Posted inAnalysis Reports

Keeneland Race Course – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the April 12, 2026 card

No CommentsPosted inAnalysis, Reports


Get more in-depth analysis, expert picks, handicapper reports, AI picks, handicapping tools, in-article data tooltips, NO ADVERTISEMENTS, and other membership perks with a Pick Pony subscription!

 

The Pick Pony Handicapper's Report is published daily and provides analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.

 

Keeneland Race Course — Sunday, April 13, 2026 Race Day Overview

Coming off a spectacular Friday card that featured Chad Brown's milestone 3,000th career victory courtesy of Zulu Kingdom's gate-to-wire triumph in the Grade 1 Maker's Mark Mile, Keeneland's spring meet rolls into its Sunday program with another deep, high-quality card. Saturday's action set the table nicely, and Sunday's 12-race program features the Grade 2 Giants Causeway Stakes as the featured event — a 1,210-furlong turf sprint carrying a $400,000 purse and a field of 16 loaded with legitimate graded stakes contenders. Beyond the feature, bettors will find a pair of $110,000 maiden special weight turf routes, two allowance tests on both the main track and turf, a meaty optional claiming mile on dirt, and a pair of maiden specials to round out the card.

The Keeneland spring meet has been operating at a high level with elite connections converging on the Lexington oval. Brad Cox, Chad Brown, Brendan Walsh, Todd Pletcher, Ian Wilkes, and Michael Maker are all represented with live entries throughout the day. Jockey standouts Irad Ortiz Jr., Flavien Prat, Tyler Gaffalione, Luis Saez, and Jose Ortiz each have multiple mounts and will be battling for riding honors. The Lexington Stakes on April 11, the final Kentucky Derby prep at Keeneland, has already run, shifting attention now to horses preparing for the Preakness and Belmont paths, as well as those targeting the Kentucky Oaks and subsequent graded stakes on the spring circuit.

—

Weather and Track Conditions

Lexington, Kentucky is forecast to see mild spring conditions on April 12, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit. No meaningful precipitation is expected during racing hours, though overnight showers earlier in the week have left residual moisture in the ground. The main dirt track at Keeneland is expected to be listed as fast or possibly good, depending on morning preparation. The turf course, which has already hosted several significant races this week including the Maker's Mark Mile on Friday, should be listed as firm to good going into Sunday's card. Keeneland's turf course is widely regarded as one of the best-maintained grass surfaces in North America, and the spring footing has been consistent throughout the meet.

Track maintenance crews at Keeneland are known for meticulous preparation, and the inner turf rail position has been standard throughout the meet.

—

Track Bias and Post Position Analysis

Keeneland's main dirt track has shown a mild speed bias during the spring meet, with horses able to clear from the gate and secure position often holding a slight advantage in sprint distances. At longer dirt routes of 1,870 furlongs and beyond, pace setups have been more decisive, and horses with late run have been competitive when the pace matures. Inside post positions in shorter dirt sprints have been slightly advantageous, though the track is fair across the board.

On the turf, Keeneland's course at one mile and beyond rewards horses that can settle in mid-pack and make one sustained run. The rail has been accessible and has not been a particular disadvantage this meet, unlike some years when the inside path becomes dead. For turf sprints at 1,210 furlongs, which is the distance of the Grade 2 Giants Causeway, outside posts have historically been workable, and horses that break cleanly and secure a position on the rail or just off it into the first turn have a structural advantage given the short run to the first bend.

In maiden and allowance turf routes at 1,760 furlongs and 1,980 furlongs, Keeneland's course rewards tactical versatility. The one-turn mile configuration suits horses that can press or stalk, while the longer 1,980-furlong trip around two turns has seen closers fire with regularity when pace develops honestly. Post positions in the double-digit range in full fields of 13 to 15 can be a minor concern in turf routes, particularly early in the race when traffic develops on the first turn, but experienced riders and smart trips can neutralize that.

Overall, the track favors horses with tactical speed and clean trips. Very deep closers without natural position have been at a slight disadvantage on both surfaces this meet.

—

Pace Analysis

This is a full field of 12 fillies going 1,760 furlongs on the turf, making pace projection somewhat complex. The field is maiden company but well-bred and well-connected throughout. There does not appear to be an obvious lone front-runner in this spot, which sets up a scenario where the early fractions will be honest rather than pressured. Chad Brown's Isadora Duncan (5) and Brendan Walsh's pair of Use Me (8) and Eat Hay Run (10) represent the elite trainer contingent and will likely dictate where the early tempo settles. Expect moderate fractions early with multiple horses looking to sit just off the pace. The pace scenario favors horses with tactical flexibility who can range up into contention at the half-mile pole.

