All Eyes on the Bluegrass of Kentucky

 Essentially, the last weekend of Kentucky Derby prep races. We turn to the key one of the weekend in the Bluegrass state.

Keeneland Race 9 {Toyota Bluegrass~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

An excellent field of eleven will seek Derby points in this the best of the prep races on this Stakes Saturday.

Past Performances utilized:  DRF Classic.

There is enough pace to maintain a steady pace. Beyer speed numbers are fairly close as all of these lads look to take another step forward. All are Triple Crown nominees, but only three have gone this distance. Though one has gone longer. Exceptional workouts are the norm among this group as they all look for a starting gate position in the greatest two minutes in sports. It should be a spectacular race.

#4 Zandon (Prat / C. Brown) has already hit the board at this distance in both of his starts at same. He comes in with second highest last out speed number and four consistent half mile workouts. This guy should track the pace and launch into the stretch. A son of Upstart, he is 100% in the money from three career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#10 Smile Happy (Lanerie / McPeek) is another that hit the board at this distance. He holds the highest last out speed number and three superb workouts. He will also track the pace and strike in the stretch. This lad has a win over the Keeneland track. A son of Runhappy, he is also 100% in the money from three career starts.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#11 Blackadder (Geroux / Brisset) is the third horse in the field that has hit the board at this distance. He has won his last two and has put in a solid stamina producing workout tab of four works. This colt is yet another that will track the pace. A son of Quality Road, he is 75% in the money from four career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#8 Ethereal Road (L. Contreras / Lukas) will stretch out with two good last out speed numbers and three sensational workouts. He should track and close into the pace. This son of Quality Road, continues to improve with every race. He should be ready to pop a good one here.

$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

Look for #6 Emmanuel (L. Saez / Pletcher) and #9 Rattle N Roll (B. Hernandez / McPeek) to have and impact, possibly hitting the board. Both stretch out to this distance and have worked diligently in preparation.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($5)

#4 Zandon  //  #10 Smile Happy,  #11 Blackadder,  #8 Ethereal Road,  #6 Emmanuel,  #9 Rattle N Roll.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#4 Zandon  +  #10 Smile Happy  +  #11 Blackadder  +  #8 Ethereal Road.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($3.20)

#4 Zandon  /  #10 Smile Happy  /  #11 Blackadder,  #8 Ethereal Road,  #6 Emmanuel,  #9 Rattle N Roll  /  ALL.

Best of luck to all in your wagers on this fine Stakes Saturday!!!