Nothing like starting out your Wednesday afternoon with some steeplechase racing at the Spa. Which Keri Brion will I include as my top pick this week? Read on to find out…
Racing starts at 1:05 EST. Today’s analysis was done pre-scratches.
Race 1 I continue to be clueless on these hurdle races. This week my money’s on the 8 Historic Heart, who’s won 5 of 20 lifetime races.
Picks: 8-3-4-7
Race 2 Contentious group in this $16K claiming race. The 1 Greeley and Ben is an underlay for me at 1-2 on the morning line. The horse has won 20 of 34 starts; I’m just not ready to crown his ass. I’d much rather have my win money on the 2 O’Trouble or the 4 Quick Return.
Picks: 2-1-4-3
Race 3 Eh, Brad Cox is dropping the 6 Mommasgottarun to make a run at a second career win. I suppose the 3 Perfect Provision will keep her honest early. If there is a pace meltdown, watch out for the 2 Wicked Happy to pick up the pieces under jockey Javier Castellano.
Picks: 6-2-3-5
Race 4 A couple of nice works coming into this spot from the 3 Synonymous. We’ve been in this situation multiple times this meet! It could be a wide-open race, or the morning line is spot on–watch the tote!
Picks: 3-5-7-6
Race 5 Dirt sprint and every entry save one is a first timer. I’ll put my money on the Asmussen entry 8 Justifying. Wouldn’t talk you out of the 5 Mija for Todd Pletcher and Johnny V. if that’s your pleasure.
Picks: 8-5-6-2
Race 6 The 8 Mackillop is a new gelding and must be considered. Trainer Todd Pletcher add blinkers on the 5 Maritime Wings, who also gets first time Lasix. Irad is listed on both the 6 and 14–circle back after scratches.
Picks: 6-8-5-3
Race 7 Have to include the 6 U Glow Girl, one of two here who’s got a race under their belt. Of the first timers, the breeding points to the 3 Ruler of the Night. The 4 Oh Donna gets Irad up for trainer Raymond Handal.
Picks: 3-7-6-4
Race 8 The 2 Silken Dollar’s lone career victory was gate-to-wire and looks to be the lone speed here today. I think she’s got a legitimate shot to get loose on the lead again today.
Picks: 2-4-1-6
Race 9 Trainer Danny Gargan has the 8 Dakota Gold in just the right spot today in this non-graded stakes race. The real question is who we can get underneath to blow up our tris and supers?
Picks: 8-5-6-3
Race 10 The 6 Cafe Fleur out of Chad Brown’s barn is the morning line favorite and 2-for-6 lifetime. But… those two wins were all the way back in 2020. Trainer Brittany Russell has two entries. New to her barn is the 4 Dixie Cannon, who makes her 2022 debut today. The 7 Funwhileitlasted gets Javier Castellano in the irons. Both look good enough to compete with this bunch. The 10 Ocean Air, out of English Channel, is another making her 2022 debut. The last time Luis Saez rode, they made the winner’s circle. The 9 Princess Pinky goes second off the bench today, having won a tune-up at Belmont back in June. Will have to make a forward move to prevail again today.
Picks: 7-6-9-10
Best of luck!