Keeneland Picks: Haggin heroes hit the hay on April 21

If there is a horse racing stop on your list, then it must include picturesque Keeneland! If you want to catch Live Racing, you had better hurry because the 1st pair of weeks is already done after a record-setting handle. 

Great competition remains, as we have a number of superb "stakes" races left, and undercards that offer major value opportunities when it comes to betting. Turfwriter J.N. Campbell has your free picks, plus analysis, so let's get going!

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 3: Nottoway #6, 2/1):

Trainer Lacey Gaudet comes from a horse background, and her conditioning abilities just continue to grow. It is great to see her venture outside of her base in Maryland, and one of her best acquisitions from a couple of years back will be making his 1st start of ’22. A gelding by Twirling Candy, this horse comes to Central Kentucky after racing primarily at Pimlico and Laurel. The addition of Irad Ortiz is a super choice, and his mount should handle this group with ease. I am not sure that he is going to be anywhere close to 2/1 when the race goes off, but we can hope. Maybe 4/5 is your definition of value … a deserving favorite for sure against open Claiming Co.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #6

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Big Bugg’s Girl #10, 8/1):

On the hunt for a price play on this Thursday, I had a rummage through the bin, and found this gem from the barn of Ben Colebrook. The Kentucky-based conditioner is still looking for his 1st win of the Meet, and he might get it with this 3-yr-old filly. Drawn towards the outside might not be ideal going around 2-turns, but this daughter of Street Sense has the ability to run from off-the-pace. Corey Lanerie has some prior experience with her, and I am banking on the fact that she has matured nicely since running at Turfway back in early December. The 1st time Lasix could help too, and let’s face it, her price will be right at 8/1.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Turf, 1½, ALLW120kn2x, F&M 4+):

Taking to the Haggin Course, the grass might have some “give” to it after the 1st day of its being firm. Rainfall can really change a course in a matter of minutes, so it is worth taking some time to understand the difference between good, soft, and yielding. When it comes to a distance race like this one, we do not see that many in North America, whereas in Europe, they are commonplace. In this race, I am going to lean heavily on Shug McGaughey’s Flanigan’s Cove #4. A homebred, this filly by Kitten’s Joy has not seen competition since late in November at Aqueduct, but her talent then, and now, is undeniable. Last year, she also ran well at Colonial Downs, and I am expecting big things from this one in ’22. Getting Joel Rosario in the irons could make all the difference, if he can get her to settle early … making a big run, which is her style. Others that are worth a look, include … Graham Motion’s new addition, Go Big Blue Nation #6, and Richard Baltas’ Disappearing Act #3. Both of these entries have distance experience on the grass, and get seasoned riders in Tyler Gaffalione and Flavien Prat, respectively. Baltas’ mare by Magician just lost by a length at Santa Anita in mid-January in the Grade 3 Astra S., so one would think that her class lines make her dangerous in a spot like this one. I am willing to call a cold Trifecta, and see if we can get this one home, in order! Let’s go turf racing enthusiasts …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Cold, 4/3/6

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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 !!!