Key Contenders

Isadora Duncan (5) is the most pedigreed and connected horse in the field. Trained by Chad Brown, the pre-eminent turf conditioner in North America who just notched career win No. 3,000 on Friday, this filly draws the services of Flavien Prat and opens at 4-1. Brown's record with first-time starters on the turf at Keeneland is exceptional. He routinely ships well-bred, lightly raced turf horses to this meet in peak condition, and when Prat is aboard, the combination commands full respect. Post 5 is workable in this distance.

Eat Hay Run (10), the other Walsh runner, opens at 6-1 with Luis Saez up. Walsh has quietly become one of the most formidable turf trainers at Keeneland, and the fact that he has two horses in this race suggests he has confidence in both. SAEZ is one of the meet's leading riders, and this one from the outside portion of the draw deserves close inspection as a potential overlay if the stable splits support between the two entries.

Use Me (8), Walsh's other entry at 5-1 with Tyler Gaffalione, may actually carry slightly more barn confidence given the slightly shorter morning line odds and the choice of Gaffalione, who has been riding well throughout the spring. In a Walsh double-entry situation, both deserve respect, but Use Me (8) gets the nod as the probable stable favorite.

Secondary Choices

Rules And Regs (6), trained by Ian Wilkes and ridden by J.J. Castellano at 4-1, is a serious contender. Wilkes is an outstanding conditioner based in Kentucky who excels in exactly these types of maiden turf routes with well-bred fillies. Castellano's experience and veteran presence in full fields is a significant asset, and this one from post 6 has a clean trip scenario. At 4-1, she may be slightly overbet given the competition, but the combination of trainer and jockey demands inclusion in exotic tickets.

Yaudacity (11), trained by D. Whitworth Beckman with Irad Ortiz Jr. up at 10-1, is a potential value play in a wide-open race. Ortiz rides this type of race exceptionally well, and a double-digit morning line in a maiden turf route at Keeneland is the exact profile that can produce overlays when a horse runs to its potential on debut or early in its career.

Longshots

River Empress (2), trained by Melanie Giddings with J.R. Velazquez aboard at 15-1, is a name to note. Giddings has had quiet success with turf fillies, and Velazquez is a proven turf rider who can maximize trips. At 15-1 she could be a price worth sprinkling in multi-race wagers.

Bourbon Story (3) under Julien Leparoux at 12-1 for R.B. Hess Jr. merits some attention. Leparoux's knowledge of turf racing, particularly at Keeneland, is elite, and longer-priced horses trained by this barn have hit the board here before.

Tulip (9) at 10-1 for William Walden with Junior Alvarado up is a reasonable middle-range longshot. Walden has multiple runners on this card, which could dilute resources, but Tulip (9) has the right profile.

Alluring Beauty (1), Joke Maker (4), High Street Pizzaz (12), and Modern Escape (7) all face steeper assignments and can be tossed with confidence unless dramatic track changes develop. Joke Maker (4) with Luan Machado for Rodolphe Brisset at 10-1 is the best of the deeper longshots.

Selections

Win: Use Me (8) Place: Isadora Duncan (5) Show: Rules And Regs (6)

Betting Strategy: Use Use Me (8), Isadora Duncan (5), and Rules And Regs (6) as the primary trio in exactas and trifectas. Consider a small win bet on Yaudacity (11) as a price play at 10-1. In the Pick 4 and multi-race sequences, Use Me (8) and Isadora Duncan (5) are the primary legs, with Rules And Regs (6) as a backup.

—

Pace Analysis

A compact six-horse allowance sprint on the main track, one mile on dirt for horses that have never won a race other than maiden or claiming. The early pace figures to be lively with multiple horses that have tactical speed. Senior Officer (2) at 1-1 and Sargent Sully (4) at 2-1 represent the likely pace principals. With a 1-1 favorite in a six-horse field, this race sets up as a potential two-horse battle with a significant class edge at the top. The pace will be honest to fast, which could play into the hands of a closer if the two principals hook up early.

