The 2026 Lecomte Stakes goes Saturday, January 17 at the Fair Grounds Race Course, run at 1 1/16 miles on dirt, and awards 20 Kentucky Derby points to the winner — double what we’ve seen so far on the Derby trail.

The Lecomte Stakes features 11 talented 3-year-olds, a projected fast early pace, and a long Fair Grounds stretch that could favor a late runner. In this video, I evaluate every horse in the field, analyzing form, speed figures, pace setup, and Derby potential.

1. Quality Mischief (Trainer: Brad Cox) By Into Mischief and trained by last year’s Lecomte-winning conditioner, this colt is still figuring things out — but if he lives up to his name, he could cause some trouble late.

2. Carson Street (Trainer: Brendan Walsh) As reliable as the street signs he’s named after, Carson Street always shows up. He’s consistent, honest, and may be a prime candidate to hit the board again.

3. Crown the Buckeye (Trainer: Mike Maker) When this horse gets the crown, he takes it aggressively. A proven speed horse with the best Beyer at the distance — but can he rule the pace without burning out?

4. Exosome (Trainer: Kelsey Danner) Still evolving, much like the DNA he’s named after. He’ll need to step forward to threaten this deeper field.

5. Golden Tempo (Trainer: Cherie DeVaux) Perfect name for a horse with a powerful finishing kick. Lightly raced, beautifully bred, and full of upside — the tempo might turn golden.

6. Thunder Buck (Trainer: Brad Cox) Built for distance and named like a powerhouse, this colt brings thunder late. If the pace collapses, expect him to charge home like a freight train.

7. Mesquite (Trainer: Cherie DeVaux) Dangerous with a late kick, One of the strongest closers in the field with a serious late punch.

8. White Tiger (Trainer: Brad Cox) Fast, athletic, and still learning how fierce he really is. If this Tiger takes another step forward, the rest may be chasing stripes.

9. Ocelli (Trainer: Whit Beckman) Still a maiden, but don’t let that fool you — this colt has been finishing like a professional. With blinkers on, his vision might finally match his ambition.

10. Stop the Car (Trainer: Brendan Walsh) Undefeated and saying “don’t stop believing.” The question isn’t talent — it’s whether traffic and pace force him to hit the brakes.

11. Chip Honcho (Trainer: Steve Asmussen) The boss of the Gun Runner Stakes returns. Cool, professional, and battle-tested — the Honcho is the one everyone has to beat.

🏁 Final Thoughts With 20 Kentucky Derby points on the line, this Lecomte could reshape the early Derby picture. Whether speed holds or closers come flying, this is a race you don’t want to miss.