Sunday’s Keeneland Spot Plays
October 24th, 2010By Jude T. Feld
Director Marty Ritt was considered to be one of the best horseplayers of his generation.CINEMA.DE PHOTO
Each edition of “Spot Plays” is a mini handicapping lesson and as they say, “Knowledge is power.”
1st) PROUD JARED shows the potent “million dollar move” pattern and stretches out in distance. If jockey Jesus Castanon can get him to relax on the lead, the son of Proud Accolade could take this field wire-to-wire.
2nd) The late, great movie producer Marty Ritt was one of the best horseplayers I’ve ever met. He came up with an angle he called, “Owner, Breeder, Dropper.” The theory was if a breeder decided to spend money breaking and training a horse, they must have seen something they liked in their charge. When they decided to put the horse in for a tag, they usually meant business. KIMBER LILY fits that mold perfectly.
3rd) Horses who have won their last race by more than 2 lengths and earn a Beyer speed figure higher than any other entrants last speed figure win way more than their fair share of races. ORDINATION won his most recent start by four lengths with an 86 Beyer – three points higher than any other competitor’s last speed figure.
4th) HANCHO boasts a “golden triangle” sign of improvement and comes off a big win over the track. With the cozy outside draw, the Wayne Catalano trainee should be able to work out the perfect trip.
