Making the Grade, which will run through the 2018 Belmont Stakes, focuses on the winners or top performers of the key races, usually from the previous weekend, who could impact the Triple Crown. We’ll be taking a close look at impressive winners and evaluating their chances to win classic races based upon ability, running style, connections (owner, trainer, jockey) and pedigree.
This week we take a closer look at Instilled Regard, winner of the $200,000 Lecomte Stakes on Jan. 13 at Fair Grounds.
Instilled Regard’s game performance in a roughly run Los Alamitos Cash Call Futurity – he finished third but was elevated to second via disqualification – led to strong public support for his second start in a graded stakes on Jan. 13 in the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes. Sent off as the 2.30-1 second betting choice, Instilled Regard proved much the best in a 3 ¾-length victory that stamped him a major player on the 2018 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve trail.
