Horse Racing: Lexington Stakes Odds, Preview, and Picks (Apr 12)

The final points-scoring opportunity on the Road to the Kentucky Derby arrives this Saturday, as the Lexington Stakes will be staged at Keeneland. The wildcard event for horses dreaming of a run in the opening leg of the Triple Crown will involve a field of nine runners, and cases can be made for many of those involved.

---

How To Watch

• When: Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 5:16 PM ET
• Where: Keeneland, Lexington
• How To Watch: FanDuel TV

---

Odds

Horse	Odds
Praetor	+200
Gosger	+400
Hypnus	+400
Bullard	+600
Touchy	+800
Rolando	+1100
Native Runner	+1200
Bracket Buster	+3300
Hard As Life	+5000

---

Event Preview

The final field for the 2025 Kentucky Derby will be set following this weekend’s Lexington Stakes at Keeneland. The field of nine will compete over 1 1/16 miles this weekend, with the winner joining the likes of previous victors such as Encino and First Mission. However, it is unlikely to have a massive bearing on the Derby picture.

Praetor will be a red-hot contender in the betting for the team of Chad Brown and Flavien Prat. The three-year-old kicked off his 2025 campaign with a straightforward success at Gulfstream Park, hitting an Equibase rating of 88.

READ More: Premier League: Arsenal vs. Brentford Odds, Preview, and Picks (Apr 12)

Gosger is likely to battle for favoritism this weekend for the team for Brendan Walsh and Irad Ortiz. The three-year-old also won on his return to the track this calendar year, landing a maiden special weight at Gulfstream. An eyecatching Equibase rating of 94 was recorded.

Hypnus is one of two runners in the race this weekend for Kenneth McPeek. The three-year-old has been highly tried on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, finishing seventh in both of the G2 Louisiana Derby and G2 Rebel Stakes after breaking his maiden at Fair Grounds. Serious contender now in calmer waters.

Bullard also deserves respect this weekend for the Michael McCarthy yard. The three-year-old has won twice from three career starts, and plenty of positives can be drawn from his excellent third in the G2 San Vicente Stakes. Well worth another go in graded company.

---

Lexington Stakes Picks

Bullard makes the most appeal of the horses at the top of the betting. However, a chance is taken on Native Runner for McPeek. The three-year-old has won twice from six career starts, and has won twice from three attempts this year.

Finally looked to get his act together on his latest effort when hitting an Equibase rating of 93, and could improve further for a top yard on Saturday.

Free Pick:

• Native Runner