Lukas and Stevens in tandem for Derby hope Bravazo

Preview: USA, Saturday 10.21pm GMT

Fair Grounds: Louisiana Derby (Grade 2) 1m1f | dirt | 3yo

The old firm of trainer D Wayne Lukas and jockey Gary Stevens team up at Fair Grounds in New Orleans on Saturday evening when Bravazo bids to confirm last month's form with Snapper Sinclair in the Louisiana Derby.

The feature event of a stakes-laden card in New Orleans, the $1 million contest is the first of the final round of Kentucky Derby preps before the Churchill Downs Classic on May 5.

Last time out Bravazo was the surprise winner of the Grade 2 Risen Star at this venue, where he caught Snapper Sinclair (Steve Asmussen/Jose Ortiz) close home in a driving finish.

Miguel Mena, who partnered the winner that day, broke an ankle last week, leading his legendary trainer to call on 55-year-old Stevens, with whom he teamed up to win his first Kentucky Derby with Winning Colors in 1988.

The veteran pair last enjoyed Classic success together when Oxbow won the Preakness five years ago – in the same Calumet Farm colours as Bravazo.

Other fancied runners are headed by My Boy Jack (Keith Desormeaux/Kent Desormeaux), who won the Southwest Stakes in the Oaklawn mud.

Also on Saturday

Santa Anita: Santa Monica Stakes (Grade 2) 7f | dirt | 4yo+ f/m (10pm GMT)

Last year's runaway Santa Anita Oaks winner Paradise Woods (Richard Mandella/Flavien Prat) makes a belated return to action as a four-year-old after illness. Twice a Grade 1 winner before finishing third in the Breeders' Cup Distaff, she was beaten by star filly Unique Bella in Grade 1 company over Christmas on her most recent start.