Peck: Keeneland pick four for Saturday, April 4

Epic storms that caused the cancellation of the latter part of Friday's card could mean that the fourth race, a solid allowance route, will be moved to the main track. Otherwise, the early pick four at Keeneland on Saturday does appear to be pretty straightforward.

RACE 2

HIGHBALL (#2) and TAGHLEEB (#8) are obvious enough off their recent Beyer Speed Figures, but EMPIRE KNIGHT (#1A) will offer the most value, and he had a valid excuse in his latest. His prior Beyers give him strong credibility, and he can pull off a slight upset if he gets a clean trip.

A's: 1A
B's: 2, 8
C's: NONE

RACE 3

OUR COMMODORE (#4) and WISECRACKER (#8) merit "A" status on the strength of their Beyers, which clearly stand out in this field of maidens. True, the prices will be short, and it would be ideal to take a stand, but the truth is they are tough to split and very likely to get us through this leg one way or the other. Using no one else.

A's: 4, 8
B's: NONE
C's: NONE

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RACE 4

Completely understand that BIG BLUE KITTEN (#1) is going to be a handful and is the most likely winner of this allowance race. But the inside draw and the lack of pace in this field offers just enough doubt to take a shot against him, at least on the main tickets. WAR DANCER (#6) has a legitimate chance to steal this despite the layoff, as the complete lack of pace in this field gives him a big shot. I'll also use MR SPEAKER (#7), another making his seasonal debut, though only on minor tickets. If the race comes off the turf and MAJESTIC HARBOR (#8) gets in, he is an "A" play thanks to his speed and the lack of imposing dirt form in the field.

A's: 6, 8
B's: 1
C's: 7

RACE 5

RARE ART (#5) impressed in that debut run, and his works in the interim suggest that he holds his form. YOCKEY'S WARRIOR (#8) posted an exceptional Beyer in his own debut, a figure so good that he could regress a bit today and still win this. DISTANT KINGDOM (#2) looks a notch below the top pair but could improve with blinkers added, and SILVER RIDE (#4) is another with upside thanks to the addition of Lasix.

A's: 5, 8
B's: NONE
C:'s: 2, 4