American Rascal makes his mama proud with a dazzling debut victory (Coady Photography)
Keeneland, Race 2 – 04/20/2023
By 2YO EdgeMan
KEE2:042023 – H-O-L-Y C-O-W! I didn’t think that the juvenile performances could get any more impressive this year and then comes along today’s runaway winner, a colt from Curlin / Lady Aurelia – #8 American Rascal. #15 Loudermilk and Luis Saez broke the sharpest in this one, but Joel Rosario stayed in touch with him in second and after they straightened out for the run down the lane, American Rascal blasted off like a nuclear-powered rocket ship and hit the line 10+ lengths to the good. He was timed in 51.21 seconds and that earned him an almost unbelievable EBSF of 99! Yes niner niner, that is not a typo. $3.00 even was the payout to $2W ticket holders. Wanna know who the trainer was? You’ll never guess it (just kidding) – The Maestro made it a fabulous 4 for 5 at Keeneland this meet. Asmussen’s horse – #13 Prints Money – settled for second place money. Our pick – #1 Cowes – scratched (which was probably lucky for him, as there was obviously no touching the winner today). Learnings – picking babies against Ward at Keeneland in the spring ain’t for the faint of heart – especially this spring!
As a reminder, don’t forget Spendthrift Farm’s brilliant debut sire – Vino Rosso’s first competitor hits the track tomorrow (Friday) down in south Florida at Gulfstream Park – Race 2. I just caught his morning line odds and #5 Zaino is listed at 20/1. I’ve not broken down this race – but those kinda odds feel juicy to me.
The condition book shows that the next 2YO MSW race at KEE is expected next Wednesday, 4/26/23 – so be on the lookout for our ‘Picks, Plays and Pontification’ piece for that one early next week, my Edgie friends. We are also working on a KY Derby piece for you – yes, I know, only 3YOs run in the Derby – I’ll explain later – just keep your eyes peeled right here on this outstanding site.
