Lexington Stakes Offers Last Chance for Derby Hopefuls

A field of ten sophomores is likely to contest the $200,000 Lexington S. (G3) at Keeneland on Saturday. Grade 1 heroine Pure Fun was third in her 2013 debut and the Ken McPeek-trained filly could be among the ones to beat as she tackles the boys in this test. The daughter of Pure Prize, who was an impressive winner of the Hollywood Starlet (G1) in her 2012 finale, is proven quite capable on synthetic ovals and isn’t facing the best three-year-olds in this field.

The Graham Motion-conditioned Cerro didn’t fire in the Fountain of Youth S. (G2) most recently but had some solid form prior to that and could surely rebound for a trainer that always has live ones at this meeting. West Coast import Examen has rolled home to a pair of wins in succession and has been training on the All Weather in advance of this one for trainer Tom Proctor. Crescent City Derby winner Johnny Handsome, Florida Derby (G1) sixth Pick of the Litter, Taken by the Storm, a good fourth in the Spiral S. (G3) for McPeek, allowance third Title Contender, Where’s Dominic, Jimmy Winkfield S. runner-up Winning Cause, and maiden hero Hip Four Sixtynine, are also slated for this event.

The undercard on Saturday will be led by the $100,000 Giant’s Causeway S., while Sunday’s feature is the $150,000 Ben Ali S. (G3). 

There is also a Pick 5 carryover of $83,177 heading into Saturday's Lexington card. The Pick 5 can be played for a .50 minimum and will be contested over races 6-10. The Pick 6 gets underway in the 6th race at approximately 3:40 p.m. Eastern Time.