Grade 2 Lexington Draws Competitive Field of 10

9/5 morning line favorite Swipe was last seen October 31 running second in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile, just a half length back of the still unbeaten, and probable Kentucky Derby favorite Nyquist. If Swipe is ready to fire off the layoff for trainer Keith Desormeaux he is clearly the one to beat, but the late-closing son of Birdstone could have his work cut out for him against a challenging group. Swipe will appreciate escaping the shadow of Nyquist who defeated him four consecutive times in 2015. Notably, the margin of victory was less than a length combined in two route efforts against the champ. 

Baffert shipper draws wide 

2/1 second choice Collected represents the always-dangerous Bob Baffert barn following the colt's last out win at Sunland Park in a listed stakes event. Prior to that effort, Collected finished fourth in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes. The improving son of City Zip has some early speed and will likely be called upon for that commodity while breaking from post 10 under jockey Javier Castellano. Collected has won three of five starts including the Grade 3 Sham Stakes earlier this year. 

Big Squeeze looks live

Big Squeeze (10/1) broke his maiden last out, but recorded an 88 Beyer Figure while doing so in his first try around two turns. The Gary Simms trainee takes a drastic step up in class, but is clearly improving and has the tactical speed to make him a factor in this race.