Key Contenders

Senior Officer (2), trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. at 1-1, is a heavy favorite for very good reason. Cox is a two-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer who has mastered this exact category of allowance race at Keeneland. His dirt horses are typically sharp off freshening, come in with peak works, and are managed precisely for their first allowance test. Ortiz Jr. is arguably the best all-around jockey in North America and will get this horse in the right position in a short field. Betting against Cox/Ortiz at any distance on dirt at Keeneland is a losing long-term proposition.

Sargent Sully (4), trained by William Walden with Ben Curtis at 2-1, is the most likely threat. Walden runs a strong Kentucky-based operation and this horse at 2-1 is clearly respected. Curtis is a solid regional rider who knows the Keeneland oval extremely well. If Senior Officer (2) has any vulnerability, it will come from Sargent Sully (4) pressing or dueling with him into the stretch.

Secondary Choices

Bring The Smoke (6), trained by D. Whitworth Beckman with Tyler Gaffalione at 4-1, is an interesting secondary angle. Gaffalione is riding at a high level this spring, and a closer in this field that can take advantage of a pace duel between the top two could fire at a significant price. Beckman has shown the ability to spring allowance horses when connections expect.

Longshots

Funny Uncle (1) at 10-1 for David Jacobson with Jose Ortiz is the most interesting deeper price. The rail draw in a mile sprint can be tricky, but Ortiz knows how to navigate from post 1. Jacobson ships live horses from the New York circuit.

Lucius Verus (5) at 8-1 for Aaron West with Axel Concepcion is a regional longshot that will need pace help. Long Pour (3) at 15-1 for George Arnold II with Luis Saez is a throwout on paper but Saez rarely gets on horses without reason.

Selections

Win: Senior Officer (2) Place: Sargent Sully (4) Show: Bring The Smoke (6)

Betting Strategy: Senior Officer (2) is a confident win single in multi-race wagers. The value is in the exacta pairing Senior Officer (2) over Sargent Sully (4) and Bring The Smoke (6). At 1-1, straight win wagering returns are modest, so channeling money into exactas maximizes value. Do not use Senior Officer (2) on top in trifectas at short odds — instead, wheel underneath for value.

—

Pace Analysis

A full field of 15 fillies and mares going 1,980 furlongs on the turf — the full one-and-a-quarter-mile route is a true test of stamina for this level. With 15 runners, managing traffic on both turns will be critical, and pace projections in this spot are genuinely complex. Competitive Market (7) at 3-1 for Chad Brown, Sunshine Daydream (11) at 4-1 for Joe Sharp, and Sy B (4) at 5-1 for Cherie Devaux emerge as the probable market leaders. Expect the pace to be modest early in a large field with several turf route specialists settling into position behind a slow-developing pace, making this a race that could come down to who has the most late energy in the final quarter-mile.

Key Contenders

Competitive Market (7), trained by Chad Brown with Flavien Prat at 3-1, is the horse to beat. Brown has dominated allowance turf races for mares at Keeneland for years, and with Prat riding, this is the most professional outfit in the race by a significant margin. Brown wins at a high clip with horses in their first or second allowance start on the turf, and post 7 in a 15-horse field is workable in a long route. Prat will likely find a spot just off the early pace and pounce in the final turn.

Sunshine Daydream (11), trained by Joe Sharp with Ben Curtis at 4-1, is a legitimate rival. Sharp has a quality stable and this filly at 4-1 with an experienced rider from post 11 has the look of a horse with some seasoning and a tactical running style that suits the trip.

Secondary Choices

Sy B (4) for Cherie Devaux with Jose Ortiz at 5-1 is an intriguing secondary angle. Devaux has been increasingly active at Keeneland and Jose Ortiz on a mare going this far on the turf is a combination that works. Post 4 is ideal in a 15-horse field.

Madame Secretary (3), trained by Brendan Walsh with Tyler Gaffalione at 8-1, carries significant stable credentials. Walsh's turf fillies at Keeneland are live regularly, and Gaffalione is a top-tier choice for this barn.

Vronti (8), trained by H. Graham Motion with Irad Ortiz Jr. at 8-1, is a horse that Motion typically has pointed perfectly for their first stakes or allowance attempt. Motion is one of the most respected turf trainers in North America, and Vronti (8) deserves serious respect despite the 8-1 morning line.

Longshots

Canterbury Lane (5) at 6-1 for Jose Camejo with Walter Rodriguez is an outsider with tactical speed that could steal this in a slow-pace scenario.

