Keeneland Picks: Maker's Glynn County grass cutback on April 20

If there is a bucket list horse racing stop 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 will still remain a theme, as we have a number of superb "stakes" races, and undercards that offer major value plays. Turfwriter J.N. Campbell has your free picks, plus analysis, so let's get going!

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Most Likely Winner: (Race 6: Captain Fantastic #7, 4/1):

Looking for a sure play on this opening card of Week 3 at Keeneland, I found this gem of a runner from the barn of Ethan West. The trainer only has a pair of starts so far, but that doesn’t mean he cannot get rolling with his 1st win of the Meet in this spot. His gelding by Midnight Lute is coming to Central Kentucky after running up a Turfway. Those shippers did well, and that should continue. The strength of rider Luis Saez can make a difference, as there is no one better in the game when it comes to hustling their mount towards the wire. Look for this one to nab his 2nd career win … will he get claimed through a “shake?” Wait and see … in the meantime, this runner is a bet!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #7

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Viburnum #9, 8/1):

Trainer Kelsey Danner has a solid stable, and I like her conditioning methods very much, especially when it comes to turf routers. Here is a filly by Include that progressed well last season for the Florida-based outfit. She was up against some tough divisional foes in Arm Candy, Adventuring, and in the Dowager (G3) @KEE, Summer in Saratoga … I am thinking that off-the-bench, she could be ready to roll. Sometimes the difference from 3 to 4-yrs-old can be astronomical. A homebred, she is owned by the excellent Dede McGehee, gets Adam Beschizza in the irons, and easily fits into this class level (Starter ALLW50k). Maybe she will end up being a square price too … 8/1 … yes, indeed!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #9 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Turf, 1 1/16th, ALLW130kn3x, 4+):

Not the easiest of conditions on this Wednesday … and let’s face it, on the Haggin, translates to a slugfest … With this dirty dozen (plus 3 AEs), it has the makings for a fabulous betting extravaganza. Based on the M/L, Kenny McPeek has what looks like a tepid favorite at 3/1. Camp Hope #4 is a 4-yr-old by Summer Front that is making his ’22 debut for Walking L Thoroughbreds. Last August at Saratoga, he switched to the grass for the 1st time, and won a couple of challenging races at Keeneland in October. Brian Hernandez was aboard then, and will be again. I am up for taking a shot against this one because there are so many other entries that look enticing. My top selection is Mike Maker’s Glynn County #3, a 5-yr-old that is desperately in-need of a cutback race. He has been competing in contests well over 1 1/8th for over 1 year and half for Three Diamonds Farm. There is no question that running in the UN, Mr. D., and most recently, in a pair of raucous long routes at Gulfstream Park, has made him a sturdy stayer. In an effort to get back on track, I think Maker is shrewd to enter at Keeneland, going 1 1/16th, and with Tyler Gaffalione aboard. The price on him will be right (his conditioner is due), and hopefully will remain above double-digits. Constructing a Trifecta Wheel with this one as the “key” gives us a major chance to cash a superb ticket. Keeneland generated some major handle during its 1st 2 weeks, and boxcar winners were all the rage. That should continue …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 3 w 4 w 1/2/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/AEs,13/14/15

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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 !!!