Hammersly: Keeneland pick four for Saturday, April 15

Race 7

EAGLE (#2) may have lost a step or three but he adores this track (3 for 3) and returning here may snap him back to life. His best came when winning this last year. BIRD SONG (#6) looked super winning the Grade 3 Hooper at Gulfstream last time. With his pedigree this added furlong should be no problem, and he’s worked strongly here of late. SCUBA (#4) was super in 2016, closing out the year with three straight stakes wins at Parx, Belmont and Santa Anita. He was a strong second in his only start here, which also came off a layoff. CONQUEST ENFORCER (#7) tries dirt for the first time; he’s bred for it. He’s been knocking heads with the best turf milers out West this winter.

A’s) 2, 6
B’s) 4
C’s) 7

Race 8
LADY AURELIA (#7) romped in her debut on dirt here a year ago, then went to Europe, won a Group 2 over fillies and Group 1 over males. She hasn’t run in a while, but has worked well and trainer Wesley Ward is superb off the bench. PRETTY PERFECTION (#10) continues to fire bullets, winning three straight grass sprints at Gulfstream. A bullet work since at Palm Meadows shows she holds her edge. MISS KATIE MAE (#12) has upset potential coming off a string of good sprints.

A’s) 7
B’s) 10
C’s) 12

Race 9
NO DOZING (#4) wasn’t disgraced in the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby when fourth as they found out he’s likely a cut or two below the best of his crop. The move to this level helps, and note a bullet work last week. WEST COAST (#10) graduated in style out West for Bob Baffert. It’s first time vs. winners and first-time shipping but there’s obviously talent here. SOUPER TAPIT (#2) dazzled in his Fair Grounds debut but then found winners and elders too much to handle there March 20, and a slow start didn’t help, either. He could bounce back. SENIOR INVESTMENT (#3) posted three straight wins (was DQ’d from the middle one) before finishing sixth in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby.

A’s) 4, 10
B’s) 2, 3
C’s) None

Race 10
LADY ELI (#1) is the best turf distance distaffer in the land and she reportedly has been working so well trainer Chad Brown was forced to move up her season debut. The distaffers that could likely scare her most (Tepin, Miss Temple City) are not here.

A’s) 1
B’s) None
C’s) None