Jalila (1), Sweet Surrender (9), Heart Spin (6), and Oraia (12) are moderate-to-long prices that will need trip luck in a crowded field. Jalila (1) with Velazquez at 12-1 for George Weaver is the most dangerous of the longer prices — Weaver is a top-tier turf conditioner who ships horses ready to fire.

Ensorcell (2) at 30-1, Smokin Hot Blonde (10) at 30-1, Gigi's World (14) at 30-1, Sweet Molly B (15) at 30-1, and Jerseys Parade (13) at 20-1 are all extreme longshots that require significant improvement or ideal trip scenarios to factor.

Selections

Win: Competitive Market (7) Place: Sunshine Daydream (11) Show: Sy B (4)

Betting Strategy: In a 15-horse turf route at Keeneland, exotics are where the value lives. Use Competitive Market (7) and Sy B (4) as the primary two in trifectas with Sunshine Daydream (11), Madame Secretary (3), and Vronti (8) filling out the bottom. A trifecta box of the top three is reasonable at these prices. For the Pick 4 and Pick 5 sequences, Competitive Market (7) is the single, with Sy B (4) and Sunshine Daydream (11) as alternates.

—

Pace Analysis

A 14-horse maiden claiming field going 1,870 furlongs on dirt — the longest dirt route of the day outside of the allowance races. This is a bottom-tier maiden claiming event, and pace projection is difficult without extensive past performance depth. The presence of Brad Cox's Backside (3) at 4-1 and William Walden's Pass And Go (7) at 3-1 as co-favorites suggests the two most professionally connected horses are expected to compete at the top. Pace will likely be moderate early in this class of race, and a stalker or closer that avoids early trouble in a 14-horse field will have a structural advantage.

Key Contenders

Pass And Go (7), trained by William Walden with Jose Ortiz at 3-1, is the morning line favorite and a horse from an established Kentucky operation. Walden has had multiple runners on this card, but Pass And Go (7) with Jose Ortiz is his clear top pick for this spot. In a maiden claiming route, the combination of a capable local trainer and a premier jockey often makes the difference.

Backside (3), trained by Brad Cox with Irad Ortiz Jr. at 4-1, is the other key contender. Cox does not typically use a maiden claiming condition unless the horse has had difficulty breaking his maiden in better company, but when Cox ships into this spot, the horse is often a threat. Backside (3) with Irad Ortiz Jr. is the most professionally assembled team in the race.

Flash Of Chaos (10), trained by Peter Eurton with Juan Hernandez at 4-1, is the third co-choice and deserves attention. Eurton is a West Coast-based trainer, and Keeneland represents a meaningful shipping decision. If the horse has been pointing to this, the 4-1 morning line is solid value.

Secondary Choices

Hard Circle (14), trained by Michael Maker with Flavien Prat at 8-1, is an intriguing secondary angle. Maker is a top Kentucky conditioner and the fact that Prat, one of the meet's leading jockeys, takes the mount on an 8-1 morning line horse in a maiden claiming event is a significant positive flag. This is the type of angle sharp bettors look for — a top jockey accepting a longer-priced ride in a race with easier competition.

Stoic Sage (5) at 8-1 for Thomas Drury Jr. with Irving Moncada and Al Amjaad (11) at 8-1 for Andrew McKeever with Edgar Morales are both second-tier choices that could hit the board in a wide-open maiden claiming event.

Longshots

Mountain Grandeur (1) at 10-1 with Luis Saez for Greg Foley could be a sleeper, particularly given Saez's quality. Tregetour (2) at 12-1 for Ben Colebrook with Luan Machado and Big Rog (8) at 12-1 for Barry King with Ben Curtis are moderate prices that need pace help. Weekend Reveille (4) at 15-1, Shirley's Boyz (6) at 30-1, Circle The Storm (9) at 20-1, Whatever (12) at 20-1, and Pay Heed (13) at 20-1 are all deep longshots that require major pace scenarios to factor.

Selections

Win: Pass And Go (7) Place: Backside (3) Show: Hard Circle (14)

Betting Strategy: The trifecta with Pass And Go (7) and Backside (3) on top, and Hard Circle (14) and Flash Of Chaos (10) filling the bottom, is the primary structure. The Prat/Maker angle on Hard Circle (14) at 8-1 makes this an excellent trifecta third leg at a price. Single Pass And Go (7) and use broadly underneath in superfectas.

