Worth’ a Long Look in the Lexington

Regis Racing’s Donworth (Tiznow), tabbed as a ‘TDN Rising Star’ after narrowly overcoming a nightmare trip in his seven-furlong Gulfstream debut Mar. 14, heads right into the deep end in Saturday’s GIII Coolmore Lexington S. at Keeneland. The dark bay was scratched out of a Keeneland allowance Thursday in favor of this spot, which carries a point breakdown of 10-4-2-1 for the GI Kentucky Derby. Donworth, the second foal from GI Humana Distaff runner-up Temple Street (Street Cry {Ire}), has posted one workout in the interim, a four-furlong move in :48 4/5 at Palm Meadows Apr. 1. 

“There are very capable horses in both races, but I would rather run for $250,000 than $60,000,” trainer Graham Motion commented. “Both races have experienced horses in them and that will be against him in either spot.” 

Motion continued, “He is a great big horse and he just had some baby stuff going on, nothing exceptional. I was always pleased with his works and was looking forward to having him run like that.” 

Juddmonte Farms’ Fame and Power (First Defence) has been tabbed as the 5-2 morning-line favorite. He ships in from Bob Baffert’s Santa Anita base after graduating at fifth asking with a wire-to-wire tally going seven furlongs in Arcadia Mar. 8. He earned a 93 Beyer Speed Figure that day while receiving first-time Lasix in his sophomore debut and has been training up a storm since. This marks his first attempt around two turns. 

Divining Rod (Tapit), a son of MGISW Precious Kitten (Catienus), is by far the most accomplished runner on paper in the field of seven. The Lael Stables homebred came within a neck of upsetting the GIII Sam F. Davis S. Jan. 31, then tired to finish third after setting a hot pace in ‘TDN Rising Star’ Carpe Diem (Giant’s Causeway)’s GII Tampa Bay Derby Mar. 7. Julien Leparoux rides for the first time. 

Comfort (Indian Charlie) was transferred to trainer Todd Pletcher after airing for owner Glockenburg LLC and trainer Pavel Vashchenko at Fair Grounds Feb. 12. He was acquired privately by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners after earning his diploma in that two-turn test.