Let ‘em Run Breaks Down the Late P5 at Fair Grounds
Let ‘em Run turns its full attention to a loaded Late P5 at Fair Grounds on Saturday 1/17/2026, highlighted by the Lecomte Stakes, one of the first true pressure points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. With 20 Derby points waiting for the winner and valuable points awarded through fifth, this sequence is not just about cashing tickets, it is about identifying future contenders as the prep season officially shifts into high gear.
The Kentucky Derby preps will really start heating up now, as starting this weekend we have 13 straight weeks of prep races, starting this Saturday with The Lecomte Gr3 at 1 1/16 on dirt. This will award 20 points to the winner. This race has a salty field of 11 runners and with the morning line favorite being 4-1, you can be sure it will be value packed with opportunity. So let’s dive right in and also keep your eye on the Bro’s BRISnet Play of the Day.
Race 9 – The Marie G. Krantz Memorial
5PM EST | 1 1/16 Turf | 100K
Looks like #3 Wild Bout Hilary 20-1, #6 Sweet Treasure 3-1 and #9 Stylish Sue 8-1 will be gunning for the lead when the gates open. I think that scenario sets up for the favorite #5 Medoro 2-1 to get a perfect trip. Jockey J. Ortiz on the #1 BRISnet Prime Power at +9, seals the deal for me. Trying the distance for the first time should not be a problem for this daughter of Honor Code. Also take a look at #8 Nanda Dea (Arg) 9-2 to make some noise with top turf jockey Flavien Prat getting aboard.
Race 10 – The Fasig-Tipton Silverbulletday
5:30 EST | 1 Mile 70yd Dirt | 150K
Nice compact field of 6 fillies line up here, and I think the race sets up well for #6 Pashmina 5-1 to cross over from this post and lead them all the way. She has become a much different runner since switching to dirt, and improvement is expected. Not sure who will take up the chase with her, but favorite #1 Atropa 2-1 will be in close attendance to the pace. The combo of trainer Kenneth McPeek and jockey B.J. Hernandez Jr. make the undefeated filly #4 Taken by the Wind 5-2 a likely win candidate.
Race 11 – The Colonel E.R. Bradley
6PM EST | 1 1/16 Turf | 100K
Okay, so here is where our Bro’s BRISnet Play of the Day will make or break our day. Can not get around #4 Lagynos 7-2, and for many reasons. Dropping in class and back to jockey J. Ortiz are all plus factors. The biggest plus factor is the +20 points above the field as the #1 Prime Power. When #1 Prime Power is +10, the win percentage jumps up to 55%, so at +20 points… well you get it. The #7 Theisman 10-1 has been a new horse since switching to turf, and could be a factor from the start.
Race 12 – The Louisiana Stakes (Gr3)
6:30 EST | 1 1/16 Dirt | 175K
This race serves as the appetizer for the main meal, in that it is the same 1 1/16 Mile on dirt so we get to see how the race and track will be playing here. No secret here, as #8 Just a Touch 8-5 looks to be the best horse in the race, with Irad Ortiz taking the wheel, and the runner is 2 for 2 on the Fair Grounds dirt oval, last time on it winning by 10 ½ lengths. Trainer Brad Cox remains smoking hot, hitting at 41%. If we are looking for a horse to take a shot with if top pick falters (doubtful), then I like #7 Willy D’s 4-1, who could be the speed of the speed. Has been keeping good company in previous outings, and jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. is a good fit for a speed horse.
Race 13 – The Lecomte (Gr3)
7PM EST | 1 1/16 Dirt | 250K
So here we are at the main meal, with a full menu to choose from…where are you going to land?? With a morning line favorite listed at 4-1, the menu is chock full of choices. I am landing on #8 White Tiger 8-1. One of two BRISnet “E” types (the other is #11 Chip Honcho 9-2), and “E” types have hit the winners circle at 41% at the distance at the meet so far (7 of 17). Just think White Tiger is being primed up for this race by trainer Brad Cox.
Won last time out after a bad start and was not asked for best yet, which I think jockey Irad Ortiz will do here, and get this runner to the wire with a big run this time out. Can’t blame anyone for dropping anchor on #3 Crown the Buckeye 4-1, who is #1 Prime Power and trained by Michael Maker. Just think this race is a wide open event, and you could make a case for any runner in the field, so make a case!!!
Late P5 – Fair Grounds (Pre-Scratches)
Late P5 Fair Grounds (Pre Scratches – tune in Saturday at 12:30 for updates after scratches).
Show Schedule and Where to Watch
So be sure to tune in to our Happy Hour Podcast on Friday at 12:30PM, where myself and John Kostin will take a look at The Lecomte, and also take some time to talk to our special guest.
Then on Saturday, we will take an in depth look at the Late P5 (also after scratches) at Fair Grounds, with some loaded stakes races on dirt and turf, including Race 13 (The Lecomte). So be sure to catch us on multiple streaming apps and social channels.
So remember to bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses equal serious fun, and Let ‘em Run!!
