By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman

The $200,000 Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, Race 14

(7) Instant Coffee was a solid winner of the Kentucky Jockey Club while rallying wide. He has a late-running style that bodes well for his chances in a field that boasts several rivals with keen early speed. He’s trained by Brad Cox, who has done a great job of turning out Triple Crown-caliber runners the last few friends, and deserves top billing here. (1) Echo Again also hails from a top barn and figures to be part of the early pace after finishing third in the Springboard Mile. Drawing the rail figures to help this Steve Asmussen-trained 3-year-old who could go gate-to-wire here. (2) Denington was hurt by a wide trip when third in the Smarty Jones. Adds blinkers here and should be helped by the added distance. (8) Two Phil’s was an easy winner of the Street Sense Stakes, but that was in the slop. If he can avoid a wide trip from the outside post, he has the potential to be a main contender. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-8. Trifecta box: 1-2-7-8.