Summary: Lexington Stock School Sizing

Lexington Stakes worth $400,000 (G3) April 14 at Keeneland was the final qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby (G1) and this year it is living up to that reputation. Out of 11 starters, one has a chance to win a spot in the Run for Commissions field.

Purebred Winchell’ disarm currently 26th on the main Road to Kentucky leaderboard with 40 points, but will break into the Top 20 by finishing third or higher in Lexington, adding to the drama in the final chapter of an often long and winding road .

first. Base beater (20-1): There’s not much to get excited about with this. After his maiden break, he finished ninth in the Louisiana Derby (G2) at 54-1 odds. This is easier but his speed figure is one notch lower than the others.

2. reinvestment (30-1): He seemed to be getting better and won 2 rounds Tampa . Bay Subsidy race last time out. If he keeps taking a step forward, he could be a factor. Of course it would need to be a big step forward.

JOCKEY: Joe Talamo TEACHER: Timothy Hamm

3. Duke of Destruction (6-1): Being overrated by a stable friend in a match Fair Grounds Racecourse & Slots subsidy race. It was a solid springboard for this race, giving him the look of a top contender, especially when Brad Cox trained and Flavien Prat rode.

RACE: Flavien Prat TEACHER: Brad Cox

4. interrupt (30-1): He is not a factor in Gotham Stakes (G3) at aqueduct, finished 10th on the muddy track. He’s never been on a dry dirt road so at least he has some reason to hope for improvement on a fast track.

RACE: Gerardo Corrales TEACHER: Paulo Lobo

5. first mission (3-1): The first big winner for Cox in the previous game, he handled the situation that lasted two turns quite well. Continuing to progress makes him a major player here.

6. disarm (7-2): The second goal in the Louisiana Derby sends him into the Derby chase and the third goal here sends him on. Relationships aren’t afraid to run after what others see as a short break, so expect a big push from him. While winning isn’t the only thing for him, he looks best in the position.

7. Denington (20-1): He had a minor hit with Triple Crown’s success, finishing third back on January 1 in Smarty Jones Staking. Most recently, he finished 10th in the Louisiana Derby, which doesn’t generate much optimism. His coach, Ken McPeek, on the other hand, is notorious for causing discomfort in a race like this.

8. Empirestrikesfast (4-1): He certainly struck fast on his debut as he showed a lot of tenacity in the early part to win 23.90-1. Time flies and he seems to have a bright future, but it will be a challenge to handle all the initial pressures with so little experience.

9. Prairie falcon (15-1): Could be a fun long shot after finishing fourth with less than five miles Tapit Trice during the Battle of the Tampa Bay Derby (G3). Found the competition easier here and added John Velazquez to the saddle, which is a positive.

ten. Curry Larry and Mo (50-1): He’s got a nice spin, but his last four starts have all been on grass. He didn’t want any part of this distance on the pitch last time around, and it’s unlikely he’ll get a stain from this position.

11. Arabian lion (7-2): He finished second in this track at Breeders’ Cup weekend, but disappointed in the next two starts in the holdings. Coach Bob Baffert gave him a few months off and moved him to Kentucky to take this test. Although he has the outer turret, he has enough speed to make up for that and is a factor throughout. Definitely seems talented enough to figure things out.