Handicapping

Play of the Day Race Date October 16, 2020 Track Keeneland Race 7 Overview A modest group for the N2X level, which means it’s a race there for the taking, and price shopping is the way to go. Pace Things should be hot and contested up front, with most of the speed coming from the outside, which should make it even faster, which is why #1 SHACKLEFORD’S GOLD (8-1), off a strong closing N1X at KD, is very appealing right back. Trends Kee has not been carding many turf races, so it tough to get a read, but with so much speed signed on here, things should be…

Play of the Day Race Date October 15, 2020 Track Keeneland Race 8 Overview A solid G3 Sycamore, with a sharp Euro import in #10 ZIYAD (5-2) adding Lasix for his first US start after facing eons better and more than holding his own in G1/G2 company overseas. Pace Things should be moderate up front going 1 ½ miles, which should only play into the hands of #10 ZIYAD (5-2), who has been used to running in the typically slow early/fast late Euro stakes. Trends Keeneland has not been carding many turf races, so it tough to get a read, especially going a foreign 1 ½ miles on…

Play of the Day Race Date October 14, 2020 Track Keeneland Race 3 Overview A low-level 15k MCL where the two favorites—#2 Feisty Bird and #5 Dreamonmebaby—have major questions, while price player #8 FIXICO (8-1) has a world of upside off a big dirt debut. Pace The pace figures honest, and the play #8 FIXICO (8-1) will be involved throughout, with a perfect outside attack post. Trends Tactical speed continues to be at a premium, as very few winners have been able to make a dent from further than 4th at the pace call on the main track. Best Bet FIXICO Number 8 Morning Line (8-1) Best Bet…

Play of the Day Race Date October 11, 2020 Track Keeneland Race 8 Overview A wide open turf sprint with an evenly matched group in a race that looks there for the taking. Pace There doesn’t appear to be a ton of pace here, which should play into the hands of #7 QUEBEC (6-1), who is drawn perfectly, and should like the class drop and cutback as well. Trends It’s still early in the meet, but speed has done well, especially at 1 1/16-mile routes with the short finish line. Last Saturday speed was king, so pay attention early, as the track could be souped up on the…

Play of the Day Race Date October 10, 2020 Track Keeneland Race 4 Overview A good field for the level, but #7 FEVOLA (7-2) goes off the claim for Gargan, a huge 48% move, and has a ton of upside off just four lifetime starts. Pace It looks slow, which should play into the hands of #7 FEVOLA (7-2), as she has plenty of tactical speed and a perfect outside attack post. Trends It’s still early in the meet, but speed has done well, especially at 1 1/16-mile routes with the short finish line. Last Saturday speed was king, so pay attention early, as the track could be…

Play of the Day Race Date October 08, 2020 Track Keeneland Race 7 Overview A very weak group for the level, with the exception of #1 ELIADE (2-1), who is proven in graded stakes and drew perfectly. Pace It looks very slow, with only #9 Romantic Pursuit (3-1) used to showing any aggressiveness early. Trends It’s still early in the meet, but the turf course has seemingly played fair and doesn’t seem to be favoring any running styles. Best Bet ELIADE Number 1 Morning Line (2-1) Best Bet Overview A very weak group for the level, with the exception of #1 ELIADE (2-1), who is proven in graded…

Play of the Day Race Date October 07, 2020 Track Keeneland Race 7 Overview A good group of lightly raced 2yo fillies, several who come off sharp debut wins that look to step up and earn a berth into the BC Juvenile Fillies Turf. Pace It looks like #7 AUNT PEARL (3-1) should be able to control things early, especially with Geroux riding, as he’s one of the most aggressive gate riders in the country. Trends Speed has done very well on the main track, so you need to be close early. The turf is a bit more of a mixed bag, but positional speed, especially over a…

Play of the Day Race Date October 04, 2020 Track Keeneland Race 7 Overview A very average looking group of 2yos that haven’t distinguished themselves, except the #1 MUNQAD (7-2), who was a fast-figure 4th while dueling and tiring on debut and should love the added ground/turn he gets to work with—from the perfect post too. Pace With the inside draw, off a debut in which he dueled though 46 1/5, I would think #1 MUNQAD (7-2) will be the controlling speed, especially from this post. Trends No trends so to speak, with the meet just getting underway, but as a general rule, speed always plays well going…

Play of the Day Race Date October 03, 2020 Track Keeneland Race 3 Overview An unproven group of 2yos that have flashed potential, none more so than #5 TATE (7-2), who was awesome winning on debut at Del Park and is bred to be a nice one. Pace It figures to be honest, especially with several of these lightly raced 2yos trying two turns for the first time. Trends No trends so to speak, with the meet just getting underway, but as a general rule, you do not want to be too far outside in the 1-mile dirt races here. Best Bet TATE Number 5 Morning Line (7-2)…

Play of the Day Race Date October 02, 2020 Track Keeneland Race 7 Overview A modest group with a potentially vulnerable favorite (#8) who enters off a fluky big figure at KD, and a horse in #2 QUIET DIGNITY (5-1) who appears to have a big race flow edge. Pace It looks quite slow, which should allow #2 QUIET DIGNITY (5-1) to be on or just off the pace, which will give her a tactical advantage over her main rival. Trends N/A Best Bet QUIET DIGNITY Number 2 Morning Line (5-1) Best Bet Overview A modest group with a potentially vulnerable favorite (#8) who enters off a fluky…