They say time flies when you are having fun. Well, things definitely went quickly on the Road to the Kentucky Derby in 2025, but there is one last points race to go.

The Lexington (G3) is not going to have a say in the “Run for the Roses” this year, but it does mark the final chance at Xpressbet and 1/ST BET’s ongoing Triple Crown Prep Money-Back Special offer. So, take advantage of the last opportunity to get up to $10 back on your Win bet.


Lexington Stakes, Keeneland Race 9:

This 1 1/16-mile event over the main track for 3YOs definitely goes through #7 Praetor. The son of Into Mischief ships in from Florida for Chad Brown after rolling at odds of 2-5 in an allowance event off the layoff. He has done little wrong thus far in his career with his lone defeat coming on debut over the mud at Saratoga to Ferocious. He is my top choice in this race, but just does not make for a great money back option given the price and lack of experience going a route of ground.

#3 Bullard is likely to be twice the price of Preator. The $675k Keeneland September 2023 purchase has not raced since a third-place finish to Barnes in the San Vicente (G2) in early January, but was caught four-wide on a day where the inside was the place to be. The son of Gun Runner comes into his first start outside of California off a steady series of drills over the Santa Anita main track and faces a bit weaker competition than he did last out. He feels like the right play with my final chance at the money back offer.

Play: #3 Bullard (9-2 ML)


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The Lexington is going to be fun, but there is far more to this strong 11-race card as well. Here are a couple of price horses in the non-stakes races that I am looking forward to gambling on as well.


Race 5:

This first-level allowance on the sod kicks off the $3 All-Turf Pick 3 and appears wide open. I respect the favorites #8 Sing Sing, #9 Assertivenes, and #10 States’ Rights, but they are far from unbeatable and all draw towards the outside. I will try to beat them with #3 Solid Left. The Jim & Susan Hill homebred raced three times over the Gulfstream Park main track this winter for trainer Brian Lynch. He beat a weak group of MSW foes on January 26 in his second start and then was outrun by Wood Memorial (G2) runner-up Grande in his first try against winners. I like the move to the grass here by Lynch since this colt is out of a Successful Appeal mare that was 5 for 18 on the turf in her racing career and earned nearly $500k. An inside draw and Flavien Prat add to the appeal.

Play: #3 Solid Left, 15-1 ML


Race 7:

The late Pick 5 gets rolling with this MSW event for 3YOs at 6.5-furlongs where trainer Brad Cox sends out #1 Valiant Humor. The 7-2-morning line favorite returns to the races for a barn off to another great Keeneland spring meet. That said, I am willing to take this colt on since he had things his way over an inside speed favoring racetrack on debut at Fair Grounds, yet still could do no better than third. Of those with racing experience, I prefer #12 Modus Bestia, but I will take a swing with a first-time starter who hopefully will offer better value.

#7 Big Truzz worked publicly a few times in Kentucky as a 2YO, but got serious with things back in mid-February in Florida. The Justify colt comes in off a strong series of drills at Palm Meadows, including a 4-furlong bullet work in 47-flat on March 28. The $300k Keeneland September 2023 purchase appears live at first asking and attracts a great gate rider in Luis Saez. In Brian Lynch we trust on this Saturday afternoon in the Blue Grass!

Play: #7 Big Truzz (6-1 ML)


Good luck!