Sunday Funday - Free Selections Keeneland

It is a thing of beauty when you get to make a trek down to Keeneland. From the drive down enjoying the beauty of the spring to walking past the ancient Sycamore in the paddock. - Words will never do it justice. But, for this handicapper it will be a day well-spent in the bucolic setting. Here are my selections for the day as I glance out my window as the sun is shining brightly in Kentucky. The weather forecast is sunny in the '80s. - Wish me luck!

Keeneland / Sunday

Race#1

#5 - John's Protege (2-1) = 2nd off the layoff as a beaten favorite at Turfway for Wesley Ward who is winning at 27%. Johnny Velasquez in the saddle and they are winning 27% as a team. He drops in class off his last race and gets more distance as he is a closing type. Use with the #3 and #7.

Race#2

#11 - Stavanger (7-2) = late runner by Street Sense for Brendan Walsh and B.J. Hernandez. - Plenty of early foot to get him in gear when the spin for home.

Race#3

#3 - Hi Deff (6-1) = Eddie Keaneally trainee caught a speed favoring pace two back. Overall, the turf plays to closers and he'll get his shot when the real running begins.

Race#4

#8 - Exulting (9-5) = Ships in from Oaklawn Park for Mike Maker and Tyler Gaffalione. - Stalking type and should get a good trip staying out of traffic and making a big move on the turn. Use with the #4, and #7.

Race #5

#4 - Kestenna (6-1) = Previously trained by John Gosden and Edward Vaughn handles the duties today. Has a sharp work, blinkers off, and comes off a five-month layoff from Lingfield. Lasix may be a big help in today's race.

Race#6

#7 - Fabricate (2-1) = Ships in from GP and is a long-range closer. Irad Ortiz is in the saddle and he wins 27% with his closing-style horses.

Race#7

#6 - Turned Aside (10-1) = Comes off a four-month layoff for Mark Casse and Luis Saez. Drops down in class and owns some nice works.

Race #8

#11 - Guest Speaker (9-2) = 2nd off a layoff for Brad Cox and Irad Ortiz and he showed a good turn of late speed beaten as the chalk. 2nd off the payoff yields a 28% win clip for the barn.

Race#9

#2 - Petrichor (5-1) = Coming off a 7-month break shipping over from France. This daughter of Frankel (GB) is 3/4 ITM over the sod and has faced G3 company. Bill Mott wins 17% with new runners and Joel Rosario in the saddle. Toss her last race and you'll see some late action on the tote board today.

Burgoo, a Maker's Mark cigar, and scenery to the max. - What more could a horseplayer ask for? - Wish me luck!