A full field has entered the LeComte Stakes for 2016. A few horses may scratch. Leaving 12 horses most likely for the post parade.
2016 LeComte Field
Riding in the Wind ships in from Mountaineer Park and gets a class test in Louisiana. Inside post drawn inside the other speed hard to imagine him getting an easy trip.
Fish Trappe Road has flashed speed and has a strong local trainer and won by 9 lengths in a Maiden Special Weight race by 9 lengths at Belmont park. Sharp recent work and speed, will be a threat on the engine.
Uncle Walter has shown talent in both his starts and lost to a nice prospect in last race with Synchrony. Win early pedigree and Miguel Mena jumps on. Has stalking sped and distance and class should not be a problem. Capable of the stalk and pounce trip on the turn.
Z Royal won a slow Maiden Special Weight race at Churchill Downs and may come running late. Recent works have him on edge and 15/1 is fair value.
Dolphus was on the lead and pressing the pace in tough allowance race last out. Came from off the pace in debut and look for him to make one run and could improve by 3-4 lengths off last effort. Could be sitting on a big race.
Mo Tom has some class and running style says he will run late in the race. Brushed the rail late in the Kentucky Jockey Club and had a shot for 2nd in a live race that featured next out winner Mor Spirit and Gun Runner who finished 4th. Even paced runner has enough speed to stay with the field and is most likely to go favored.
Battle Tap ran evenly in Springboard Mile and did not kick on down the stretch, was trapped inside that day and have a feeling he needs clear running to do his best running. May be ridden more aggressive.
Indygo Breeze lost his last race by 48 lengths and was 51/1 in a 5 horse field. Won his maiden in a 4 horse field at Hawthorne. Longshot.
Pinnacle Peak put it all together in last race and emerged with a neck victory over Tom’s Ready and Dolphus. Not sure of the upside but adds some pace.
Tiznoble won an allowance race that was washed off the turf in most recent outing. Late developing pedigree and has shown the ability to pass horses in all 3 of his races. Longshot with a chance.
Mending Fences has run evenly in all 3 career starts outside post and makes first start on dirt after 3 turf races. Son of Colonel John out of a Lemon Drop Kid mare should love the distance and may be developing late.
Destin is a full brother to multiple Graded Stakes winner Creative Cause. Ran greenly in debut defeating a strong field. Add blinkers for this race and a more patient jockey. Look for him to show speed on the outside and establish position. Capable of much better than most recent effort.
Tarpon Bay Road is still a maiden and most likely will scratch from the field.
Tom’s Ready has the same owner as Mo Tom and is also eligible for an allowance race on Monday. Contender if he runs but most likely will scratch.
The Choice:
The pace should be solid with most of the speed drawn inside. My choices are Destin who looked very green in his debut and defeated a good field and Uncle Walter who won a hard-fought maiden race and battled the length of the stretch last race. Top choice Destin – 2nd choice Uncle Walter.