Opening Day at Keeneland / Free Selections / $200,000 Guaranteed P-4

Wherever you come from the drive to Keeneland has to be beautiful. In the spring, the renewal of life is abound with the blooming of the Dogwoods. When the fall meet arrives you are greeted by the vibrant colors of the Kentucky foliage. For 15-days each April and October racing holds court in a place where the horse is revered. The sights of  fans decked out in the fashion of the day, and the bevy of college students who skip that last class and make Keeneland a part of their curriculum. There are no words that truly describe the elegant beauty, so from one fan to another, make the trek, and see for yourself. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Race #7 – Alw $54,000 – 1 1/8th on the turf – 4:17 p.m. ET    – **** GUARANTEED $200,000 Pick-Four ****

#2 – Exothermic (9-2) = J.J Castellano in the saddle for Rusty Arnold. there are two places that Arnold loves to win, and they are Keeneland and Gulfstream. He has been off since winning at GP, and has been working regular over the Keeneland strip.  Gulfstream runners have done very well, and Arnold’s barn scores at 17% off a last race win.

#1 – Slow Pace (7-2) = Johnny Velasquez comes into Lexington, and Todd Pletcher conditions this son of Distorted Humor. Ran in Group 2 and 3 company in France, and was heavily bet at Fair Grounds, Gulfstream, and Saratoga. All three locations have been a good proving ground for the meet.

#5 – Burn the Mortgage (9-2) = David Cohen gets the call for Wayne Catalano. Catalano has done well at Keeneland, and his Chicago-style is catching on for players in Kentucky. 6/9 ITM on the weeds, and ships in off a win at Saratoga.

Race #8 – The 160th Running of the G-3 Phoenix – 6f – 4:49 p.m. ET

#5 – Dr. Chit (3-1) = Ramon Dominguez is in town for Team Pletcher, and this colt ran a very nice race in the G-1 King’s Bishop. Cuts back in distance, and up close stalkers do very well.  The “Dr.” can take care of this today, and this looks like an awesome spot to make his presence felt for the barn.

Race #9 – The 61st Running of the G-1 Alcibiades – 1 1/16 – 5:21 p.m. ET

#2 – Kitten’s Dumpling’s (8-1) = J.J Castellano up for Mike Maker, and the barn did well last fall winning 12/29 from a turf to poly move. Ran big at Woodbine over the yielding turf, and switches from Rosie to Castellano again.

#3 – Rose to Gold (6-1) = J.M. Rios in the irons today. He won huge twice at Calder winning by over 13-lengths each time. Look for an up close chase, if not on the lead.

#9 – Spring in the Air (12-1) = Patrick Husbands aboard for Mark Casse. Makes the turf to poly move, and was very impressive in her two runs on the synthetic at Woodbine.

#1 – Pure Indy (8-1) = Victor Espinoza in town for Craig Dollase. Huge win two back at Del Mar, and is by Pure Prize who sends out solid poly runners.

Race #10 – Md Sp Wt $50,000 – 6 1/2 f – 5:53 p.m. ET

#6 – K to the Kroft (5-1)

#8 – Indian Clarkie (3-1)

#11 – Yes Sir (9-2)

Total ticket cost = 3 X 1 X 4 X 3 = $36 for a dollar ticket, and $18 for a 50-cent version.

Boutique meets can be fun, as well as lucrative. Winning Ponies has been following this circuit with great success over the years. The E-Z Win Forms offer depth and solid information. You can check the weather, scratches, and any turf changes all in one place in real time. Be sure to start your day by getting your information early and make your day a winner!