Keeneland Opening Day Picks

Keeneland Opening Day

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Race 1

Aud Eddie: This race is a toss up, but I like this one because he is making his third career start and has good works over Poly Track. Jockey Kent Desormeaux will move him up.

Race 2

I Got Rhythm: In a race with a surplus of speed I will look for bug boy Ivan Cruz to make a big run late with this Wayne Catalano trained mare.

Pick 4: ALL/4,7,12/6/1,6

Race 3

Hero’s Empire: This is a bit of a tricky play, as I’m not sure the colt is fit. If he is, I like his chances and I’m willing to take a shot at a price. He is clearly better around two turns and should have enough speed for Calvin Borel to put him up close.

Race 4

Luzianna Man: There isn’t much in here and this guy earned a nice figure in his debut where the top two finishers returned to win. He was third that day. Since then he has fired a very nice work in :59 flat over this track.

Race 5

Heavenly Landing: A nice cushy class drop is just what the doctor ordered.

Race 6

Miss Brown Sugar: Wonderful pedigree, good works and an excellent first out trainer.

Race 7

Mr. Woodrow: I’m willing to take a chance on this one. Although he beat just a single horse in his first race in many months, he earned a good figure and showed speed. He should be much more fit for this race and the stretch out in distance figures to help him. I didn’t like much else in this race, so this is admittedly a stab, but there are things to like.

Pick 4: ALL/1,10/2/3,5,8,11,12

Race 8

Laurie’s Rocket: D Wayne Lukas has his Breeders’ Cup horse if this guy wins. He hasn’t been missing by much in races like the Amsterdam and King’s Bishop Stakes. With an abundance of speed in this race, he could sit a perfect trip and finally find the winner’s circle at a big number.

Race 9

Kitten’s Dumplings: Mike Maker with a Kitten’s Joy at Keeneland; that’s a big plus! This filly gets a big rider upgrade with Castellano taking back over. She will be rallying late just as she did in the Grade 2 Natalma where she was 4th of 14 beaten 2 1/4 lengths. Turf to synthetic is a huge angle for this trainer who is 36% winners when doing so.

Race 10

Comprende: Trainer Thomas Proctor and jockey Julien Leparoux are 28% when teaming up, a marked improvement from their percentages away from each other. This one is bred to love synthetic and should excel at the distance. She is working plenty well too.

Looking for more help playing the races at Keeneland? Check out our Keeneland Picks page!