Horse Racing

Southland-based Best Pal is expected to be the betting favorite in today’s 1 1/4-mile Super Derby at Louisiana Downs.

Best Pal would solidify his position as 3-year-old of the year with a victory. It would be the gelding’s third $1-million purse.

Best Pal, winless in the first six months of the year, was the runner-up in the Kentucky Derby and won his last two races, beating Corporate Report in the Swaps Stakes and a field of top older horses in Del Mar’s Pacific Classic. Corporate Report went on to win the Travers Stakes at Saratoga.

Olympio, trained by Ron McAnally, is expected to set the pace. The field also includes the filly Lite Light, Far Out Wadleigh, Free Spirit’s Joy, Lost Mountain and Zeeruler.