Keeneland Picks: An April Meet Closing Day Extravaganza

It’s Closing Day at Keeneland! Once again, the April Meet was a rousing success and a pleasure to handicap.

As we have throughout this April Meet, we have a complete rundown of the fields, with select analysis. Checkout our last!

Today, I will be playing one of the Rolling Pick 3s, which promises to offer some major value.

By the way, our ‘Cappers Challenge continues, and you can follow our progress as our Editor, Lead Handicapper, and Turf-man try to rack up as many Win-Place scores as they can! Join us throughout the April Meet for the very best that Keeneland has to offer!

If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country on Sunday, be sure to check out our Free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.

ROLLING PICK 3…

LEG 1: (Race 7: Turf, 1 3/16th, ALLW83k, 4+)

The final offering at a juicy Rolling Pick 3 is on, and I want to start by focusing on this turf route event going a mile and 3/16ths on the Haggin Turf Course.

Once again, when I hear about a Mike Maker entry, I start to perk up. Watching Conviction Trade #7 come home 3rd in the John B. Connally Turf Cup (G3) during the Houston Racing Festival @SHRP, against eventual winner Spooky Channel made me think this one has ability. Next out in the Muniz Mem. (G2) the 5-yr-old out of Exchange Rate was way overmatched by a superlative field with superstar turfer Colonel Liam taking the field home. Maker spots this one well, and his level of fitness is just right with Tyler Gaffalione aboard.

I want to include a couple of others, just for backup, since we have a competitive field that is drawn here. Ocean Atlantique #5 didn’t live up to the expectations of the bettors earlier in this Meet. The colt out of American Pharoah failed to impress in his debut on this side of the Atlantic. That is understandable because it is tough for these types to come over and just flip the switch. He was beaten soundly by a high-priced runner called Fighting Seabee. Now, Brendan Walsh has this one back for another run, and Joel Rosario replaces Irad Ortiz. Let’s include him.

One other entry that looks pretty game is Saffie Joseph’s Battalion #8. This gelding has turf route experience, and coming from Gulfstream, is an invader that could be sitting on a big race. Florent Geroux has not had a stellar Keeneland, but he can always toss in a nice turf ride. Going with this triangle should help us advance on the road to cashing this P3 ticket.

Selections: 5/7/8 (3-Deep)

LEG 2: (Race 8: Dirt, 6½F, MSW79k, 3)

Here is what might be the toughest leg of this sequence, since it has a full-field of sprinters, and a copious amount of first-timers that are drawn in. I am game to spend some money here because any one of these newbies could jump up and win this thing. Brendan Walsh’s Casual Affair #11 looks inviting just because he is a Godolphin homebred who will be ridden by John Velazquez. These Into Mischiefs continue to crank out wins. Still, I wouldn’t want to stake everything on him getting home, so that is why the “All” button is an inviting prospect instead.

I do not do this often, especially since we went with 3 in the first leg. But, this could payoff with a strong opinion in the Bewitch (G3), which is next. If you are looking for a runner that has actually done some of that in a “live” race, then perhaps Jeremiah O’Dwyer’s Laurel racer is your chance. Sibelius #5 can craft a nice piece in here, and he gets accomplished jock, Luis Saez, in the saddle. Wow, his wins just keep racking up (27/84), at an astounding rate. Whatever you do, don’t leave him out!

Selections: 1-12 (All)

LEG 3: (Race 9: Turf, 1 ½, Bewitch Stakes (G3), F&M 4+)

It is time to cut costs, and tighten up the budget. I spent some funds in that last race, in order to “Single” in this spot. You might not agree, but wait till I tell you what I found in the Bewitch (G3), which is the ultimate stakes finish before Keeneland closes out the month. These races are challenging since 1½ is not something Americans try that often. You want to find a quality grass conditioner, and a well-bred distance specialist who is ridden by a jock with a major talent for settling. I think Chad Brown’s Kalifornia Queen #6 checks all those boxes.

She has the potential to be one of those European imports that will have a major impact on deep route racing on this side of the Atlantic. Brown’s training with these types goes back apiece. He ships all over the country, and I could easily see this one heading to Del Mar, Saratoga, or Belmont as we move through the season. Lope De Vega (IRE), this filly’s sire is becoming a force when it comes to being an international grass pedigree. Once again, Michael Dubb and his ownership group, make shrewd decisions. Giving Tyler Gaffalione another shot aboard this one makes a ton of sense. He has the ability to sweep this race very easily. For those reasons . . . “Single.”

Selections: 6 (Single)

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.50 RP3 TICKET COST: $18.00

Enjoy some Closing Day action from Lexington, Kentucky! The tradition of Keeneland continues…