Keeneland lover Anthony Fontaine has been doing his homework again. He provides us with his thoughts on this Keeneland October 9 full card.
Race One: Selections 7-8-3-5
#7 Eastside Boy responded in a big way when the trainer stretched him out and the added distance allowed him to show more potential and ability than the sprints. Robinson always brings his best stock from Canterbury to Keeneland and does well, this runner looks spotted for action.
#8 Treasure Trove underwent the ultimate equipment change since his last race and the connections do exceptionally well when teaming with Lanerie. Has shown some ability and this field is not the toughest so would rate this runner a shot in the exacta. #3 King Ford would like to see a swift pace develop providing him an opportunity to close, and with the skilled Hernandez in the irons this runner can close for a share.
Race Two: Selections 8-7-6-2
# Mungojerrie goes for the Barbaro owners and the red hot Delacour. His runners have been firing at the young meet and he appears to have brought some good stock. Looking for a giant performance for this well-bred entrant.
#7 Alexander Hamilton goes for the young Casse who has shown an affinity for having his charges ready to fire in all circumstances. Works are average but trainer not really known for drilling them fast. Looks like a promising firster. #6 Embellisher has been found wanting in the stamina department in last few races however this is a spot where many that have already ran have not quickened the pulse and the firsters are always a mystery. His racing experience may serve him well and he may forget to spot especially if he is able to make an easy lead and waltz around the course.
Race Three: Selections 9-6-8-5
#9 Hurricane Highway has yet to run a bad race and although this will be the first start on conventional dirt, Rivelli wins over anything at any track. This one looks like a serious runner and is strictly the one to beat in this contest. Possesses lots of speed and the outside slot should provide many options for the rider.
#6 Senor John takes a slight drop in class and finds a spot where he should be able to stalk the pace and make one run in the lane. Ortiz has been making all the right moves and this appears to be the easiest assignment in a while. One to consider. #8 Elgar is largely unproven on the dirt but has shown flashes of ability and the company today appears to be friendlier than he has faced in a while, should be able to close for a share.
Race Four: Selections 11-9-7-4
#11 Socata had some difficulty last time out lacked room and faltered badly. Has worked well since that debacle and Leparoux takes the mount which inspires confidence in this spot.
#9 She Be Addie has won both her starts and will look to continue to add to her resume. The level of competition appears to be reasonable. One word of caution the gap between the works 14 September to 3 October is a bit troubling, however I am sure some of that was travelling and settling into the new digs at Keeneland. #7 Hoptown Honey loves to stalk and pounce and if the track continues to play fair like it did the first week I would expect a big effort from this runner.
Race Five: Selections 4-2-9-10
#4 Count Again broke slowly on debut and closed for a share. Has been gelded since and work regularly. Neil Howard can train, and this horse is a well-bred product so would give serious consideration in this spot.
#2 Ramsey Solution debuts for the potent Ward/Velazquez duo. The Ramsey’s love to visit the winners’ circle at Keeneland and Velazquez had made a concerted effort to focus on quality over quantity of mounts at this stage of his illustrious career. No need to mention Wards prowess with young horses. Expecting a huge performance from this runner. #9 Attorney Tim ads shades for this assignment as this one returns from a break from the races. Runner has had two races and there was marked improvement once he stretched out, and expecting this one to give a good account in this spot.
Race Six: Selections 4-7-6-9
#4 Honest Mischief appears to tower over most of his rivals today and honestly looks like he is entered for a paid workout. This horse has been facing much better including the horse that just missed to Omaha Beach at Santa Anita last Saturday. Enjoy the free square in the multi race exotics.
#7 Airtouch has proven to be a very good horse. Ran a nice debut to finish second, then was off for two years and returned to win nicely. Obviously the connections think highly of this charge, and if the top choice were to stub his toe this is the most likely winner. #6 American Mandate has been away from the races since the Keeneland spring meeting and returns in an ultra-tough spot today. This runner has speed and may be able to establish a nice position on or near the lead, and if left alone may get brave.
Race Seven The JP Morgan Chase Jessamine Stakes: Selections 10-6-9-4
#6 Sweet Melania has proven to be a solid performer and might have got to wandering when making the lead last time and lost concentration thinking the race was over and was caught. Ortiz will time his move to perfection this time as he is one of the more cerebral riders in the game today. Expecting a huge effort as she is the one they have to beat to cash.
#9 Diamond Sparkles ran well up north on a yielding surface and will appreciate a firmer surface for this race. The level of competition today should be easier than in the last race and this one appears to be a serious contender for all slots for the red hot trainer Casse the elder. #10 Soothsaying looked like a green horse in her debut yet was able to win despite causing some commotion for many of her opponents. Mott does not add Lasix without a reason so chances are this filly bled in her debut. I am expecting an improvement off her debut and will be tough in the lane at a nice price.
Race Eight: Selections 11-7-6-4
#11 Smart Warrior appears to take a drop in class however the maiden allowance runners at Canterbury are probably on par or comparable to the maiden 30k runners at Keeneland so it may be a parallel move. Nonetheless runner has not been disgraced in his efforts and expect a solid showing today.
#7 Ready and Rich loves to settle for minor awards as this one has hit the board in 9 out of 16 starts. Lanerie will try to crack the code today and may have found a field that he can visit the winners circle. Takes another drop in class and that may have been the formula needed for a victory. #6 Populist drops in class and tries dirt for the first time as connections pull out all the stops to get the most out of this runner. This one was bred to be a runner and I feel there is ability that has not been on display in the afternoons as yet and today would be a good day to discover it at a nice price. Worth a stab in the exotics.
