The road to the Kentucky Derby begins its final phase on Saturday when 12 horses make their final start before the Run for the Roses in the 2024 Louisiana Derby in New Orleans. Lecomte Stakes winner Track Phantom is the 3-1 favorite in the 2024 Louisiana Derby odds. Smarty Jones Stakes winner Catching Freedom is next at 4-1 in the 12-horse 2024 Louisiana Derby field. Five other 2024 Louisiana Derby horses are 8-1 or shorter, while Next Level is the biggest longshot at 30-1. Post time for the $1 million race is 6:42 p.m. ET.

With several lightly raced 3-year-olds set to enter the starting gate on Saturday, you'll want to see what racing insider and Beyer Speed Figure maker Bob Weir has to say before making any Louisiana Derby picks.

A member of the Beyer Speed Figure-making team since 2017, Weir is a two-time qualifier for the prestigious National Horseplayers Championship in Las Vegas. He has produced multiple five-figure days at the track over the years, including a $60,000 Pick 6 at Del Mar in 2014.

In April of last year, he hit a Pick 4 at Gulfstream Park for $641, the exacta in the Florida Derby, a Pick 5 at Keeneland and the exacta in the Lexington Stakes. He smashed the trifecta in the Belmont Stakes for $532.96, and later in June he crushed a Pick 4 at Belmont for $555. Those were just some of his scores from 2023.

Now, Weir has handicapped the 2024 Louisiana Derby field, made his picks and constructed his bets.

One surprise: Weir is low on the chances of Catching Freedom, even though he's one of the top favorites at 4-1. "He's another late runner and is a threat to hit the board, but I'm not convinced he should be the second choice in this field," Weir told SportsLine. Weir is using Catching Freedom only sparingly in his wagers.

Moreover, Weir's top pick is a horse who "may get a little overlooked." He also is high on a longshot who "is capable with his best." Weir is including these horses in his 2024 Louisiana Derby bets, and so should you. You ABSOLUTELY need to see his picks before locking in any of your own.

Who wins the Louisiana Derby? What longshot is a must-back? And how has Weir constructed his wagers? ... Join SportsLine right now to get the top 2024 Louisiana Derby picks, all from a top racing insider and member of the Beyer Speed Figure-making team who has had multiple five-figure days at the track!