Race Previews Lexington Stakes Preview 2024: Final Kentucky Derby Prep Race April 12, 2024 Keeneland Photo Race Previews Lexington Stakes Preview 2024: Final Kentucky Derby Prep Race April 12, 2024 By: James Scully twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article Saturday’s $400,000 Lexington (G3) at Keeneland represents the last stop on the 2023-24 Road to the Kentucky Derby series. The 1 1/16-mile race offers up points on a 20-10-6-4-2 scale to the top five respective finishers, and Hades is the only member of the 10-horse field who controls his fate, guaranteeing himself a spot in a 20-horse Kentucky Derby field with a victory. The current threshold to run in the Kentucky Derby is 45 points, belonging to No More Time, and the 20-point prize for a Lexington win would put Encino (20 points entering Lexington), Liberal Arts (19 points), and Lucky Jeremy (16) on the bubble, needing defections to participate in the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. 2024 Lexington Stakes Betting Bible Get the 2024 Lexington Betting Bible, featuring our EXACT wagering plans at Keeneland on April 13, 2024! Last week’s Blue Grass Betting Bible cashed a BIG ROI! Don’t miss out – get yours TODAY! DOWNLOAD NOW! Top selection #9 Liberal Arts (4-1) raced close to the pace early in his career, but he became more of a late runner when stretching out in distance for a pair of stakes last year, concluding his juvenile campaign with a convincing triumph in the Street Sense (G3). He left himself too much to do when opening 2024 in the Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn, rallying belatedly to just miss second behind runaway winner Mystik Dan, but nothing went right in the Arkansas Derby (G1) next out. Liberal Arts refused to settle from off the pace that afternoon, losing any chance by behaving poorly on the first turn, and trainer Robert Medina drew a line through the performance, wheeling his charge right back in the Lexington two weeks later. The gray son of Arrogate picks up a new rider in Irad Ortiz Jr. and look for Liberal Arts to race more towards midpack Saturday, stalking just behind the leaders before offering his bid. He’s shown an affinity for the 1 1/16-mile distance and Liberal Arts is eligible to receive a nice set up, with The Wine Steward, Hades and Lucky Jeremy all potentially being part of the pace. Vertical exotic horses After winning the Holy Bull (G3) on the front end, #5 Hades (7-2) broke slowly in the Florida Derby (G1) and got caught behind horses entering the first turn, essentially ending all chance he had to factor. Joe Orseno adds blinkers and Jose Ortiz picks up the mount, and Hades remains a candidate to last a long way on the front end. #8 Encino (5-1) didn’t get into gear until deep stretch of the John Battaglia Memorial at Turfway Park, closing powerfully to win going away by a length, and the up-and-coming colt may continue to show more for Brad Cox in the Lexington. Keeneland’s short stretch at the distance may work against the late runner, but Encino will be included in some wagers. #4 Footprint (10-1) wasn’t much of a factor in his first stakes attempt last December, but he ran well to place in a pair of Oaklawn allowances in his following starts and showed an affinity for Keeneland’s maiden track when breaking his maiden. Footprint displayed improved positional speed in his last two outings, and the Kenny McPeek-trained colt holds some appeal for a minor award. Join the Inner Circle Sign up for exclusive 10% discount on orders, plus be the first to access our daily free and premium horse racing picks, articles, podcasts, and more! Sign Up
Breeders’ Cup 2024 Futures Odds & Picks | Blinkers Off 689 The Racing Dudes react to the current Breeders’ Cup futures… Read More
College Football Week 8 & NFL Week 7 Picks | Dudes Who Bet Sports 211 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More
Keeneland Preview & FREE Pick 5 Tickets | The Magic Mike Show 569 The Magic Mike Show guys preview Keeneland Racetrack on Saturday… Read More
Breeders’ Cup 2024 Storylines: 10 Things To Follow at World Championships | Blinkers Off 688 The Racing Dudes dive into some of the key narratives… Read More
College Football Week 7 & NFL Week 6 Picks | Dudes Who Bet Sports 210 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More
Breeders’ Cup 2024 Futures Odds & Picks | Blinkers Off 689 The Racing Dudes react to the current Breeders’ Cup futures… Read More
Breeders’ Cup 2024 Schedule, Post Times, and Wagering Menu LEXINGTON, KY ― Breeders’ Cup Limited announced its broadcast coverage schedule,… Read More
Rockets CASH Late Pick 5 at Santa Anita for $272.55 on $108 Ticket 10/13/24 Sunday at Santa Anita finished with a flurry for the Rocket… Read More
Breeders’ Cup Classic 2024 Early Preview Aaron previews the field for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic… Read More
College Football Week 8 & NFL Week 7 Picks | Dudes Who Bet Sports 211 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More