Lexington Stakes Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Apr 11)

The final race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is set for April 11, as Keeneland hosts the crucial G3 Lexington Stakes. Find the odds and our picks for this year’s race here.

Odds

Lexington Stakes Recent Winners

Lexington Stakes Event Information

ALSO SEE: Wood Memorial Stakes Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Apr 4)

Race Preview

The final field for the 2026 Kentucky Derby will be set on Saturday, as the final race on the prep series is scheduled for Keeneland. This weekend’s race presents a last chance saloon for contenders, but no winner of the Lexington has won the Kentucky Derby since Charismatic in 1999.

Brad Cox’s excellent record in the race ensures that Ezum will be a leading contender. Flavien Prat will be aboard the son of Essential Quality, who has won once from two career starts. Made a striking impression when breaking his maiden and achieving an Equibase rating of 96 at Colonial Downs.

Confessional is another runner from the Cox stable, with Irad Ortiz taking the ride. The three-year-old is well-bred, holding close progeny to Essential Quality and American Pharoah. However, he is winless in three starts this year, including when third in the Virginia Derby last time.

Based on Equibase figures, Corona De Oro should be competitive this weekend. The three-year-old recorded a rating of 89 when breaking his maiden at Fair Grounds. Was third at Keeneland as a juvenile, and that track experience could be important.

The Hell We Did for trainer Todd Fincher should also be respected after returning with an Equibase rating of 95 when winning at Sunland Park. Trendsetter should also be capable of better after finishing fourth in the Spectacular Bid and third in the Rushaway Stakes.

Lexington Stakes Picks

Cases can be made for plenty in this weekend’s race. However, Enforced Agenda could be overlooked. The three-year-old was a fine winner as a juvenile last year, before returning with a credible third in the Jerome Stakes.