The Last Kentucky Derby Prep Race

 On this Stakes Saturday we look at the last Kentucky Derby prep race on the points list. These horses will need 40 + points to get a gate in KD150. This race only offers 20-10-6-4-2 for first through fifth place respectively. It should be a fine race.

Keeneland Race 10 {Lexington Stakes~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A reduced field of nine will go to the gate in this graded stakes race. 

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

This might be a wide-open race where any of these fellas could win. Only one horse will be assured a gate in KD150 should he win and that is #5 Hades. Two other horses will be on the bubble with a win, #8 Encino and #9 Liberal Arts. There is plenty of speed to keep the pace rolling. Speed numbers are very close. Only three in the field have competed over the Keeneland oval. It should be a great betting race.

#2 The Wine Steward (L. Saez / Maker) is coming off a layoff with four power workouts in the last thirty days. He holds the third highest last out speed number. This guy should track the pace and strike in the stretch. He has hit the board at this distance in one try. A son of Vino Rosso, he is 100% in the money from four starts. Derby points: 5.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#8 Encino (Geroux / B. Cox) has posted two victories at this distance. This colt holds the highest last out speed number and four hearty peaking workouts. He has speed but is not a need to lead type. A son of Nyquist, he is 100% in the money from three starts. Derby points: 20.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 Footprint (B. Hernandez / McPeek) has improved his speed numbers in his last three. He holds the fourth highest last out speed number and two strong peaking workouts. This lad should track the pace closely. A son of Dialed In, he is 72% in the money from seven starts. Derby points: 2

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#10 Lucky Jeremy (Corrales / Morey) comes in from Turfway Park to try the Keeneland track for the first time. He raced last out at a longer route and has put in two strong workouts. He should be forwardly placed. A son of Lookin at Lucky, he is 60% in the money from five starts. Derby points: 16.

#5 Hades (J. Ortiz / Orseno) has a win at this distance. He comes off a longer route and has two robust peaking workouts. He should show speed. It will be his first start over the Keeneland track. A son of Awesome Slew, he holds a 75% win rate from four starts. Derby points; 30.

#9 Liberal Arts (I. Ortiz / Medina) holds the second highest last out speed number and two sturdy workouts. He will try the Keeneland track for this first time, but has hit the board in both of his starts at the distance. Look for him to track and close into a solid pace. A son of Arrogate, he is 85% in the money from seven starts. Derby points: 19.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#2 The Wine Steward  //  #8 Encino,  #4 Footprint,  #10 Lucky Jeremy,  #5 Hades,  #9 Liberal Arts.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#8,  #4,  #10,  #5,  #9  //  #2 The Wine Steward.

Best of luck to all your Keenleand plays on this Stakes Saturday!!!