Friday is another thrilling day at Keeneland. The card features 10 races including the Grade 3 Sycamore. Here’s a look at the key contenders in each race of the card.
Full Card Analysis
Keeneland Race Course – Race 1
Post: 1:00 PM ET; $43k Claiming, 1 1/8 m on dirt; Entries: 9
- #8 APOLLO RISING (3-1) secures the top selection, going out for the Walden barn with Prat in the irons and boasting the top overall power rating in the group.
- #5 SOUND DOCTRINE (5-2) is a significant contender, coming out under the combination of Shirer and Beschizza and also holding the top overall power rating in the group.
- #6 ONEPARTICULRHARBOR (15-1) is a price horse but shouldn’t be overlooked, making sense on speed figures.
- #7 LEVY (7-2) is another worth considering, going out for the Moquett barn with Bejarano in the irons.
Selections: 8 – 5 – 6 – 7
Keeneland Race Course – Race 2
Post: 1:32 PM ET; $49k Maiden Claiming, 6 f on dirt; Entries: 10
- #3 HEY JOE JOE (5-2) is the top pick, fitting well in this race and showing recent solid form.
- #9 DEBT PAID (3-1) is expected to improve off the first start and should be competitive, boasting races good enough to beat this group.
- #8 GOOGOL JOKE (15-1) is a price horse to keep an eye on, having the pedigree to be a major player.
- #5 COMMISSIONER OSCAR (30-1) is another price horse but shouldn’t be underestimated, looking to be the class of the field.
Selections: 3 – 9 – 8 – 5
Keeneland Race Course – Race 3
Post: 2:04 PM ET; $44k Starter Allowance, 7 f on dirt; Entries: 8
- #8 INVALUABLE (8-5) looks strong here, fitting well and likely to make a well-timed run at the leaders from the second tier.
- #7 SAMARITA (5-2) should be competitive, featuring tactical speed for a stalk and pounce trip and looking to be the class of the field.
- #3 IFIHADACHANCE (12-1) is a price horse that could be in contention, going out for the combination of Pino and Torres.
- #4 SONADOR (15-1) is another price horse but worth considering for underneath positions, given her solid early pace figures.
Selections: 8 – 7 – 3 – 4
Keeneland Race Course – Race 4
Post: 2:36 PM ET; $120k Allowance Optional Claiming, 6 f on dirt; Entries: 5
- #5 BLUE LIGHT (4-1) secures the top selection, featuring consistently good pace figures and well-suited for a moderately paced race under Asmussen with Santana in the irons.
- #2 GILCREASE (2-1) should be competitive, expected to make a well-timed run from the second tier.
- #3 ELITE FORCES (8-5) is another major contender, having previously proven her ability to handle these conditions.
- #1 FROSTED DEPARTURE (3-1) could also be in with a shot, making sense on speed figures and benefiting from a fair pace scenario.
Selections: 5 – 2 – 3 – 1
Keeneland Race Course – Race 5
Post: 3:08 PM ET; $100k Maiden Special Weight, 1 1/8 m on turf; Entries: 16
- #3 SMART UNCLE (8-5) is the top pick, boasting races good enough to beat this group.
- #10 CONVERSING (8-1) should be competitive, expected to be in the first flight of runners and in with a chance late.
- #6 FAYETTE SPIRIT (4-1) is another competitive choice, expected to be in the first flight and in contention late.
- #11 EQUAL PROTECTION (6-1) could be in with a shot, projecting to sit mid-pack and make a strong late run under Maker with Gaffalione in the irons.
Selections: 3 – 10 – 6 – 11
Keeneland Race Course – Race 6
Post: 3:40 PM ET; $45k Claiming, 1 1/16 m on dirt; Entries: 11
- #3 TELEPHONE TALKER (5-2) looks strong, likely to be in the first flight of runners and in contention late.
- #2 HUGE BIGLY (4-1) appears to be a major player, making sense on speed figures and going out for the Falcone barn with Saez in the irons.
- #6 MY BARILEY (7-2) is another major contender, boasting races good enough to compete with this group.
- #8 SWING LOW (10-1) is a price horse but appears to be in contention, given her recent solid form.
Selections: 3 – 2 – 6 – 8
Keeneland Race Course – Race 7
Post: 4:12 PM ET; $140k Allowance, 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 16
- #5 HIGHESTDISTINCTION (3-1) gets the top selection, showing recent solid form and having consistent pace figures suited for a moderately paced race.
- #8 KING VEGA (9-2) is a major player, not expected to struggle with the distance.
- #15 PORTFOLIO COMPANY (7-2) is another major contender, demonstrating solid form and consistent pace figures.
- #12 GRAY’S FABLE (12-1) is a price horse but could be in contention, making sense on speed figures.
Selections: 5 – 8 – 15 – 12
Keeneland Race Course – Race 8
Post: 4:44 PM ET; $100k Maiden Special Weight, 1 1/16 m on dirt; Entries: 16
- #9 INTRICATE (9-2) is expected to improve off the first start and secures the top pick, known for her late kick and capability to make a strong closing run.
- #4 GENETICS (7-2) is a significant contender, not expected to struggle with the distance and coming into the race in good form.
- #15 SAVANNAMARIE (15-1) is a price horse to consider for underneath positions.
- #13 AMERICA’S VOW (9-2) isn’t without hope and is well-bred for this spot.
Selections: 9 – 4 – 15 – 13
Keeneland Race Course – Race 9
Post: 5:16 PM ET; $300k Sycamore S., 1 1/2 m on turf; Entries: 16
- #2 RED KNIGHT (9-2) looks strong in this race, having demonstrated races good enough to beat this group. With the combination of Maker and Gaffalione, he should be respected.
- #14 ME AND MR. C (15-1) is a price horse that should be competitive, having shown races good enough to compete with this group.
- #1 HIGHEST HONORS (8-1) is expected to be competitive, going out for the Brown barn with Prat in the irons.
- #4 THERAPIST (6-1) is another contender, demonstrating good form in recent starts and expected to make a competitive run.
Selections: 2 – 14 – 1 – 4
Keeneland Race Course – Race 10
Post: 5:48 PM ET; $51k Claiming, 6 1/2 f on dirt; Entries: 11
- #3 TIGER DAD (6-1) secures the top selection, going out for the Diodoro barn and getting Torres in the irons.
- #11 MI TRES POR CIENTO (7-2) also gets the top selection, having races good enough to beat this group and proving her ability to handle these conditions.
- #6 EMERALD EXPRESS (4-1) should be competitive, looking to be the class of the field and coming into the race in good form.
- #9 LEADER OF MEN (15-1) is a price horse but shouldn’t be underestimated, having previously proven his ability to handle these conditions.
Selections: 3 – 11 – 6 – 9
Betting News Horse Racing Coverage
Betting News provides AI generated handicapping tools for all of the major tracks around the country each and every day.
In addition, Betting News will continue to provide in depth analysis of the upcoming Breeders’ Cup and select cards throughout the week.
Breeders’ Cup Previews:
Friday
- Keeneland featuring the Grade 3 Sycamore Stakes
Saturday
- Belmont at the Big A featuring the Grade 2 Sands Point
- Keeneland featuring the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup
- Laurel Park featuring the Maryland Millions
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