Eleven Derby Hopefuls Line Up in $200,000 Lecomte Stakes

Eagle has been tabbed as the favorite in the wide open field at morning line odds of 3-1 for trainer Neil Howard. Bred and owned by William S. Farish, the chestnut son of Candy Ride will be trying to earn his first stakes victory. He has two wins from four starts and was third behind El Kabeir, a winner in his next start, in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2). He has been training steadily for his sophomore debut and will have Brian Hernandez, Jr. aboard from the outside post.

Class test for War Story after consecutive victories

Second choice on the morning line at 9-2 is War Story for trainer Tom Amoss. Undefeated from two career starts, the gelded son of Northern Afleet will be making his first try against stakes competition. After a maiden win in his debut, he came back to win an optional claiming race at the Fair Grounds in his next start. James Graham, aboard for his victory last time out, will be back in the irons and they will break from post position four.

Savoy Stomp trying to earn first stakes victory

Also in the field at morning line odds of 8-1 is Savoy Stomp for trainer Todd Pletcher. Purchased for $875,000 as a yearling, the dark bay son of Medaglia d’Oro has one win from three starts. He was most recently seen finishing third as the favorite in an optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park. He will be treated with Lasix for the first time and will get a jockey change to Mike Smith. They are scheduled to break from post position six.