The Lecomte Stakes lures a full field at Fair Grounds Saturday and it is an absolute scramble. An aspiring group of 12 sophomores will be taking a step on the Triple Crown Trail in the Grade 3 mile and 70-yard $200,000 Lecomte Stakes.
The winner of the Lecomte Stakes will earn 10 points toward a berth in the Kentucky Derby.
Some quality runners have won this race over the decades like No Le Hace, Linkage, Hard Spun and Ron the Greek.
In 2013 Oxbow won the Lecomte Stakes after running a well-beaten 4th in the Grade 1 CashCall Futurity. He made the lead going 48 and change, opened up three at the top of the lane and cruised home to by win by eleven and a half-lengths with a 93 Beyer Speed Figure. He proved it was not a mirage as he also won the Preakness.
Trainer Mike Maker won the Lecomte Stakes in 2014 and 2015. Last year Mo Tom, a Tom Amoss trainee, got the distance in 1:43.18 in clever fashion.
Granted, it’s only January but Kentucky Derby Fever is alive and well.
The Lecomte Stakes is basically used as a prep and a steppingstone for the Louisiana Derby and if all goes right, eventually the Kentucky Derby.
From the rail out Phat Man took his share of action in the debut but maybe turf was not his thing. Fans are looking at 12 or 15-1 here.
Arklow is trained by solid conditioner Brad Cox. Cox is one for 10 the last 5 years with sophomores in a Graded race. That winner paid over $24.
Totality has a right to have a nice career as his full-sister Taxable was Grade 3 placed. Look for him late at all.
Shareholder Value has Tom Amoss as a trainer. Amoss has won the Lecomte Stakes several times. This colt has sneaky speed and must be respected.
Untrapped was impressive last time and he has trained decently at Fair Grounds.
Marco Mischief is in good hands but not sure the race sets up all that great for him.
Tip Tap Tapizar had a rough trip in the Saratoga race in the summer but then he returned to win the $103,000 Sapling Stakes at Monmouth Park. The colt was in the marooned post last time so expect a much better effort here.
Guest Suite has trained forwardly for this. He has fired every time and like the fact he has won close up and from left field.
Larry Jones trains Running Mate. Jones has won this race with Hard Spun, Friesan Fire and Mr. Bowling. This youngster will be sent along and he has the best of 37 bullet workout locked and loaded. Look for the pilot to send hard and hope for the best.
Takeoff was too late in the debut and he may not have adored Churchill two races back. This one is cut out to be a nice horse and seems very well intentioned.
Pat On the Back has made his living in state-bred land so he has to show he can win in open company. He did make a nice middle move last time but needs a rebound run. Backers are looking at about 12-1.
Saint’s Fan was professional to kick off the career and note the show horse in the debut took the $50,000 Sugar Bowl stakes next out. This runner is unbeaten in two starts including last time in the $100,000 Louisiana Juvenile. Can’t fault those that stay on or get on this bandwagon.
The difficulty of this race is shown very quickly by the morning line. The favorite Untrapped is tabbed at a tepid 9-2. One can make a valid case for a number of runners in here. The nod goes to Guest Suite. The son of Quality Road has the tactical speed that will give him first run on the speed challenged. He ran a good third in the Street Sense Stakes in October and the winner of that race returned to win a Grade 2 to run his record to 3 for 3. Versatility is the key and Guest Suite can unlock the door.
