BetPTC.com / Graded Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer
Keeneland
Race #9 – The G2 Fayette Stakes – 1 1/8 – 5:30 pm ET
BetPTC.com Selections = #5 – Honorable Duty / #6 – McCraken / #2 – Neolithic
#5 – Honorable Duty = Corey Lanerie in the irons as he is making his 2nd start off a brief layoff. His impressive win in the Lukas Classic shows he’s ready to get back to work and is 1/1 over the course. The distance should be no problem as he is 3/5 ITM going this far. #6 – McCraken = Brian Hernandez for Ian Wilkes and they are bringing this son of Ghostzapper off a 3-month layoff. His dismal effort in the G1 Travers showed he needed to have a little time down, and a brief summer freshening is just what the doctor ordered. He has a solid work tab and hasn’t seen Keeneland since he was a beaten favorite in the Bluegrass. Look for a whole new runner. #2 – Neolithic = Speedy son of Harlan’s Holiday has been off for 56 days since the G1 Woodward. Look for Robby Albarado to send right to the lead and steal this race for the Pletcher barn.
Belmont
Race #7 – The G3 Athenia – 1 1/16 on the turf – 3:43 pm ET
BetPTC.com Selections = #7 – Off Limits / #10 – Penjade / #8 -Westit
#7 – Off Limits = Joel Rosario in the saddle for Chad Brown and they are scoring at a 33% clip the past few months. She’s been the picture of consistency in 2017 and is looking to make it 3-in-a-row after taking down the G3 Noble Damsel. She is 3/4 over the Belmont turf and going from a mile to 1 1/16 looks to fit her like a glove. #10 – Penjade = Irad Ortiz has the call for Chad Brown and they have been doing good work as a team. She is 4/4 ITM over the Belmont sod and looking to make it four straight in 2017. This daughter of Air Chief Marshall is taking a big step in class but her recent efforts warrant a hard look at scoring at a price. #8 – Westit = Manny Franco aboard this daughter of Tapit as she ships in from France. She has run on synthetic, turf, and faced the boys many times in France. If the ground has a little cut on Saturday I would give her a good look to complete your exotics.
Race #8 – The G3 Turnback the Alarm – 1 1/16 – 4:16 pm ET
BetPTC.com Selections = #3 – Miss Sky Warrior / #5 – Birdatthewire / #2 – Tejana
#3 – Miss Sky Warrior = Javier Castellano in the irons for Kelly Breen. She’s been away for 5 months since the Kentucky Oaks and her morning works show a filly ready to roll. She cuts back in distance and drops in class and this should make her a major danger. Castellano takes over for Paco Lopez and if her last bullet work is any indication she’ll be tough to handle. #5 – Birdatthewire = Manny Franco teams up with Thom Proctor. She’s coming off a two-month break and has been working very well. She adds distance and Franco did an excellent job in the G1 Ballerina last out finishing 4th. #2 – Tejana = Speedy daughter of Curlin has the services of one of the best speed riders in the country with Jose Ortiz. She’s had a regular work tab and if Ortiz gets loose on the lead he could put out the lights on the field.
Race #9 – The G3 Bold Ruler – 7f – 4:49 pm ET
BetPTC.com Selections = #9 – Seymourdini / #11 – Divining Rod / #7 – Stallwalkin’ Dude
#9 – Seymourdini = Jose Ortiz has the call for Linda Rice, and this son of Bernardini looks to make it four straight. He is 3/4 ITM at Belmont and been improving with every start. This is his acid test for the Rice barn, and she wins 28% of the time off the last race win. #11 – Divining Rod = Daniel Centeno in the irons for Arnaud Delacour and this son of Tapit comes off a game effort in the G2 Kelso. This is his 4th start of the year and cuts back in distance and drops in class. #7 – Stallwalkin’ Dude = Irad Ortiz has the mount for the son of City Place. He finished 3rd last out in the G1 Vosburgh and is 10/13 ITM at Belmont. Ortiz is a solid closing rider and this gelding will benefit from his strong late finishing efforts.