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Fri April 11th, 2025 |
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Stakes Spotlight
Keeneland Race 9
Post Time 4:16 PM CST
MAKER'S MARK MILE (G1):
#6 CARL SPACKLER fits logically as the favorite for this race on class and speed figures even with their runstyle for this mile distance. Current form gives up recency after 160-days from the BC Mile (G1) though has run off a layoff in the past to hold against them with the other strong factors in their favor.
On class and speed figures, #1 INTEGRATION also checks those boxes though a horse that has been most effective going slightly longer than a flat mile. They ran in this race last year with the show finish (B-) over a yielding course and honest late MOVE behind first run winner Master of the Seas and fellow Appleby place stablemate Naval Power.
Trying to find some value in the race the play against #8 NORTHERN INVADER as the projected second choice. For this G1 event they are tested for class often struggling with some favorable trips in G3 company lacking an edge over some others in this field.
#2 FUNTASTIC AGAIN is a proven miler and fits this race where they could be overlooked off the layoff and recent running line. The Mint Millions (G3) at KEE truly fitting name with the $2 million dollar purse and FUNTASTIC AGAIN a slight flow upgrade from that race. A further X_FLOW upgrade from the Shoemaker Mile (G1) in their prior start, a race with a similar par to today's event.
#3 TRIKARI returns in this spot as a confident move to kick off the 4yo season. They closed out 2024 in the Bryan Station, a less than ideal TACTIC- trip and COLD barn on the day - already that trend changing for G. Motion this meet and a positive with J. Velazquez back aboard.