Author Archives: Brian Nadeau

new  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  5/3/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 7      Race overview:  A solid, though hardly spectacular N1X going a tricky 7 ½ furlongs on the main.       Pace:  It looks potentially hot and contested, as there are a trio who want to be involved early, and all three are stretching out off shorter sprints last time, so a tactical gear could come in handy.      Trends:  N/A       Best Play:  #5 SPARTAN ARMY (8-1): FG invader woke up as a first-time gelding last time, and had a troubled trip too,…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  4/29/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 5      Race overview:  A very weak MSW for 3up sprinting on the main, and it’s the distance that’s key here, as it will play to #4 MAPPER (3-1) a lot more than it will to #7 Sidekick (5-2).       Pace:  It should be hot and contested, as not only are there ore than a few who want to be involved early, but there is a slew of firsters entered too, several of which have bullet drills for their unveiling.      Trends:  N/A      …

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  4/23/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Keeneland – Race 3      Race overview:  A below-average 50k claimer going 7Fs on the main, which means a class riser in great form, like #6 KEEN LADY (7-2), might be in a prime spot.       Pace:  It looks slow to non-existent, as several are confirmed one-run closers, so the ability to lay close is paramount.      Trends:  The main track has tilted towards speed (which is nothing unusual), though there has been no obvious biases in terms of running styles or paths, while the turf has been on…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  4/22/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Keeneland – Race 3      Race overview:  An uninspiring 30k MCL going 7Fs on the main, with very few entering with proven, trustworthy form.       Pace:  It looks on the slow side, as there’s not much sprint speed entered, and there are also some confirmed closers as well, so you better be able to lay close early.      Trends:  The main track has tilted towards speed (which is nothing unusual), though there has been no obvious biases in terms of running styles or paths, while the turf has been…

Date: 4/21/2023 Featured Track/Race: Keeneland – Race 4   Race overview: An uninspiring MSW routing on the main for f/ms, with a 2-1 ML favorite (#1), who hasn’t been seen since 3/13/22.   Pace: Expect things to be moderate up front, as there’s not a lot of real speed signed on, in a race where a lot of these are suspect at the distance as well. Trends: The main track has tilted towards speed (which is nothing unusual), though there has been no obvious biases in terms of running styles or paths, while the turf has been on fair side.   Best Play: #4 MAGIC PALACE (9-2): Tactical…

Date:  4/20/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Keeneland – Race 5      Race overview:  A seemingly below average N1X sprinting on turf, with very little trusted, proven form to go on.       Pace:  It’s a turf sprint, so there will be plenty of it, so look for someone with a rating gear that can pick the speed off in the stretch.      Trends:  The main track has tilted towards speed (which is nothing unusual), though there has been no obvious biases in terms of running styles or paths, while the turf has been on fair side.       Best Play:  #9 PEACH COBBLER (7-2): (turf only):…

    Date:  4/16/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Keeneland – Race 2      Race overview:  A marathon N1X for f/ms going 1 ½ miles on the turf, with an average group of Americans against Euro invader #5 KISS YOU LATER (9-5), who has G3 form.       Pace:  Expect a crawl early and a sprint late, which should only flatter #5 KISS YOU LATER (9-5).      Trends:  N/A       Best Play:  #5 KISS YOU LATER (9-5) (turf only): Newcomer flashed G3 form in Europe and is now with Clement, who is 27% off this elongated +180-day layoff, she gets Lasix, her trip (1 ½ miles),…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  4/15/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Keeneland – Race 8      Race overview:  A deep and competitive renewal of the Giant’s Causeway for fillies & mares sprinting 5 1/2Fs on the turf.       Pace:  It’s a turf sprint, so expect some heat up front, as several in here want to motor early, which means the stalkers/closers should have a big chance in the lane.      Trends:  N/A       Best Play:  #11 LITTLE JEWEL (8-1) (turf only): BC Turf winner Little Mike’s little sis is all sprint, and was awesome winning her last two…