Lexington provides final Derby chance

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Lexington Stakes, the last major prep race for the Kentucky Derby, is also the last chance for some prominent horses and trainers to earn a spot in the first part of the Triple Crown.

Rockport Harbor must win the race today at Keeneland, trainer John Servis said. Bob Baffert needs Sort It Out to win to return Baffert to the May 7 Derby after a one-year absence.

D. Wayne Lukas believes Going Wild will bounce back from a last-place finish in the Wood Memorial two weeks ago. Lukas also has entered lightly raced Skye’n Thunder.

Todd Pletcher, with Blue Grass Stakes champion Bandini and Arkansas Derby runner-up Flower Alley already headed for the Derby, will saddle Coin Silver.

The Lexington winner will receive $201,500, with $65,000 going to the second-place finisher and $32,500 going for third.