Lexington wraps up Road to the Kentucky Derby series

Apr 07, 2025 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

Bullard (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Not surprisingly, the final race in the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby series, Saturday's $400,000 Lexington (G3), is unlikely to affect the composition of the Derby field in three weeks.

With only 20 qualifying points allotted to the winner of the Lexington, and with none of the nine entrants 'on the bubble,' the 1 1/16-mile feature at Keeneland instead serves as a stepping stone to other races, perhaps the May 17 Preakness (G1).

Some entrants have tried other preps. After a stellar debut win at Fair Grounds, Hypnus was widely hyped ahead of the Rebel (G2) and Louisiana Derby (G2) but wound up finishing seventh in both. Keeneland graduate Touchy finished a well-beaten third in the Sunland Park Derby behind two rivals that have been removed from Derby consideration.

Bullard has useful California form, having won the Bob Hope (G3) last November in his second start before finishing a distant third to Barnes in the San Vicente (G2). Trainer Michael McCarthy has presumptive Derby favorite Journalism in the barn, but this colt lost time after contracting a fever before the Rebel and enters the Lexington off a three-month spell. He is, however, bred to appreciate the step up in trip.

Also stretching would be Rolando, narrow winner of the six-furlong Hutcheson S. at Gulfstream, but he is a likely non-runner after competing in a stakes on Monday. Entering off recent wins over the Miami-area track's one-turn mile is the Brendan Walsh-trained Gosger, who defeated maiden rivals, and Praetor, who dominated allowance foes for Chad Brown.

The field is rounded out by Hard as Life, Bracket Buster, and Native Runner.

The points breakdown is 20-10-6-4-2 to the respective top five finishers of the Lexington. Post time is 5:16 p.m. ET, and it can be watched and wagered on at TwinSpires.com.