The 2025 Lexington Stakes
The Lexington offers three year olds a last chance at possibly making the field for The Kentucky Derby. That said I did not view any of the contenders as likely Derby horses even if they won. The Preakness is another story altogether and it looks like The Lexington can produce some Preakness possibilities.
Bullard, Gosger, Praetor and Rolando will all stretch out to two turns here for the first time and all four look like that should not be a problem for them. Of the four Bullard and Praetor look like they both have excellent shots at winning the race. Bullard is a Gun Runner who has been in with some fast west coast horses. He missed a race at Oaklawn Park when he got sick which pretty much took him out of the Derby picture but a win here or even a strong stretch out race would put him right in the Preakness new shooter picture. Praetor is improving for Chad Brown and he figures to continue doing that here in The Lexington. A big race by him would probably lead to The Preakness.
The horse I find interesting is Touchy. I did not like his trip or ride in the Sunland Park race and when he sprinted just a few days ago he didn’t get on track fast enough especially over the speed friendly Keeneland track. Stretching back out and Ward bringing him back so quick are both positives in my view. I think he can be in a good stalking spot over a track he has won over and should he win he would be one I’d expect to try the Run for the Roses on the first Saturday in May. Ward wins a lot of races at Keeneland and not only with two year olds so I’ll take Touchy for the minor upset off the short rest. Noted is he was entered back in another race on two days rest but scratched possibly in favor of this last ditch attempt to make the big dance.
