Stakes Saturday at Keeneland

 A number of quality stakes races for the youngsters go off this weekend. We look in on a great one down in Kentucky.

Keeneland Race 9 {Clairborne Breeders' Futurity~G1~1 1/16 mile~2 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A good field of eleven will enter the gate in this annual event.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

This will be the first effort over the Keeneland track for all of the entrants in this field. Only two have gone this distance, the rest will be stretching out. There is enough speed to produce an honest pace. Speed numbers are very close. All can be expected to improve as they embark in earnest on their racing career. It should be a very exciting race on a fully stocked card.

#1 Ferocious (L. Saez / Delgado) is the deserved favorite with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and three powerful workouts. This colt has posted the only triple digit speed number while winning at first asking. He should sit in right behind the leaders ready to rock. A son of Flatter, he is 100% in the money from two starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#9 Tenacious Leader (Geroux / Pletcher) last competed at this distance scoring the third highest last out speed number and has two superb workouts. This guy should track the pace closely. He comes in from Saratoga looking forward to his fourth career start. A son of Not This Time, he is 66% in the money from three starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#3 Optical (Graham / Desormeaux) broke his maiden last time out earning the highest speed number of this group. He has put in two stellar workouts in the last thirty days. Coming in from Churchill Downs he will stretch out another half furlong. Look for him to be forwardly placed. A son of City of Light, he holds a 25% win rate from four starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 East Avenue (Gaffalione / B. Walsh) shares the second highest last out speed number and has four strong workouts. He should speed. This guy will stretch out from a sprint to a route coming in from Ellis Park. A son of Medaglia d'Oro, he won at first asking in his only start.

#4 Handsome Pants (B. Hernandez / McPeek) is the only other entrant that has gone this distance posting a good speed number while winning in his lone start. This guy should track the pace and strike in the stretch. A son of Daredevil, he has a 100% win rate in light of that first start.

#10 Dapper Moon (Santana / D. Stewart) will be stretching out in his third career start. He should track the pace closely seeking position. Three solid peaking workouts add to his cause. A son of Malibu Moon, he is 100% in the money from two starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#1 Ferocious  +  #9 Tenacious Leader  +  #3 Optical  +  #5 East Avenue.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#1 Ferocious  /  #9 Tenacious Leader,  #3 Optical  /  #9,  #3,  #5 East Avenue,  #4 Handsome Pants,  #10 Dapper Moon  /  ALL.

Best of luck with all your Stakes Saturday plays!!!