No takers for Lexington's Kentucky Derby qualifying points

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Lexington Stakes is the last race with eligibility points toward the Kentucky Derby, but that will be a moot point Saturday when the 1 1/16-mile race is run at Keeneland.

None of the 3-year-olds under consideration for the Lexington have any Derby qualifying points, and with just 10 points to the winner, it seems impossible that any can crash the 20-horse field for the Kentucky Derby, since 20 points appears the likely threshold to make it.

Keeneland stakes coordinator Scott Jones said he expects a field of at least six, and probably a few more, when entries are taken Wednesday for the Grade 3, $200,000 Lexington. Those prospects are Ami’s Holiday, Divine Oath, Dynamic Impact, Mr Speaker, Ride Away, and Solitary Ranger.

[ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays]

Last year, the first for the Derby points system, Winning Cause won the Lexington and did not run back in the Derby. Winning Cause, second in a turf allowance here Sunday, is trained by Todd Pletcher, who has Divine Oath for this renewal of the Lexington and has won a remarkable five of its last nine runnings.

The Lexington will end a four-day race week, as there will be no racing Sunday at Keeneland because of the Easter holiday. The Grade 3 Ben Ali and the Giant’s Causeway also will be run Saturday.