<p>NEW ORLEANS — Hot Rod Charlie led wire to wire to win the $1 million Louisiana Derby by two lengths over Midnight Bourbon Saturday and earn 100 points toward qualification for the Kentucky Derby.</p>
<p>The major prep race for Triple Crown hopefuls was run in front of a mostly empty clubhouse and grandstand at Fair Ground Race Course because of crowd restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic.</p>
<p>Trained by Leandro Mora and with jockey Joel Rosario aboard, Hot Rod Charlie went off at 7-1 and ran 1 3/16 miles in 1:55.06. He paid $7.80, $4.40 and $3.60.</p>
<p>The Steve Asmussen-trained Midnight Bourbon, with Joe Talamo aboard, earned 40 points and paid $7.20 and $4.40.</p>
<p>Long-shot O Besos, who went off at 28-1 finished third and paid $7.80.</p>
<p>Morning line favorite Mandaloun, who went off at 6-5, was third going into the final turn but faded to finish sixth.</p>
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