—

Pace Analysis

A 13-horse maiden special weight turf mile for fillies, with Beach Ballad (7) at 2-1 as the clear morning line favorite. This is a better-class maiden event than Race 1, with connections including Michael Maker, Brendan Walsh, Wesley Ward, and Saffie Joseph Jr. all represented. The pace in a 13-horse turf maiden mile is difficult to project, but Beach Ballad (7) figures to have tactical speed under Juan Hernandez, and Munnings Talks (8) at 4-1 for Brendan Walsh with Irad Ortiz Jr. will likely be a prominent stalker. The race sets up for the two leaders to draw off with the field, and the final quarter-mile will separate the contenders.

Key Contenders

Beach Ballad (7), trained by Michael Maker with Juan Hernandez at 2-1, is the clear horse to beat. Maker is one of the most accomplished trainers at Keeneland's spring meet, and when he brings a 2-1 morning line favorite to a maiden turf route, the horse typically has the works and preparation to justify the confidence. Hernandez, while not the highest-profile rider on the card, has significant experience and has ridden for Maker successfully in similar spots.

Munnings Talks (8), trained by Brendan Walsh with Irad Ortiz Jr. at 4-1, is the most dangerous rival. Walsh's turf program at Keeneland has been exceptional, and Irad Ortiz Jr. on a first-time starter or lightly raced turf maiden is always a live combination. At 4-1, this is the most likely horse to upset Beach Ballad (7).

Secondary Choices

Empress New Groove (12), trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. with Tyler Gaffalione at 6-1, is a legitimate secondary choice. Joseph is one of the busiest and most successful trainers in North America, and when he pairs with Gaffalione, the combination has produced consistent results in maiden turf events. Post 12 is workable in a one-mile turf maiden.

How About Now (2), trained by George Arnold II with Luis Saez at 8-1, is worth including in exactas. Arnold has a strong Kentucky-based operation, and Saez on a turf maiden at Keeneland at 8-1 is a price worth monitoring.

Core Memories (11), trained by Cherie Devaux with Jose Ortiz at 8-1, is another solid secondary choice from a trainer who has been active with turf fillies at this meet.

Longshots

Ez Connect (4), trained by Wesley Ward with Walter Rodriguez at 10-1, is a horse whose pedigree and stable could make her a major price threat. Ward is a renowned sprint turf specialist, and while this is a route, Ward has evolved his program considerably over recent years.

Just Tell Anne (5) at 12-1 for Raymond Handal with Flavien Prat is a mild surprise — Prat's presence at 12-1 is notable, as top jockeys rarely take overlays without reason.

Evangalina (1) at 20-1 for Eoin Harty with J.R. Velazquez, Birch Run (3) at 20-1, Lady Sybil (6) at 15-1, Empress Sisi (9) at 20-1, Uptown Caroline (10) at 30-1, and Oaks Street (13) at 30-1 are all deep prices that require exceptional circumstances to factor.

Selections

Win: Beach Ballad (7) Place: Munnings Talks (8) Show: Empress New Groove (12)

Betting Strategy: Beach Ballad (7) deserves a win single in multi-race sequences. The exacta with Beach Ballad (7) over Munnings Talks (8) is the primary play, with a reverse exacta at a smaller amount. Include Empress New Groove (12) and Just Tell Anne (5) in trifecta bottom slots for potential value. Just Tell Anne (5) with Prat at 12-1 is a small win play for price seekers.

—

Pace Analysis

A compact six-horse optional claiming field at 1,980 furlongs on dirt — one and a quarter miles is a true test. Landed (2) at 1-1 for Wesley Ward with J.R. Velazquez is a dominant morning line favorite, suggesting this horse is significantly superior to the field on paper. Take Charge Omaha (1) at 3-1 and Pahoehoe D'oro (4) at 4-1 are the primary market alternatives. With only six horses and a 1-1 favorite, the pace scenario will be shaped primarily by whether any rival is willing to challenge Landed (2) early. If Landed (2) gets a soft lead on the front end, which is plausible, the race could be over early.

Key Contenders

Landed (2), trained by Wesley Ward with J.R. Velazquez at 1-1, is the dominant choice. Ward is primarily known as a sprint specialist, particularly on the turf, but this horse's morning line suggests Velazquez and Ward have supreme confidence. At 1-1 in a six-horse optional claiming field, there is a reason the market sets this horse as prohibitive. Velazquez's experience in routing distances on dirt is substantial. This is a strong single for multi-race sequences.

