Santa Anita: Code West eyes Grade 2 Coolmore Lexington Stakes

Code West, sixth in the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds on March 30, is a candidate for the $200,000 Coolmore Lexington Stakes at Keeneland on April 20, trainer Bob Baffert said Friday.

“It’s a possibility,” Baffert said.

Code West worked three furlongs Friday morning at Santa Anita, Baffert said, but the time was not on the workout sheet. Baffert said Code West galloped out a half-mile in 49 seconds.

The Grade 2 Lexington Stakes, run over 1 1/16 miles, offers 20 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the winner. Code West has 20 points, earned from a second-place finish in the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds on Feb. 23. Code West ranked 21st in the points standings through Thursday. The Kentucky Derby field will be limited to 20 starters.

A win in the Lexington Stakes would greatly enhance Code West’s chances of securing a place in the Kentucky Derby field.

On Thursday, Baffert worked Sunland Park Derby winner Govenor Charlie a half-mile in 48.20 seconds. “He came out of the work in good shape,” Baffert said.

Govenor Charlie has 50 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby, tied for eighth in the standings.

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