A dark bay colt named Disco Time demonstrated his mettle on Saturday, clinching a narrow victory in the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds. Initially facing challenges at the start, Disco Time recovered and strategically positioned himself to make a powerful move down the backstretch. Under the guidance of jockey Florent Geroux, Disco Time surged past the competition in the final stretch, securing a neck victory over Built. This win adds another impressive chapter to Disco Time's undefeated record, now spanning three starts, and positions him as a promising contender for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

The journey to this victory was not without its hurdles. At the outset, Disco Time encountered some initial difficulties, bumping with rivals on either side. However, Geroux wisely allowed the colt to settle into 10th place, conserving energy for a decisive move later in the race. As the field entered the backstretch, Disco Time made an ambitious wide turn, ultimately covering nine-wide to challenge for the lead. The sloppy track conditions posed additional challenges, but Disco Time persevered, edging out Built by a neck and finishing ahead of Innovator, who came in third.

Trained by Brad Cox, Disco Time completed the 1 1/16-mile course in 1:47.07, with a final half-furlong sprint of 6.98 seconds. His performance has earned him $291,960 and 20 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby. Disco Time hails from Juddmonte Farms, where he has showcased remarkable versatility and adaptability. His pedigree is equally impressive, tracing back to Not This Time, a stallion renowned for producing top-tier racers like Up to the Mark and Epicenter.

Disco Time’s lineage is rich with champions and record-setters. His sire, Not This Time, descends from Giant’s Causeway and boasts a distinguished bloodline that includes multiple graded stakes winners. Not This Time’s distaff line features notable mares such as Miss Macy Sue and Ta Wee, whose son Great Above sired champion Holy Bull. Disco Time’s dam, Disco Chick, a hardy sprinter, also contributes to his robust genetic makeup. Despite her sprinter orientation, Disco Chick produced Disco Time, who has shown promise over classic distances.

Beyond his impressive performance, Disco Time’s conformation and pedigree suggest he is well-suited for longer races. He exhibits a smooth gait and can handle various racing strategies, whether leading, pressing, or closing. His ability to navigate both fast and sloppy tracks further underscores his versatility. Trainer Brad Cox plans to keep Disco Time active, with potential appearances in the Risen Star or Rebel Stakes in February. While the path to the Kentucky Derby is challenging, Disco Time’s early successes hint at a bright future in classic racing.