Three Takeaways from 2020 Lecomte

Jan 21, 2020 by James Scully/TwinSpires.com

The $200,000 Lecomte (G3) on Jan. 18 served the first of three Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifiers at Fair Grounds. Here are three takeaways:

1 — Enforceable emerged as a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender in the Lecomte. He certainly improved upon his 2-year-old form.

A grinding maiden winner at 1 1/8 miles in his fourth start, the Mark Casse-trained colt concluded his juvenile campaign with a pair of non-threatening performances, rallying belatedly for third in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland and fourth in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs.

He showed a new dimension in the Lecomte, offering a dynamic turn of foot from the back of the pack to take a clear lead by midstretch, and it was easy to come away encouraged by the 1 ½-length decision. Enforceable could have more to offer in the Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds on February 15.

2 — Enforceable can keep building upon a career-best 94 BRIS Speed rating. His Speed rating rose significantly from an 87 in the Kentucky Jockey Club, and seven of the last 10 Kentucky Derby winners registered a number in the 90s or lower (89 for Always Dreaming and Orb) in the 3-year-old debut. Enforceable received a respectable 99 BRIS Late Pace figure as well.

3 –Silver State also left a favorable impression. A nose runner-up in a November 30 allowance at Churchill Downs, the Steve Asmussen-trained colt got away slowly in the Lecomte and left himself too much to do in the stretch, but Silver State caught the eye finishing full of run for second in his third career start. The Steve Asmussen-trained son of Hard Spun hails from the same female family of 2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos.