Going Long on Keeneland Turf

 On this beautiful Stakes Saturday we take in a long route on the Turf in Lexington, Kentucky.

Keeneland Race 8 {Elkhorn Stakes~G2~1 1/2 mile~TURF~4 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A reduced field of nine will hit the grass in this annual event. 

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

This is a great field of hard charging that love going long. Only four will be stretching out to this distance. There is some speed to maintain an honest pace. Speed numbers are very close making it anyone of these a potential winner. Could be the best on today's Keeneland card.

#8 Highest Honors (I. Ortiz / C. Brown) comes in with the fourth highest speed number at this distance. He has put in four superb workouts in preparation. Look for him to track the pace closely. This guy loves the surface, distance, and course. A son of Tapit, he is 64% in the money from seventeen career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 Another Mystery (Loveberry / Block) holds eight career victories. He comes in with three good last out speed number and two hearty workouts. He is another lover of the surface, distance and course. Look for him to track and close gallantly. A son of Temple City, he is 53% in the money from thirty-four career starts. 

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#2 Value Engineering (Gaffalione / Maker) comes in with the second highest last out speed number and four strong peaking workouts. He will be tracking the pace ready to strike. This lad relishes the surface and distance. A son of Lemon Drop Kid, he is 83% in the money from eighteen career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#7 Howe Street (Prat / Abreu) will stretch out to this distance with three decent last out speed numbers and three sound workouts. This will be his fourth career start. He should settle in to a nice tracking pace. A son of Honor Code, he is 100% in the money from three career starts.

$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Red Knight (Corrales / Maker) is a millionaire son of Pure Prize. He should track the pace showing the highest last out speed number and four solid workouts. Holds a 62% in the money record from thirty-two career starts. Could go off as the favorite.

#1 Channel Maker (J. Velazquez / Mott) millionaire son of English Channel, holds a 50% in the money record over the Keenland course. He should be part of the pace scenario. 

$1 Stakes Saturday Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#8 Highest Honors  //  #4 Another Mystery,  #2 Value Engineering,  #7 Howe Street,  #5 Red Knight,  #1 Channel Maker.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#4,  #2,  #7,  #5,  #1  //  #8 Highest Honors.

Best of luck to you in all your Stakes Saturday wagers!!!

Opening Night at Churchill Downs

Updated 2:30 pm PT (4/24/2021) 

With KD 147 exactly one week away, we look in on some evening racing under the Twin Spires for our Stakes Saturday.

Churchill Downs Race 9 {William Walker Stakes~5 1/2 Furlongs~TURF~3 year-old~Stakes}

A field of ten talented lads should hi the grass in this annual contest. 

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

Named after famed Kentucky Derby winning jockey, Billy Walker, this race shapes up as a highly competitive one. Hopefully it will be kept on the TURF. There is a plethora of speed which make this race fast and furious. Speed figs are fairly close. Esteemed trainer, Wesley Ward, has two entered in this race. Also, the stellar sire, Into Mischief, has two progeny entered. It should be a super fine race.

#3 Field Day (Gaffalione / B. Cox) looks to be the controlling speed. He holds the second highest (tie) last out speed number and two good workouts. This guy has already hit the board twice in two starts at this very distance. A son of Broken Vow, he is 100% in the money from six career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#1 Roderick (Van Dyke / W. Ward) is sure to challenge, coming off short layoff. This colt should race close to the speedsters on the front end. He was last seen at Gulfstream Park racing in a Stakes sprint over the dirt and has put in four exceptional workouts in the last thirty days. A son of Into Mischief,  he is 50% in the money from six career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#5 Unitedandresolute (Geroux / Amoss) will contend holding the highest last out speed number and two strong workouts. This guy should be traveling close to the pace as the speedsters cut through the grass. A son of Violence, he is 90% in the money from ten career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#11 Into the Sunrise (L. Saez / W. Ward) is also coming off a modest layoff with three dynamite workouts. He hold a win at this distance from three tries. Expect him to also be motoring on the front end. He is a newly gelded son of Into Mischief. 

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#3 Field Day  //  #1 Roderick,  #5 Unitedandresolute,  #11 Into the Sunrise.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#3 Field Day  +  #1 Roderick  +  #5 Unitedandresolute  +  #11 Into the Sunrise.

Last Stakes Saturday (4/17) Results

Keeneland R9.  Elkhorn Stakes--G2.  Our first pick, Red Knight, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Say the Word, won (1st) for place money of $2.40 and show money of $3.20.  Our third pick, Tide of the Sea, finished 7th.  Our fourth pick, Fantasioso [ARG], finished 4th.

We completely missed on our Exacta play. Superfecta went 2-9-3-8.

Bankroll tumbles to $42.34.

 

A Grade Two Stakes Saturday

 We look in on that beautiful Track, Keeneland, for a Stakes Saturday Grade two TURF race.

Keeneland Race 9 {Elkhorn Stakes~G2~1 1/2 mile~TURF~4 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A diluted field of eight will hop onto the grass in this annual contest.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

A great group of Turfer's will show their staying power in this exceptional race. There is enough speed to maintain an honest pace. Only three have not raced over the Keeneland Turf. Speed numbers are fairly close making it very competitive. Super strong Turf pedigrees appear throughout this group. It should be one of the most exciting races on this Stakes Saturday.

#10 Red Knight (Graham / Mott) should go off as the deserved favorite as he comes in fresh off a modest layoff. He holds the second highest speed number at the distance and has put in three high powered workouts in preparation. This lad should be tracking the pace closely. A son of Pure Prize, he is 72% in the money from twenty-two career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#2 Say the Word (L. Saez / D'Amato) will challenge with the highest last out speed number and two dynamic workouts. He should track and close gallantly. This guy has hit the board in all four of his starts at this distance. A son of More Than Ready, he loves the Turf and the Keeneland grass.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#6 Tide of the Sea (Corrales / Maker) should contend with the second highest last out speed number and four superb workouts. He has two wins at this distance in two appearances at same. Look for him to show speed and attempt to wire this field. A son of English Channel, he is 81% in the money from eleven career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#8 Fantasioso [ARG] (Bejarano / Correas) comes in off an layoff after racing in Argentina for his early career. While in Argentina he hit the board in his last two starts. He has put in four rigorous workouts in preparation for his first North American start. A son of Strategic Prince [GB], he is 65% in the money from twenty-three career starts.

$1 SHOW.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#10 Red Knight  //  #2 Say the Word,  #6 Tide of the Sea,  #8 Fantasioso [ARG].

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#10 Red Knight  +  #2 Say the Word  +  #6 Tide of the Sea  +  #8 Fantasioso [ARG].

Results from Our Previous two Stakes Saturday's

(4/3)  Keenland R11.  Toyota Bluegrass Stakes-G2.  Our first pick, Essential Quality, won (1st) for win money of $1.50, place money of $2.20, and show money of $3.35.  Our second pick, Highly Motivated, finished 2nd for place money of $1.70 and show money of $2.60.  Our third pick, Rombauer, finished 3rd for show money of $5.40.  Our fourth pick, Hidden Stash, finished 4th.

We hit the Exacta for $3.70 and the 10 CENT Superfecta for $7.56. Superfecta went 4-3-5-1.

(4/10)  Oaklawn Park R12.  Arkansas Derby--G1.  Our first pick Concert Tour, finished 3rd.  Our second pick, Super Stock, won (1st) for show money of $2.80.  Our third pick, Caddo River, finished 2nd for show money of $2.40.

We missed on the Exacta and the 10 CENT Superfecta box. Superfecta went 1-2-5-4.

Bankroll settles at $54.14.

Stakes Saturday in Texas

On this Stakes Saturday, we go to the great of Texas to take in a mile.

Lone Star Park Race 8 {Texas Mile~G3~1 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
A stellar group of nine will go to the gate in this annual graded stakes race.  There is several tons of speed in this one which could open it for a horse coming from off the pace.  Nearly all in here are coming into this one fresh from thirty day layoffs.  It should be a great race.

#6 Bourbon Courage (Goncalves / Gorder) could benefit greatly from a speedy pace.  He holds the highest last our speed number from a longer route, a three race progression, and two sound workouts.  This son of Lion Heart should track the pace and close furiously.
$2 WIN / $3 SHOW.

#4 Forest Mouse (Eikleberry / Dominguez) has the tactical speed to stay with this group and pounce in the stretch.  He holds the fourth highest (tie) speed number at a longer route and has put in three top flight workouts.  This son of Teton Forest has won his last three races.
$2 SHOW.

#9 Proud Strike (Berry / Asmussen) should challenge with two improving last out speed numbers, a three race progression, and three solid peaking workouts.  This son of Smart Strike will be closing swiftly going into the stretch.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Taptowne (Borel / Glyshaw) might press or track his way to victory sharing the fourth highest last out speed number at a longer route and putting in two hearty workouts.  As a son of Tapit, he can be expected to take to the Texas dirt.  He holds the highest (tie) speed number at the distance.

#3 Grand Contender (Eramia / Amoss) should be motoring on the front end with a bunch of others seeking to hold on for a piece of the purse pie.  He holds the second highest last out speed number and has put in two robust workouts.  This son of Strong Contender should contend.

10 CENT Superfecta

#6 Bourbon Courage  /  #4 Forest Mouse  /  #9 Proud Strike  /  #5 Taptowne, #3 Grand Contender.



Friday's Results
Keeneland R9.  Dixiana Elkhorn--G2.  Our first pick, Temeraine, finished 3rd for show money of $2.10.  Our second pick, Forte Die Marmi [GB] finished 7th.  Our third pick, Suntracer, finished 4th.
Superfecta went 3-14-5-6.
Bankroll takes a hit and dips to $4.19.  We will supplement with a Hamilton for todays race.

Keeneland Closes Out Spring

We go into the weekend before the first Saturday in May taking in the Keeneland finale.

Keeneland Race 9 {Elkhorn~G2~1 1/2 mile~TURF~4 year old Up~Stakes}
A highly talented field of fourteen will go to the grass in this feature race.  Some of the top distance Turfers converge on the Keeneland green for this one.  There is a few forwardly placed types that should keep the pace rolling.  It should be quite a race with any one of these fellas capable of pulling off the victory.

#5 Temeraine (Lezcano / Proctor) has a slight edge with the fourth highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three premier peaking workouts.  He holds the third highest speed number at the distance and is 75% in the money from four starts at same.
$1 WIN / $1 SHOW.

#13 Forte Dei Marmi [GB] (Graham / Attfield) looks to improve with his second start of the year.  He has run a couple of decent last out speed numbers, holds a two race progression, and has put in two sharp workouts. Also, he holds the highest speed number at the distance.  This lad should be in a nice tracking position ready to roll.
$1 SHOW.

#6 Suntracer (Albarado / Block) should close well with the proper pace. He has a couple of decent last out speed numbers, holds the second highest speed number at the distance and has produced a significant bullet workout.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#10 Tricky Hat [CHI] (Napravnik / McGaughey) should be in the hunt with the second highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and two excellent workouts.  He has secured a victory at the distance in one try.  He could be one of the forwardly placed that should hold on for a piece of the purse pie.

#11 Amen Kitten (J. Velazquez / Ward) should be in the mix with the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three robust workouts.  He should close swiftly coming into the stretch.

10 CENT Superfecta

#5 Temeraine  /  #13 Forte Dei Marmi [GB]  /  #6 Suntracer  /  #10 Tricky Hat [CHI], #11 Amen Kitten.



Friday's Results
Keeneland R8.  Bewitch--G3.  Our first pick, Romantica [GB] finished 4th.  Our second pick, Aigue Marine [GB] finished 2nd for show money of $5.30.  Our third pick, Left a Message, finished 9th.
Superfecta went 12-11-10-9.
Bankroll gets a lift to $6.29.

Big Sandy Stakes Saturday

Spring is in the air as some of the premiere race tracks begin opening up.  On this Stakes Saturday we take a look at a very contentious graded stakes race at the "Big Sandy".

Belmont Park Race 9 {Westchester~G3~1 mile~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A highly talented group of eight will go to the gate in this annual stakes race.  There is enough speed to keep the pace honest.  Any one of these entrants can win.  There speed numbers are comparable across the board.  It will be a terrific race.

#6 Norman Asbjornson (Rose / Mancita) may have the edge with a perfect record over the mile distance in three starts.  He holds the second highest (3-way tie) last out speed number at a longer route, a three race progression, and one serious workout.  He should be able to track a fluid pace and score.
$1 WIN / $2 PLACE / $3 SHOW.

#2 Cross Traffic (Castellano / Pletcher) should challenge with the fourth highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and four exceptional workouts.  He should be able to sit on the pace and launch into the stretch.  This guy will be making only his third career start.
$1 PLACE / $2 SHOW.

#7 Big Screen (Ortiz / Albertrani) may surprise with the third highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and three hearty workouts.  He should be forwardly placed ready to strike.  This guy has already secured two wins in two starts at this distance.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Rattlesnake Bridge (Lezcano / McLaughlin) should be in the mix sharing the second highest last out speed number, holding a two race progression, and putting in two solid workouts.  He should be tracking the front group and make his move.

