Lookin At Lee

STRENGTHS: With his powerful late kick, he performed well in the first two legs of the Triple Crown, with a runner-up finish in the Kentucky Derby and a fourth in the Preakness, only a half-length away from finishing third. Although he enjoyed a perfect groundsaving trip in the Derby, he had a wide journey in the Preakness. Throw in a troubled third behind Classic Empire in the Arkansas Derby, and it is clear this colt is a high-class closer, one that only seems to get stronger the longer he races. WEAKNESSES: The Belmont will be his fourth race in eight weeks – a demanding schedule that could put him at a disadvantage versus fresher counterparts. As a late-runner, he needs racing luck. He got that in the Derby by never having to get off the rail, but that is atypical for a horse rallying from the clouds. These types often are at risk of getting stopped when placed inside or losing ground with a wide trip. BETTING VALUE: Having established himself along the Triple Crown, and with Creator’s win in last year’s Belmont for trainer Steve Asmussen and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., he seems likely to be among the favorites in the wagering at about 4-1. – Byron King

SIRE: Lookin At Lucky has been a steady sire, with 13 Northern Hemisphere stakes winners from four crops of racing age, but he’s still looking for his first Grade 1 winner. His best runner and leading earner is Grade 2 West Virginia Derby winner Madefromlucky. He’s also sired Breaking Lucky, winner of the 1 3/16-mile Prince of Wales, part of the Canadian Triple Crown. In the Southern Hemisphere, Lookin At Lucky has been represented by 14 stakes winners, and his progeny have performed well at longer distances there. Champion at 2 and 3, Lookin At Lucky won the Preakness but did not race in the Belmont.

DAM: The family of Langara Lass is largely of Canadian racing extraction. Langara Lass won stakes at Hastings and Northlands, and her dam, Capilano, by Demons Begone, won stakes at Hastings and Emerald Downs. Capilano produced three other Northlands or Hastings stakes winners, and while there’s black type in the family, it’s below graded stakes quality and the runners are generally sprinters.

OUTLOOK: Lookin At Lee, the third-leading earner for his sire, looks like he wants as much distance as possible. He gets that aptitude from Lookin At Lucky, who is by stamina influence Smart Strike, which means he’s been getting all his distance aptitude from his male line. – Mark Simon