Tipsheet: 2024 Lexington Stakes

A total of 10 sophomores will run 1 1/16 miles on the Keeneland dirt in Saturday’s $400,000 Lexington S. (G3). The 2024 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series tilt will reward the top five finishers with qualifying points on a 20-10-6-4-2 basis. 

Lexington Picks

• #8 Encino
• #2 The Wine Steward
• #1 Secret Chat
• #10 Lucky Jeremy

Lexington Wagers

• $15 exacta key box 8 with 1,2,10
• $1 trifecta 8 with 1,2,10 with all

Lexington Contenders

#1 SECRET CHAT (15-1): Union Rags colt has run a trio of good races to begin his career and has appeal to me at a big price on this occasion. The sophomore colt had a solid prep for this one when second in a sprint at Gulfstream Park and is well drawn on the rail, while also luring Joel Rosario. This Florida-bred will never be far back while saving early ground. 

#2 THE WINE STEWARD (5-2): Vino Rosso colt was 3-for-4 during his juvenile season with his lone setback coming when a sharp runner-up in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) on the surface. The $340,000 two-year-old purchase has trained well in advance of his seasonal bow and seems like a fine fit at the distance, as well. Luis Saez has the assignment. 

#3 DILGER (12-1): Lope De Vega colt ran a lifetime best when graduating at Gulfstream Park most recently in his second lifetime run on the main oval. This Irish-bred bay will need a big step forward to upset this cast, however, for conditioner Saffie Joseph. 

#4 FOOTPRINT (10-1): Consistent sort has won or placed in five of his seven career tries to date and exits a good second in the Rushaway S. at Turfway Park in his latest offering. The Dialed In colt is a logical top-three contender from off the pace with Brian Hernandez, Jr. in the controls. 

#5 HADES (7-2): Holy Bull S. (G3) victor endured a tough trip when fifth in the Florida Derby (G1) two weeks back and will hope to reverse form with the addition of blinkers on this occasion. The Joe Orseno trainee will be forwardly placed as a major threat from the start under Jose Ortiz. 

#6 HOW’S UR ATTITUDE (30-1): Turfway shipper ran a good one to graduate last time out and could be any kind trying the dirt for the initial time. This John Ennis trainee has a versatile running style, and the son of Street Sense has posted a few nice morning drills on this course, too. Adam Berschizza will guide the interesting top-four player. 

#7 EVERDOIT (30-1): Outsider has been dusted in his previous stakes attempts with open company and would be a major surprise on Saturday for Kevin Rice. 

#8 ENCINO (5-1): Top pick has improved with each career race to date and comes off of a fine score in the John Battaglia Memorial S. at Turfway Park in his latest venture. This Brad Cox trainee is a question mark on the dirt, but the Godolphin homebred shows three good morning drills on the oval in preparation for his graded debut, and I think that the son of Nyquist will thrive in this spot with Florent Geroux in the stirrups.

#9 LIBERAL ARTS (4-1): Arrogate colt concluded his 2023 season with a score in the Street Sense S. (G3) beneath the Twin Spires, and he has faced some good ones in his pair of runs as a sophomore, too. The Robert Medina pupil will be rallying from off the pace under the guidance of Irad Ortiz, Jr. 

#10 LUCKY JEREMY (8-1): Lookin at Lucky colt led to the turn for home before tiring to fifth in the Jeff Ruby (G3) most recently and will relish the return to the dirt on Saturday. This Bill Morey trainee has faced some solid foes this season, and if the bay can avoid being hung wide early on, then he figures to be in with a chance turning for home under Gerardo Corrales.