King: Keeneland pick five for Saturday, April 14

A key change in the 11th race Saturday at Keeneland, where Alberobello drew in from the also-eligible list, makes the late pick five an appealing wager. Her presence may provide a “free square” in the sequence, reducing the cost and making it easier to spread in other races.

What follows is how I advise playing the bet with a $48 play.

Race 7

The 1 1/8-mile Ben Ali is surprisingly contentious for a seven-horse field, and not using enough runners seems a risky play. Four horses, listed in numerical order and not by preference, go on my tickets: Guest Suite (1), Rafting (2), Hollywood Handsome (3), and Chip Leader (6). All but Chip Leader are proven on dirt and in good form for the level, while Chip Leader is the controlling speed.

Race 8

Morticia (2) and Lady Aurelia (8) just seem to be at another level than the rest in this turf sprint for grass females. I’ll restrict play to these two while naturally hoping for a Morticia victory – as she will be the better price than fan favorite and multiple Group 1 winner Lady Aurelia.

Race 9

Telekinesis (2) and My Boy Jack (12) are the two to use in the Lexington, with the former being the top selection with a better draw than the favored My Boy Jack.

Race 10

The potential for a soggy turf course could make the Jenny Wiley anyone’s race. So, these six go on the tickets: Off Limits (3), Dona Bruja (4), Kitten’s Roar (5), Sistercharlie (7), La Coronel (8), and Fourstar Crook (11).

Race 11

Last up, we get the single mentioned above, Lady Alberobello (13).

The tickets

Using the horses outlined above, a 50-cent play of 1,2,3,6 with 2,8 with 2,12 with 3,4,5,7,8,11 with 13 costs $48.