Hammersly: Pick 5 play for Saturday at Keeneland

Saturday’s all-stakes Pick 5 at Keeneland (races 6-10) is a mouthwatering opportunity, with horses going after the day’s big prize while prepping for a possible shot at the Breeders’ Cup - meaning there are deep fields and some attractive prices with plenty of chances at paydirt.

Race 6
HOLDING GOLD (#5) posted two big efforts in June. His last two in August weren’t as sharp but came on non-firm turf. He’s better on firm ground, has won here before and has worked well recently. BUCCHERO (#2) won this last year and could be ready to get back to that form after a decent fifth last time out after a few months off. UNDRAFTED (#8) is a terrific old warrior. He came back with a smart rallying fourth in a Grade 3 last time out, his first start in a couple months and may be ready to move forward. ROCKET HEAT (#6) was eliminated at the start last time out. He’s got big speed and some back-class.

A’s) 2, 5
B’s) 8
C’s) 6

Race 7
MISS SUNSET (#3) has shipped here before from SoCal and run well. She comes here sharp off a stakes win at Del Mar. CHALON (#9) looked good romping in a sprint stakes at Monmouth last time out. She’s run well here before and run well fresh. GOLDEN MISCHIEF (#7) has blossomed in recent months and while it’s a step up she may be this good now. TORRENT (#2) is capable of better than her most recent and a slight rest and move to this shorter trip may bring it out of her.

A’s) 3, 9
B’s) 7
C’s) 2

Race 8
A RAVING BEAUTY (#2) impressed this spring/summer in New York. She didn’t fire her best shot when fourth last time out, but a return to top form makes her the one to beat. DONA BRUJA (#7) disappointed in the Grade 1 Beverly D. but has worked like her old self and a return to top form makes her scary. OFF LIMITS (#10) is winless this year but don’t let that fool you – she hasn’t run badly. She still packs a punch in the lane. QUIDURA (#3) was gone a while but is back in top form and may be the one to catch.

A’s) 2
B’s) 7, 10
C’s) 3

Race 9
DREAM MAKER (#5) impressed in his debut with a big win, then had a setback. He came back to be a better-than-looked fifth in the Grade 1 Hopeful, a race he surely needed. He’s worked big since and is bred to prefer this longer game. MIND CONTROL (#13) dueled and held on gamely to win the Hopeful. He’s bred to handle this longer trip. STANDARD DEVIATION (#14) cost $450,000 and came out firing to easily win his debut. He may be this good, but it’s first time shipping, first time routing and he got the worst of the draw.

A’s) 5, 13
B’s) 14
C’s) None

Race 10
ALMANAAR (#11) nearly won the Grade 1 Arlington Million. He won in Europe twice at this trip and packs a wallop in the lane. HEART TO HEART (#5) is the one to catch. He didn’t care for the non-firm turf at Saratoga last time but if he gets his footing he figures in it every step of the way. SYNCHRONY (#6) has come into his own this year and seems most comfortable at about this distance. It’s a step up in class today but he may be ready for it. ANALYZE IT (#9) has loads of talent and may be better at this shorter trip, though he’s facing elders for the first time. QURBAAN (#7) was game in his U.S. debut, winning a tough Grade 2 at Saratoga and getting a smart Beyer.

A’s) 5, 11
B’s) 6, 9
C’s) 7