Future looks bright for Gosger after Lexington victory

Apr 12, 2025 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

Gosger seemingly has a bright future after capturing Saturday's $400,000 Lexington (G3) at Keeneland. But that future will not include the Kentucky Derby (G1).

The Lexington was the final point-scoring prep in the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby series. However, with only 20 qualifying points available to the winner, none of the seven starters in the Lexington would have accumulated sufficient points to make the Derby field in three weeks.

That's not a bad thing for Gosger, who was making only his third career start and first outside the maiden ranks in the Lexington. However, by virtue of his two-length win over more seasoned rivals, he's a horse to potentially keep an eye on in major races during the second half of the season.

Sent off as the third choice in the 1 1/16-mile Lexington, Gosger enjoyed a favorable pocket trip behind the leading pair of longshot Bracket Buster and 1.69-1 favorite Praetor. Tipping out three wide entering the stretch, Gosger eventually surged past those rivals to win comfortably under Irad Ortiz Jr.

Gosger completed one lap of Keeneland's fast main track in 1:44.15 and paid $10.60. Bracket Buster, at 25-1, finished second by 3 1/2 lengths over Praetor. The order of finish was rounded out by Hypnus, Bullard, Native Runner, and Hard as Life.

In addition to Gosger's tally of 20 Kentucky Derby points, Bracket Buster earned 10 points, bringing his total to 11. Praetor earned six points, Hypnus four points, and Bullard two points.

Gosger, who races for owner-breeder Harvey A. Clarke Racing Stables and is trained by Brendan Walsh, does have a Kentucky Derby connection as his sire, Nyquist, captured the Run for the Roses in 2016.

Gosger has also kept winning big races at Keeneland a family tradition. Nyquist captured the 2015 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at the bluegrass oval, while Gosger's half-sister, Harvey's Lil Goil, won the 2020 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) over the Keeneland turf course.

Debuting in a six-furlong maiden test at Gulfstream on Dec. 14, Gosger rallied to finish a clear second. He rebounded two months later, graduating by 1 1/2 lengths over the same track going a one-turn mile.

'We weren't sure if he had enough experience coming here today. He could have done with maybe another run or two,' Walsh said. 'We gave him a little time after he broke his maiden He did a lot of growing, so we just took our time with him.

'We'll see how he comes out (of this race). I won't do anything drastic too quick unless he really warrants it. He's going to be a lovely horse as the year goes on, really, but we're going to stay calm and pick our spots with him and see how we go.'