The Lexington G3 race is one of the last to qualify for the 2024 Kentucky Derby. It occurred on April 13, 2024, in Lexington, KY. Even though the Lexington race isn’t the most lucrative, it is indeed one of the special races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
The event showcased the speed and agility of the industry’s new generation of promising thoroughbreds and set the stage for emerging talents to secure their spot in the much-anticipated Derby lineup.
Before we enter Kentucky Derby week, let’s recap this year’s Lexington race to see how it will impact the odds of each contender participating in the Run For The Roses.
The 2024 Lexington Contenders
If you plan to participate in betting Kentucky Derby horses and odds, you must know who participated in the Lexington race and how they performed on the racecourse. This will help you determine the possible contenders’ capability to run on the Churchill Downs Racetrack this May 4.
Below is the list of the contenders who tried their best to bring home the prize and the title as the 2024 Lexington G3 winner.
- Secret Chat: Jockeyed by Joel Rosario and trained by Roderick R. Rodriguez
- The Wine Steward: Jockeyed by Luis Saez and trained by Michael Maker
- Dilger (IRE): Jockeyed by Tyler Gaffalione and trained by Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
- Footprint: Jockeyed by Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr. and trained by Kenny McPeek
- Hades: Jockeyed by Jose L. Ortiz and trained by Joseph F. Orseno
- How’s Ur Attitude: Jockeyed by Adam Beschizza and trained by John Ennis
- Everdoit: Jockeyed by Axel Concepcion and trained by Kevin Rice
- Encino: Jockeyed by Florent Geroux and trained by Brad Cox
- Liberal Arts: Jockeyed by Irad Ortiz Jr. and trained by Robert Medina
- Lucky Jeremy: Jockeyed by Gerardo Corrales and trained by William E. Morey
The Winning Moment
In this final derby qualifier, Encino dominated the racecourse when he crossed the finish line. He covered the 1 1/16 miles of the Keeneland Race Course in 1:43.93, leaving The Wine Steward behind.
Encino earned $400,000 on the Lexington Stakes. With this win, Brad Cox Colt earned 20 Derby qualifying points, solidifying his total points to 40. The Lexington Stakes result tied him with T O Password (JPN) and Grand Mo The First on the Road to The Kentucky Derby leaderboard.
However, Encino got the 19th spot and owned the tiebreaker due to his high earnings. This thoroughbred will need a thought to get into the 20-horse derby race. If Encino makes it to the race, Brad Cox will have three horses to contend with in the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
The other Brad Cox horses that have already secured a spot in the Derby are Catching Freedom and Just a Touch.
Get To Know Encino
Encino is already mentioned as a Brad Cox horse. Cox is one of the most sought-after horse trainers of this generation. He already won multiple Eclipse Awards and handled a bunch of winner thoroughbreds in his stable.
That said, it’s not surprising that Encino won the Lexington Race this year and earned an amazing racing record. Encino’s first race in the record was the MSW race in 2023, where he finished second. He entered the MSW race again this year and crossed the finish line first.
After winning his second MSW race, the real competition began when he participated in the 2024 John Battaglia Memorial, where he also finished first. With his record, it’s clear that Encino has a bright future in the professional horse racing scene.
Encino’s proud owner is Godolphin, LLC, the home of horse racing winners. This 3-year-old colt was sired by Nyquist, who won the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and the 2016 Kentucky Derby, and Glittering Jewel by Bernardini.
Looking at Encino’s Pedigree, you’ll know that he has the genes of a winner. In addition, he has Cox guiding him throughout his racing journey.
Encino’s Derby Journey
Whether Encino will run on the 150th Kentucky Derby depends on the Godolphin team’s decision. If they think Encino is ready to take on the big racing scene, then trainer Brad Cox is ready to prepare him for the race.
Encino already has the talent of a winner, and Cox will only need to home this talent, which will push Encino to win the Kentucky Derby.
However, suppose the Godolphin decides Encino isn’t ready to run the Derby yet. In that case, he will still have other races to participate in, which will improve his skills and add to his experience as a professional racehorse.
Final Words
The Lexington G3 race has once again proven to be a crucible for testing the mettle and might of the best young thoroughbreds in the racing world. As we look toward the 2024 Kentucky Derby, the excitement only builds, promising a spectacle of equine athleticism and spirited competition that will capture the imagination of fans worldwide.