#3 Flat Out (Alvarado / Mott) could pull off the victory with the highest last out speed number at a longer route, a two race progression, and two robust workouts.  He loves the Belmont track and in his three starts here, has scored victoriously.

10 CENT Superfecta

#6 Norman Asbjornson / #2 Cross Traffic / #7 Big Screen / #5 Rattlesnake Bridge, #3 Flat Out.



Friday's Results
Keeneland R9.  Elkhorn--G2.  Our first pick, Ioya Bigtime, finished 9th.  Our second pick, Reflecting, finished 5th.  Our third pick, Dark Cove, won (1st) for show money of $3.40.
Superfecta went 6-3-1-2.
Bankroll slips a few cents to settle at $30.45.

Friday Turf at Keeneland

On this, the last Friday of April, we take a peek at a mighty fine Turf race on closing day at Keeneland.

Keeneland Race 9 {Elkhorn~G2~1 1/2 mile~TURF~4 year old Up~Stakes}
A solid group of eleven will go to the green in the closing race of the Spring meet.  There is enough speed / forwardly placed in this one to keep the pace swift.  It should be a worthy cap to a splendid meet.

#8 Ioya Bigtime (Sanchez / Block) should be able to set a smooth pace and wire this field.  He holds the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two robust workouts.  This guy also shares the highest speed number at the distance.
$1 WIN / $1 SHOW.

#5 Reflecting (Albarado / McGaughey) will challenge with the third highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and two superb peeking workouts.  He has the tactical speed to stay close to the pace and unleash in the stretch.
$1 SHOW.

#6 Dark Cove (Rosario / Maker) is primed to contend in this one with the second highest (tie) last out speed number, a four race progression, and three hearty workouts.  He is another that can be expected to press the pace until the finish.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interest

#11 Al Khali (Gomez / Mott) should be in the mix with a couple of decent last out speed numbers and two athletic workouts.  He holds the second highest speed number at the distance.  This guy figures to be mid-pack ready to close well.

#3 Side Road (Stevens / McLaughlin) could surprise with the fourth highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and one hardy workout.  He is one capable of tracking the pace and moving through the stretch.

10 CENT Superfecta

#8 Ioya Bigtime / #5 Reflecting / #6 Dark Cove / #11 Al Khali, #3 Side Road.



Thursday's Results
Betfair Hollywood Park R7.  Harry Henson Stakes.  Our first pick, Sacred Ovation, finished 2nd for show money of $2.20.  Our second pick, No Contingency, finished 5th.
Superfecta went 5-2-1-6.
Bankroll slips to $31.25.

Marathon Turf at Keeneland

Friday closes out the Keeneland Spring meet.  Today we take a look at a great Turf distance race at the venerable track.

Keeneland Race 9 {Elkhorn~G2~1 1/2 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~Stakes}
One scratch will make this a good field of ten well seasoned Turf veterans go to the grass in this annual race.  Only one speedster that could very well control the pace.  The rest will close for home.  It should be a very exciting finish to a great race and Keeneland meet.

#8 Rahy's Attorney (Wilson / Black) will be the speedster that could wire this field.  She has the second highest (tie) last out speed number, a five race progression, and three strong, peaking workouts.
#2 SHOW.

#11 Musketier [GER] is likely to be the main challenger with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three solid, peaking workouts.  He loves the Keeneland course and will be closing fast.
$2 SHOW.

#3 Simmard (Castellano / Attfield) looks ready for a great effort with sharing the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three stellar, peaking workouts.  Could make a good strike for the victory.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#6 Winward Islands (Napravnik / Frostad) looks well spotted for a return to the track after a long layoff with the highest speed number at the distance and four hearty workouts.  He could surprise.

#10 Telling (Bridgmohan / Hobby) don't count this old boy out with a superb speed number at the distance and two robust workouts.  He could track the pace and get first jump in the stretch.

10 CENT Superfecta

#8 Rahy's Attorney, #11 Musketier [GER] / #8, #11 / #3 Simmard, #6 Winward Islands, #10 Telling / #3, #6, #11.
















Thursday's Results
Keeneland R8.  Bewitch.  Our first pick, La Luna de Miel [GER], finished 4th.  Our second pick, Endless Expanse [IRE] finished 5th.  Our third pick, Keertana, won (1st) for show money of $3.00.  Superfecta went 5-10-6-2.
Bankroll dips to $9.00.