First Look: Kentucky Derby preps lead stakes action this weekend

This weekend’s calendar doesn’t include any Grade 1 stakes, but there are plenty of races of interest on the schedule.

These include two graded stakes: the Los Alamitos Futurity and the Mr. Prospector. The Futurity and the Springboard Mile are points races for the Kentucky Derby. And Maxfield makes his comeback on Saturday at Fair Grounds.

Here’s a closer look at this weekend’s races:

Los Alamitos Futurity (G2), Dec. 19, 1 1/16 miles, 2-year-olds 

This race offers Kentucky Derby points on a 10-4-2-1 basis for the top four finishers. Red Flag, winner of the Bob Hope last out, is possible for trainer John Shirreffs. And Bob Baffert could enter Classier — last seen finishing eighth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile — and Spielberg, who was fourth in the Bob Hope.

2020 Los Alamitos Futurity (G2)

Mr. Prospector, Dec. 19. Gulfstream, Grade 3, 7 furlongs, 3-year-olds & up

Firenze Fire is pointed to this sprint after his Cigar Mile scratch. In his last race, he finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint for trainer Kelly Breen.

Multiple Grade 2 winner and defending champion Diamond Oops has been nominated to this spot and would be the likely favorite if he shows up here. He finished sixth in the Breeders' Cup Sprint in his last start.

Sleepy Eyes Todd, the recent winner of the Lafayette Stakes on the Breeders' Cup undercard, is also possible for this race and would attract plenty of wagering support.

2020 Mr. Prospector (G3)

Springboard Mile, Dec. 18, Remington Park, 2-year-olds 

A wide-open field of 11 has been drawn for this Kentucky Derby points race, with 10-4-2-1 points up for grabs. Wesley Ward's Outadore, third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, is slated to make his dirt debut in this spot and has been made the 3-1 morning line favorite. 

After finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, Cowan will make his return here for Steve Asmussen. He was victorious on debut on the dirt. Saffa’s Day, last seen finishing sixth in the Nyquist Stakes, and Bret Calhoun's undefeated Game Day Play add further intrigue to this affair.

2020 Remington Springboard Mile (LS)

Tenacious Stakes, Dec. 19, Fair Grounds, 1 1/16 miles, 3-year-olds and up 

Unbeaten Maxfield will make his first appearance since winning the Matt Winn in May. He’s had a series of injuries since winning last year’s Breeders’ Futurity. “He did his final piece of work yesterday, went great. So we think it’s time to start him back,” trainer Brendan Walsh said Monday. Also entered is Asmussen’s Sonneman, whose last win came in April, but who finished second in three of four starts since then, including the Pat Day Mile (G2) on the Kentucky Derby undercard. And Al Stall Jr. entered Locally Owned, who has finished in the money in 11 of his 16 starts.

2020 Tenacious Stakes (LS)