The Highway to the Kentucky Derby will get a bit longer this week because the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct will check Triple Crown hopefuls at 1 1/8 miles. That’s the identical distance as many of the closing rounds of preps two months from now in late March and early April.

A subject of 9 was entered for the Withers, which went to Preakness Stakes winner Early Voting in 2022 and affords a complete of 42 Kentucky Derby qualifying factors.

1. Pace Runner (5-1, morning-line odds): Comes off a recreation maiden win at this monitor and distance. Has pace and the rail and hails from a prime barn. Pace figures are a tad weak.

JOCKEY: Jose Lezcano; TRAINER: Todd Pletcher

2. Deposition (50-1): Comes off a 13-length loss in a Laurel Park stakes. Coach Uriah St. Lewis has pulled off just a few main upsets in his profession and this may be one other if he can do it. That’s a really huge if, nevertheless.

JOCKEY: Dexter Haddock; TRAINER: Uriah St. Lewis

3. Lightline (8-5): Received his debut by 13 ¾ lengths at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Then completed second in two allowances races. With no graded stakes winner among the many Withers subject these credentials paint him as a contender.

JOCKEY: Manny Franco; TRAINER: Brad Cox                                    

4. El Grande O (5-2): Set the tempo within the Jerome Stakes and completed second on a speed-favoring floor. Figures to be in entrance right here however ought to have firm and is being requested to deal with an additional eighth or a mile. A delicate tempo would absolutely enhance his possibilities.

JOCKEY: Kendrick Carmouche; TRAINER: Linda Rice                        

5. Seminole Chief (12-1): Speedster arrives from Florida after a pace-pressing win in a state-bred stakes. Will probably be a part of the early tempo state of affairs and continued enchancment makes him a menace to hold round till the tip.

JOCKEY: Trevor McCarthy; TRAINER: Jack Sisterson

6. Society Man (20-1): He’s a maiden however he was third behind Pace Runner final outing and his connections consider he has potential. On this subject, he’s value an extended take a look at good odds.

JOCKEY: Isaac Castillo; TRAINER: Danny Gargan

7. Mission Seashore (6-1): Has graded stakes expertise however was no higher than fifth in his two makes an attempt. Has but to run past seven furlongs and figures to be a part of the early tempo. Not a tossout, however will want quite a bit to go his means.

JOCKEY: Dylan Davis; TRAINER: Brittany Russell

8. Uncle Heavy (10-1): Coach Butch Reid often ship over sharp horses from Parx Racing and this might be one other of them. Appears to love a distance of floor and will get a pleasant tempo to chase. Appears to be like like an intriguing chance.

JOCKEY: Mychel Sanchez; TRAINER: Butch Reid

9. Khanate (15-1): Was third within the Jerome, however was overwhelmed by 11 1/4 lengths. Has some pace however drawing the surface put up diminishes his possibilities in a two-turn check.

JOCKEY: Eric Cancel; TRAINER: Todd Pletcher

THE PICK: Lightline

LIVE LONGSHOTS: Uncle Heavy, Society Man

SUPERFECTA: 3-8-4-6