Keeneland Picks: Redux ... American Hero tops on April 14

The scene is Lexington, Kentucky, and the place ... well ... if you do not know it ... it is picturesque Keeneland ... The 1st weekend of the Spring Meet is done gone!

Now, Wednesday has come and gone, but we still have 3 glorious days of competition left (Easter Sunday, 17 April is dark). With the Grade 1 Maker's Mark (Friday), and the Grade 3 Lexington Stakes on Saturday (the last KYD148 "Points" race of the season), it is sure to be an incredible set of cards. 

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Thursday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ... Horseracing_USA !!!

Most Likely Winner: (Race 7: American Hero #3, 4/1):

Trainer Brad Cox scratched this runner in a contest at Oaklawn Park, and now this son of Constitution reappears in Lexington. I like this spot, and we already know that when this conditioner and Flavien Prat get together, they can be a force. Most bettors do not think too highly of horses that last raced at Turfway Park, but they should reconsider. Cox used that base to keep this budding sprint-router in-form over the winter … now, spring has sprung. Prat has a shot to get this one home, and his riding is transferring nicely to the east. Anything above 5/2 is overlay … in my opinion.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: I’m So Sorry #10, 8/1):

Looking for value on a Keeneland card is not difficult, but you do need some “angles” at your disposal to sort out which pick is best. I like Brian Lynch’s entry not only because she is well-bred by Uncle Mo, but also because if this race is taken off the Haggin, she should be solid on the dirt as well. In 2 career races, she has faced both surfaces. Having experienced rider Julien Leparoux back at the controls is also a major plus. Over the years, he and Lynch have worked well together. Yet another jockey-trainer combo … The price should be right on this one, as she makes her return to the turf.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #10 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Dirt, 1 1/16th, MSW100k, 3):

The spotlight this time around shines on a good group of maiden 3-yr-olds, and I would not be surprised if an entry in this spot flipped the script. Of course, we have a mix of celebrated barns with those that are on-the-make. What a race … as a field of 10 contests 2-turns. It looks as though Saffie Joseph’s Cape Trafalgar #2 and Dallas Stewart’s Brigadier General #8 will skirmish for the top spot on the tote. Both have their attributes, and will be ridden by Irad Ortiz and Tyler Gaffalione, respectively. Joseph’s entry, owned by Peachtree Stable, looked sharp on debut. Bred by Spendthrift (Lord Nelson), he just could not catch the eventual winner at Gulfstream at the beginning of last month. The speed fig looked excellent, and with the rider upgrade, this colt could be tough to tangle with late in the contest. As for Stewart’s entry … this West Point Thoroughbred-owned son of Street Sense is making his 3rd start in this form cycle. I expect this one to win, especially if he wins the break, and can control the fractions up front. Gaffalione has yet to ride this one, but no matter, he can adapt with the best of them. My betting plan is to play an ice-cold Exacta … taking Stewart’s entry on top, and rolling Joseph’s underneath. It will be time to load up, and watch this wager bring in the cash … Be sure to check out the “Will Pays” while they are in the Paddock and going through warm-ups … If it is anything over $10.00, then I will be betting big! Confidence springs eternal …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 8 w 2

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Enjoy another wonderful afternoon trackside! Best of luck on another run at historic Keeneland! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!!