Racetrack Lenny

Lexington and Federico Tesio

2 more stakes races down: The Lexington at Keeneland and the Federico Tesio at Pimlico.

Lexington: Quinton's Gold Rush (Jerry Bailey up) ran a super race. Breaking from post 10, he was hustled to the front and sat behind pacesetter Dashboard Drummer. At the 3/4 mile mark, Quinton's Gold Rush took over and won by 2-3/4 widening lengths. He ran the mile and one-sixteenth in a very creditable 1:43-4/5. Question is was this race spaced to close to the Derby? We'll see; but, Quinton's Gold Rush's running style suits the Derby.

Other Derby hopefuls-Song of the Sword was closing and got 3rd but was never a threat. The much heralded Pomeroy ran evenly around the track sitting 3rd most of the way before being overtaken by Song of the Sword.

Federico Tesio: Will the Derby winner come out of this race? In a word-No. Derby hopeful Paddington, a one-run closer, sat behind a lifeless pace (1st quarter in 24) and actually lost ground in the stretch. Not a good sign. Water Cannon won the mile and one-eighth contest in a very pedestrian 1:50-2/5. Minister Eric is due to workout sometime this week.

Catherine Detweiler went to the post at @ 7:52 PM