Live @ Keeneland – Lexus Raven Run (G2) Day
October 21st, 2011BY JUDE T. FELD
Mike Penna and I will be hosting LEXUS, the sponsors of our popular “Equine Forum” radio show, at Keeneland this afternoon as they also sponsor the Raven Run (G2) at the Lexington track. Here is a copy of the selection sheet that the guests will receive:
1st Race) AUSTONS SURE CURE drops into a good spot here. He is two for two at today’s distance and returned victorious in his lone Keeneland start. VAMOS A VER came off a long layoff and finished third at Presque Isle Downs. With that race under his belt he should be much fitter. Hall of Fame jockey Edgar Prado enhances his chances. CANTONIC might find this race too far but his speed is dangerous.
2nd Race) SILVER MYSTIQUE has great connections. She no doubt needed her first start going seven furlongs and stretches out for her second off a couple of nice workouts at Fair Hill. NOVENTA has trained decently for her racing debut and finds a weak field. Her trainer, Eric Reed, wins 21% of the time with maiden claimers making their first start. LADY CITRON ran well enough in her debut to merit consideration.
3rd Race) EYE FOR AN EYE is super sharp right now. The three-year-old has won his last couple and looks to extend his streak versus some pretty jaded competitors. STORM GALILEO tumbles to his lowest level ever, in search of his first victory of 2011. He should be right there at the finish. RAMESES THE GREAT might spark a big trifecta if he runs one of his good races.
4th Race) BLUES LEGEND needs a patient ride and will no doubt get it from Garrett Gomez. She had a sparkling workout at Keeneland on October 17, indicating her sharpness. PICK ME hails from the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard. She has worked well for her comeback and could have a say in the outcome. PERMISSIONTONGAGE had trouble at the start in his Keeneland debut and figures to run better with a clear trip.
5th Race) MY WAHOO has two good races at Saratoga and two good workouts at Keeneland since. He should appreciate the extra distance this afternoon. VALEDICTION has been training well in preparation for his first run. His jockey Shane Sellers is quietly having a nice meeting. MOUNT CERVIN is by Unbridled’s Song, one of the great Polytrack sires. He showed good early speed at Ellis Park and should be much tighter today. His outside draw helps too.
6th Race) WILDCAT COUNTRY has the benefit of experience in a race where many of the main contenders are first-time starters. He worked like his tail was on fire at Keeneland on October 16. PURINCAT breezed quickly for his debut and might be a rare debut winner for top trainer Tom Proctor. TUCKERS POINT hails from a barn that does very well with debut runners and he too has some sparkling workouts on his chart.
7th Race) ULLAPOOL broke her maiden in July at Belmont Park and then went on vacation. She has been working super for her return to racing. It is significant that her jockey, Cornelio Velasquez, flies in from New York to ride her. JAMRAA ran two excellent races at Presque Isle Downs and blew out quickly for this race. Her jockey, Jesus Castanon, has been “en fuego†at the fall meeting. GRACE ABOUNDS seems to have a touch of class. If she can rate behind the speed, she can be in the trifecta.
8th Race) FLASH MASH might be worth a stab in this wide open field. She has been facing tough company and looks ready to roll off a long rest. PYRITE STORM is the inside speed in this short turf event. If left alone on the lead she could be dangerous. INDULGENCE opens as the favorite but has a bad post position and a dodgy record.
9th Race) GREAT HOT visits from California. She has had a productive summer and might tower over this field class-wise. GROUPIE DOLL likes the seven furlong distance and will be closing strongly in the stretch. A win by her would not be shocking. ROMAN TREASURE won her last start easily in the slop at Belmont and acquires the services of Julien Leparoux. She should be in the hunt.
10th Race) LEJADAMI runs back quickly after a solid second versus tougher. He should get the candy today. GRANDSUN won his last race in a waltz and may be good enough to repeat. STEPH’S SONSET adds to the weird spelling of names in this event. He drops into a good spot for action.