Take Charge Omaha (1) at 3-1 for Matthew Sims with Mario Gutierrez is the main threat. Sims has done solid work with this type of horse, and Take Charge Omaha (1) from the rail in a six-horse field could press Landed (2) into a taxing pace scenario and capitalize in the stretch.

Pahoehoe D'oro (4) at 4-1 for Philip Damato with Flavien Prat is the other contender to respect. Damato is a proven West Coast trainer and Prat in this spot at 4-1 for a horse stretching out deserves consideration. If Landed (2) and Take Charge Omaha (1) engage in a battle, Pahoehoe D'oro (4) could be the primary beneficiary.

Secondary Choices

Gowells Delight (5) at 4-1 for Kenneth McPeek with B.J. Hernandez Jr. is a local stalwart. McPeek is an experienced Keeneland-based conditioner who competes effectively in optional claiming races. At 4-1, this horse represents the best local value.

Longshots

Sierra November (3) at 6-1 for Joe Sharp with Irad Ortiz Jr. is a mild longshot whose odds seem slightly high given Ortiz's presence. Worth including as a bottom-slot trifecta addition. Foreseen (6) at 15-1 for George Arnold II with Luis Saez can be tossed in short fields but earns a mention.

Selections

Win: Landed (2) Place: Take Charge Omaha (1) Show: Pahoehoe D'oro (4)

Betting Strategy: Single Landed (2) in multi-race sequences. The straight win bet returns limited value at 1-1, so exacta play Landed (2) over Take Charge Omaha (1), Pahoehoe D'oro (4), and Gowells Delight (5) is the recommended structure. A box exacta of the three non-favorites at a smaller amount is a speculative play that could return well if Landed (2) is upset.

—

Pace Analysis

The feature race of the day — a Grade 2 turf sprint at 1,210 furlongs for older males. Sixteen horses contest this event, providing maximum exotics opportunity. Turf sprints at 1,210 furlongs at Keeneland are among the most tactically nuanced races in North American racing. The run to the first turn is relatively short, premium is placed on breaking well and securing position early, and the ability to sustain a quick tempo through the turn and into the stretch is paramount. This field has genuine early speed in Shining Star (13), Saratoga Special (15), In Our Time (7), and Saturday Flirt (10). Expect a fast pace that sets up for a closer with elite cruising speed, or a tactical horse that can rate just off the leaders and pounce in the lane. The pace will be honest to fast, and front-runners will be under pressure throughout.

Key Contenders

Shining Star (13), trained by Brad Cox with Jose Ortiz at 3-1, is the morning line favorite and deserves to be. Cox has dominated graded stakes at Keeneland for several years, and a 3-1 morning line in a 16-horse Grade 2 field reflects strong stable confidence. Jose Ortiz in a turf sprint with a wide post is manageable at this distance, and COX's ability to peak a horse for a specific race is unmatched in the sport currently. Shining Star (13) is the horse to beat.

Saratoga Special (15), trained by Richard Baltas with Hector Berrios at 4-1, is a horse that has competed at a high level in turf sprints and arrives with credentials befitting a Grade 2 contender. The 4-1 morning line suggests market respect, and Baltas has been sharp with sprinters this meet.

Gratefully (5), trained by Robert Falcone Jr. with Irad Ortiz Jr. at 4-1, is an important contender. Ortiz aboard in a Grade 2 turf sprint at this price is a compelling combination. Falcone has surprised with graded stakes horses before, and Gratefully (5)'s post position near the middle of the gate is workable.

Secondary Choices

In Our Time (7), trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. with Flavien Prat at 5-1, is a major player. Joseph and Prat are one of the most dangerous combinations in North American racing, and a 5-1 morning line in a Grade 2 suggests there is real value here. This horse will likely be prominent early, and Prat's race management in turf sprints is exceptional.

Time To Dazzle (11), trained by Mark Casse with J.R. Velazquez at 6-1, is a formidable rival. Casse is one of the top trainers in North American racing and has graded stakes turf winners at this meet regularly. Time To Dazzle (11) with Velazquez at 6-1 in a Grade 2 deserves strong consideration in all exotic structures.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


Get more in-depth analysis for all races and enjoy many other membership perks with a Pick Pony subscription!

Tags:

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Talkback