Divining Rod Captures Grade 3 Lexington Stakes

April 11, 2015 2 Min Read

Divining Rod took over in the stretch to capture the Grade 3 Lexington Stakes (Keeneland Photo)

Divining Rod Captures Grade 3 Lexington Stakes

Needing a victory to have a chance to make the Kentucky Derby field, Divining Rod delivered under a perfect ride by Julien Leparoux. He won by 3 lengths over the favorite Donworth.

Out of the gate, Fame and Power went to the lead with Henry Jones and Divining Rod a length and a half behind. Donworth was also close in fourth. Tiznow R J was fifth, Quimet was sixth, and Comfort was settled in last by 5 1/4 lengths.

On the first turn Donworth was three wide and pushed to go up and sit of Fame and Power’s right flank. Divining Rod continued to sit in a perfect spot behind the leaders on the fence with Henry Jones next to him. Tiznow R J was fifth, Quimet was sixth, and Comfort was still last, but beginning to make a move to get closer to the field.

Midway through the far turn and entering the stretch, Donworth challenged Fame and Power for the lead, but waiting in the wings was Divining Rod. He came out entering the stretch and went past the two leaders who were no match for the winner. Donworth held on by a nose for second with Fame and Power coming in third.

Comfort rallied to be fourth, but was no threat to the top three. Henry Jones finished fifth, Tiznow R J was sixth, and Quimet finished last of 7. The entire chart can be found here via Equibase.

Divining Rod is by Tapit out of the Catienus mare Precious Kitten. He was ridden by Julien Leparoux and is trained by Arnaud Delacour. He paid $7.80 to win, $3.60 to place, and $2.40 to show. He completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.29.

For the win, Divining Rod earned 10 points to give him 20 points total towards the Kentucky Derby Points Leaderboard. Donworth earned his first 4 points, Fame and Power earned his first 2 points, and Comfort earned his first point.