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Sat October 21st, 2023 |
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Stakes Spotlight
Keeneland Race 6
Post Time 2:40 PM CST
Full disclosure, I've never been a #1 VERIFYING fan. He is a fine horse though one that just tends to run the same race and can falter even when sitting perfect trips. The connections cut him back in distance last out and while finishing second in the Jerkens (G1) he did not improve number wise - again just the same race. That distance change suggested some "experimentation" at the time, and even here there is not much confidence in this spot ducking graded stakes company. As an individual he fits on par and could just catch the right field, time, place and trip. Though in terms of a play, he projects to land a short price, willing to take him on at the, in my opinion likely underlay number; and will lose no sleep if it does canter to the wire first.
#3 POST TIME has been extremely good in each and every race. This is without question a class test as he will step up to stakes company and take his game outside Maryland, though he is worthy of the test and play at the projected morning line.
#2 CONFIDENCE GAME has been off since the KY Derby (G1) and even going into that race had not raced in two months. This spot looks as good a spot as any to get a start coming back late in the year. Clearly this is not the end goal, though he is a talented horse and should give an honest account of himself here.
Class and foundation sides with #4 RAISE CAIN over #6 LOYAL COMPANY, though as far as the distance of this race and even timing LOYAL COMPANY has that going for him proven around one-turn and off a BTL stakes effort last month at CD. RAISE CAIN holds a graded stakes win around one-turn however he has run faster around two-turns. A "hot" trend is on his side as trainer Ben Colebrook sent out some live runners on the Wednesday card with two wins and a place in as many starters.
Agree with the morning line as #5 DR. VENKMAN should land in the "second choice" role by the public, but that does not always translate to fair odds. He has recorded some of the higher speed figures, a factor that lands public support. While those numbers are what they are, they were earned through favorable trips and this is a class test for him shipping in for this race and first stakes try.