The $400,000 Stonestreet Lexington Stakes frequently serves as a race for owners and trainers making a last-ditch effort to squeak into the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. This year’s edition Saturday at Keeneland is atypical in that none of the entrants has more than six Derby qualifying points and thus none has a realistic shot to compete in the first jewel of the Triple Crown.

Despite the lack of a Kentucky Derby contender, the Lexington looks like a compelling horse race. The 1 1/16-mile race drew an intriguing sprinter stretching out in distance in #3 Bullard (9-2 morning-line odds); several horses who have experience in Derby qualifying races like #2 Bracket Buster (20-1), #8 Hypnus (6-1), and #9 Touchy (8-1); and multiple runners trying stakes competition for the first time. Of that final group, #6 Gosger (7-2) and #7 Praetor (2-1) are the top two selections on the morning line and very likely will be popular picks.

Praetor, by leading sire Into Mischief, enters off back-to-back wins for five-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown, most recently dominating by 7 ½ lengths in a one-mile allowance-optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park. Gosger likewise enters the Lexington off a 1 ½-length win in a one-mile race at Gulfstream, and the Nyquist colt picks up the services of top rider Irad Ortiz Jr. for trainer Brendan Walsh.

Both Praetor and Gosger possess tactical speed, which is a big plus in 1 1/16-mile races at Keeneland that feature a short stretch run with the finish line at the sixteenth pole, and profile as win contenders. Their speed could be especially effective considering probable pacesetter #4 Rolando (6-1) finished fourth in the Lafayette Stakes Monday and could be scratched (likewise for Touchy, a closer who finished third in the Lafayette).

My top choice is Bullard coming out of a third-place finish behind Barnes in the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes in January at Santa Anita Park for trainer Michael McCarthy, who wins at 22% off similar layoffs and clicks at 26% with jockey Umberto Rispoli. Bullard, a son of prominent sire Gun Runner, won the Bob Hope Stakes last November and defeated Madaket Road by 4 ¾ lengths in that win. I think the West Coast 3-year-olds are pretty strong this year and Bullard, like Praetor and Gosger, has the speed to be in a good position early. I expect him to run a big race, and I’ll play him to win.

I also like the chances of Hypnus to outrun his odds. Trainer Ken McPeek will equip Hypnus with blinkers coming out of back to-back unplaced finishes in Grade 2 stakes on the Derby trail, which hopefully will sharpen his focus early. Hypnus dropped too far back in those two races but he can be competitive with this group if jockey Luis Saez can keep him within striking range.

I plan to bet Bullard to win and box him in the exacta with Hypnus.

Wagering Strategy on a $10 Budget

$10 win on #3 Bullard ($10)

What to say at the betting window: Keeneland, Race 9, $10 to win on #3

Wagering Strategy on a $30 Budget

$20 win on #3 Bullard ($20)

What to say at the betting window: Keeneland, Race 9, $20 to win on #3

$5 exacta box: 3,8 ($10)

What to say at the betting window: Keeneland, Race 9, $5 exacta box: 3,8