Lecomte Stakes Preview: Best Bets & Kentucky Derby Points

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Daily Racing Form Weekend Preview

Race Insights and Key Matchups

The spotlight shines on race number 13, featuring Kentucky Derby hopefuls and a $250,000 purse. Among the notable contenders is Quality Mischief, who recently finished 4th in a key prep race. His performance that day was solid, finishing just a length behind the leaders, which included Chip Honcho and Crown the Buckeye. The analysis suggests Quality Mischief could make an impactful showing, especially considering the underwhelming finish of the top contenders in the previous race.

Turning attention to Carson Street, the horse has shown significant improvement, coming off an 11-length victory on a sloppy track at Fairgrounds. Carson Street is viewed favorably for this race, given his recent form and lineage to multiple graded stakes winner Canoodling. His ability to adapt to different conditions, coupled with his decent progression, positions him as a strong contender. Conversely, Crown the Buckeye might face challenges due to his preference for leading rather than coming from behind, a tactic that could prove less effective in a large field.

X, another horse in the lineup, achieved a notable victory on a sloppy track at Keeneland, demonstrating potential despite a less than perfect finish. Meanwhile, Cherie Deveau trains two promising three-year-olds, Golden Tempo and Mesquite, both bringing intriguing elements to the race. Golden Tempo, despite needing to adapt to a longer distance, shows promise due to lineage and a powerful sprint debut. Mesquite impressed in his second start by overcoming a slow beginning to dominate a 9-horse field, showing significant potential to improve.

Further in the lineup, White Tiger needs to confirm his capability to maintain form post-rest, while Stop the Car, coming off a win at Churchill Downs, is considered a dark horse with potential, especially with the lack of experienced contenders in this race. Chip Honcho, despite an impressive record, has not shown progressive form in his recent starts, making him a less favorable pick among the analysts.

As selection time approaches, both analysts display a preference for Cherie Deveau's entries, with a particular emphasis on Mesquite due to his promising attributes and appealing odds. The consensus suggests that while some horses might need ideal conditions to prevail, others, like Mesquite, have shown enough versatility and growth to be considered serious contenders in this highly anticipated race.