Below is my analysis and picks for today’s feature race. Then some spot plays from around the country.
Keeneland • Race 9 • Hagyard Fayette Stakes (Grade 2) • 3YO+ • 5:16 EST Interesting race here. Pace projection has 1 West Will Power out to an easy lead, and while the rail isn’t the greatest spot to come out of, his early speed is such that it shouldn’t matter with a clean break. He’s also been in the exacta in nine of eleven career starts. (Of note: trainer Brad Cox takes jockey Florent Geroux OFF West Will Power and on to his other entry in the race. Hmm.) I suspect he’ll try and settle on the backstretch, but he’s still going to have to hold off the likes of 3 Fulsome, 4 First Captain, and 5 King Fury, who will all be hauling late. If you’re inclined to think the winner is going to come from one of the closers, I’d take the highest odds horse of that group. (Likely King Fury.) I wouldn’t bet Fulsome at less than the morning line odds, and First Captain looks to be a serious underlay.
Picks: 3-4-5-2
SPOT PLAYS
Santa Anita Race 7. Umberto Rispoli rides last time out winner 4 Handy Dandy. Bet at 4-1 or better.
Belmont at the Big A Race 5. All 3 Morello has done is win four of six lifetime races. He’s battle tested and the lightest raced horse in this field by a mile. Bet at 3-1 or better.
Belmont at the Big A Race 6. Gate-to-wire threat here with 7 Stop War. Bet at 7-2 or better.
Best of luck!