The 2026 Lexington Stakes, the final Kentucky Derby prep race, takes place Saturday at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. While the winner earns 20 Derby qualifying points, none of the horses in this field currently have enough points to secure a Kentucky Derby spot even with a victory. However, the race could significantly impact the Preakness Stakes lineup. Favorites include Ezum (2-1) and Confessional (7-2), with Corona de Oro and The Hell We Did also considered top contenders.

Horse racing expert Jeff Hochman, known for his 65.7% win rate during the 2025 Saratoga and Del Mar seasons, has handicapped the Lexington Stakes field and made his picks. Notably, Hochman does not favor the 2-1 favorite Ezum as a win bet due to inconsistency and a wide post position, though he will use the horse in exotic wagers. Instead, Hochman’s top choice is an improving horse offering solid value, along with a longshot backed by a strong trainer and jockey combo. For detailed picks and betting strategies, Hochman’s full analysis is available on SportsLine.