Stakes Saturday at Keeneland

As we await the Breeder's Cup Championships next weekend we turn to closing day at beautiful Keeneland for our Stakes Saturday handicapping.

Keeneland Race 9 {Fayette~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A talented field of eleven will venture onto the Polytrack for this annual stakes feature.  The race comes up a little light on speed which may benefit the front running types.  A very close group on speed numbers alone, makes this one a very good wagering race.

#8 Middie (Court / P. Oliver) has the ability to best this field with the third highest (tie) last out speed number and one strong workout over the Keeneland polytrack.  This guy holds the highest speed number at the distance to go along with two victories at same.  He could track the pacesetters and make his move into the turn.
$1 WIN / $2 SHOW.

#3 Nikki's Sandcastle (Goncalves / Kassen) will be a strong challenger with the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three sturdy workouts over the Keeneland surface.  He should take on a tracking role and swoop into the battle around the turn.
$1 PLACE / $1 SHOW.

#6 Salto [IRE] (Napravnik / Pletcher) will also challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two stout workouts over the Keeneland poly.  He is another that should track the pace and strike in the stretch.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#7 Golden Yank (Bridgmohan / Thomas) should enjoin the battle sharing the third highest last out speed number and holding a three race progression.  He has the second highest speed number at the distance and has done well over the synthetic surface.  Look for him to close should the pace heat up.

#2 Photo Shoot (Spieth / Cheeks) could be the surprise in this one with an incredible 88% in the money record on synthetic tracks over nine starts.  He ran decently in his last out finishing 4th in a Keeneland allowance race and has put in two solid workouts over the track.  Another who could potentially track and close well.

10 CENT Superfecta

#8 Middie / #3 Nikki's Sandcastle / #6 Salto [IRE] / #7 Golden Yank, #2 Photo Shoot.



Friday's Results
Keeneland R7.  Allowance.  Our first pick, Trend, finished 2nd for show money of $1.20.  Our second pick, Tiz Sardonic Joe, finished 3rd for show money of $1.50.  Our third pick, Cyber Secret, finished 4th.
Superfecta went 6-5-7-2.
Bankroll slides to $6.61.