Expert Pick of the Week: Lexington Stakes

Apr 14, 2022 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

A total of 11 sophomores will search for qualifying points in the final 2022 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series event at Keeneland on Saturday in the $400,000 Lexington S. (G3). The 1 1/16-mile fray will reward the top-four finishers with points on a 20-8-4-2 basis toward the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs.

The Kelly Breen-trained #2 In Due Time (3-1) has never run a poor race and exits a fine runner-up performance in the Fountain of Youth S. (G2) at Gulfstream Park most recently. The son of Not This Time is proven at the distance and at the level, and he is properly placed to pick up his initial graded stakes victory. He is the Expert Pick of the Week.

In Due Time was a winner on debut at Monmouth in the summer and went to the bench before reappearing in an allowance dash at Gulfstream Park in January, where he finished an even third. The Kentucky-bred colt then dominated a smart allowance field when stretching out to one mile, drawing clear to a 5 3/4-length triumph under the wire, which preceded his Fountain of Youth performance.

The three-year-old received a good post draw near the rail, and I believe that he is the controlling speed of the race on Saturday if sent by regular pilot Paco Lopez. With a clean break from the gate, In Due Time could lead at every call en route to his first stakes victory.

#9 Tawny Port (5-2) has put forth his three best efforts on the All-Weather to this stage of his development for conditioner Brad Cox, but the Pioneerof the Nile colt deserves another chance in his second lifetime dirt assignment. The $430,000 yearling purchase finished a clear second in the recent Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) behind an impressive winner, and the dark bay has improved his Brisnet Speed figure in each lifetime try to date, as well. Tawny Port came home fifth in the especially deep Risen Star S. (G2) two back in his lone dirt effort to date, and improvement off of that will make him a major contender in his Keeneland debut. Florent Geroux will be in the silks. 

An exacta with #2 In Due Time on top of #9 Tawny Port in the Lexington Stakes is the Best Bet of the Week.