Keeneland: DRF Plus handicapping report for April 5, 2014
Race 1 Formulator PPs |
Spot PlayExacta box, 4-6: Admittedly, this is a bit of a no-brainer, given that both of these 2yos are trained by Wesley Ward, for whom they may soon build a statue outside the Kee gates for his work with babies. Weight one exacta punch a little more heavily, if you want, in attempting to extract a little more value out of this; if Wes happens to scratch one of these colts, then it’s “all in” on the remaining one. All you need is a name on the program when it comes to this dude. – Marty McGee Closer Looks >> |
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Race 5 Formulator PPs |
Spot PlayUP WITH THE BIRDS (#4, 5-2): Not only is this guy coming off a G1 victory last fall and has a 6-for-9 career mark and has been training right along in Nola for the ever-underrated Malcolm, but some of the opposition has some faults that heighten his chances, i.e., Forte dei Marmi most likely needs a race, Tricky Hat is a 5yo adding blinks (!?!), and Boisterous didn’t beat a one in his first try for new handlers. Lean heavily on this stable star. – Marty McGee
Spot PlayTRICKY HAT (#3, 5-1) might be the main speed in this turf route, especially with the addition of blinkers, as there's just not a whole lot of pace in here; can steal it under Napravnik. -Kenny Peck
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Race 6 Formulator PPs |
Vulnerable FavoritePURSE STRINGS (#3, 5-2) is by Tapit and has drawn positive reviews from Keeneland clockers in preparation for her debut, but she doesn’t warrant being favored against fillies with experience; Summer Camp, in particular, presents a formidable challenge after chasing the pace and running fourth first out at Gulfstream. – Byron King
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Race 7 Formulator PPs |
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Race 9 Formulator PPs |
Ashland Stakes by Marty McGeeThe main decision to make here is how to use M/L fave Testa Rossi (#6) in what shapes up as a terrific wagering event. If you think her turf form will transfer to the Poly, well, yeah, she’s a definite play; if not, then leaving her out as the likely favorite is instant value-plus to your tickets. That said, Chad sure seems to have a lot of confidence in this filly, and you can’t blame him. She’s been a world-beater so far, and even though her Beyers aren’t far superior, she just might have the edge here given her Poly-favoring from-the-back running style, especially in a bulky field that has as much as speed as this does. We’re in. Besides leaning primarily on her in the multi-race plays, let’s key her first and second in some verticals with an eclectic mix that uses the other logical fillies, Room Service (#2) and Rosalind (#8), along with a few longer-priced fillies, those being Macaroon (#3), Thank You Marylou (#5), Candy Kitty (#9), and Seeking Her Glory (#12).
Spot PlayROOM SERVICE (#2, 9-2) ran the highest Beyer Speed Figure on turf by a 3-year-old stakes filly this year in winning the G3 Herecomesthebride and starts for a barn that is good at developing horses into synthetic runners; poised for a big one in the Ashland.– Byron King
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Race 10 Formulator PPs |
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