level. He was second to Hall Of Fame in the Mineshaft last month, and was also the runner-up in the G3 Louisiana Stakes in January. However, he is unexposed over 1 1/8 miles.

Touchuponastar is the unknown quantity in this field for trainer Jeff Delhomme. The six-year-old is more exposed than most, but he was a respectable second in the race last year. He also has recent winning experience over course and distance after landing the Louisiana Champions Day Classic in December.

New Orleans Classic Picks

Hall Of Fame and Komorebino Omoide both hold interesting claims on these terms with recent runs under their belts. However, the preference remains for the class angle.

Sierra Leone looks to have been pointed at a perfect starting point for his 2025 campaign, and it would be a shock if he is turned over on Saturday.