Keeneland Thursday Picks — April 17, 2025 | Best Bets & Handicapping Analysis

Several racehorses with jockeys in colorful silks competing on a dirt track at a racetrack.

Jimmy Rules finishing 2nd at 24/1 was the only good opinion Wednesday. The Keeneland dirt is still a merry go round track where you need to be on, or up close to the pace. If you can’t beat them, join them. Skip.

Race 2: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) F.Mdn 110k

#5 Les Is Best (12/1) – This filly has been steadily progressing at Turfway this winter and ran her strongest late pace figure last time. She returns to the lawn today, making her first start on turf as a 3-year-old. She’s bred to mow and the Conductor sees her running a career best effort today 2nd off a break. At double digit odds, she is a major overlay.

Race 6: 7 Furlongs. F.Mdn 110k

#2 Clicquot (6/1) – This filly was hammered at the windows in her debut. She broke slow, rushed up and got caught in a pace duel before throwing in the towel. She’s working well entering today and has a major early pace edge over this field. Hopefully she stays above 7/2 and runs off the screen.

Race 7: 1½ Mile. (Turf) Alw 130000n2x

#11 Raptor’s (8/1) – This marathon turf race is devoid of any early speed, and this gelding will be alone on the lead. He’s 2/2 at the distance and had a no chance trip last time off a long layoff. He’s been gelded since, and the Conductor likes that Casse ships him to Keeneland and Jose Ortiz hops aboard. Raptor’s ready to roll. Gate to wire.

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Keeneland Wednesday Picks — April 16, 2025 | Full Card Best Bets

A racehorse with a jockey wearing a yellow and red uniform galloping on a racetrack with spectators in the background.

Crap Sunday for the Conductor to end the weekend. At least we only had to wait two days to get back in the saddle. This Keeneland meet is going by too quickly. We need to pounce.

Race 2: 6 Furlongs. F.MC 20000

#1 Big Earn (9/2) – This filly showed improvement after switching into the Assmussen barn last time at Turfway. She seems to be rounding back into form after her long layoff and she gets a nice rail draw on this inside favoring dirt course. 7/2 or better works for the Conductor.

Race 3: 1 1/16 Mile. Clm 32000

#5 Gilmore (9/2) – This gelding continues to change barns and moved forward for trainer John Ortiz last time. He ran a strong late pace figure closing behind a slow pace in a sprint. Now they stretch him back out to his best distance and he should be forwardly placed in a race without much early pace. Gilmore is a play over 3/1.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. Alw 120000n1x

#1 Jimmy Rules (6/1) – It’s tough to bet a closer on this Keeneland dirt, but the early pace in this race should heat up. Jimmy Rules is coming off a career best effort last time at Turfway, closing strong into a slow pace. He has only one career start on a fast dirt track and he’s become a much better animal since. His price should float up from this morning line for a low % barn, and he can win this race if he repeats his last effort. Jimmy Rules up the pine please.

Race 7: 5½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.Alw 120000n1x

#8 Dala (8/1) – This filly won nicely after setting a quick pace last time on the synthetic. She’s bred to improve moving to the turf today, and this is a turf sprint without much other early speed. 8/1 seems like a very poor morning line, but 4/1 or better would be nice.

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Keeneland Sunday Picks — April 13, 2025 | Best Bets & Full Card Analysis

Two racehorses competing on a track during sunset with a crowd in the background.

And that’s why they call it a bail out race. Thankfully, Autumn Rythem saved the day at 5/1 Saturday in the finale. Let’s not wait until the final race to be right today. Let’s step on the gas early. Skip.

Race 6: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) Mdn 110k

#12 Brushfire (10/1) – This colt set a scorching pace on synthetic last time and did well to hang on for 2nd. Now he tries turf for the first time and he should have no problem clearing to the lead in here. In a wide open race, the Conductor thinks he has a major chance to steal this race on the front end. Saez will do a better job of rationing his early speed.

#6 Big Ritz (15/1) – This first time starter is bred to mow and trainer Rusty Arnorld has a +$0.15 ROI this year debuting runners on turf. It’s a positive sign that Jose Ortiz hops aboard, and this field doesn’t have much proven quality. The Conductor can smell that Big Ritz is live.

Race 8: 5½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.G3 Giant’s Causeway Stakes

#3 Lithe Spirit (10/1) – This filly is stepping up in class on a four race win streak. The Conductor liked the grit she showed last time in a fight to the wire. She switches back to turf today and looks to get an ideal rail pocket trip. If Saez can find a seam entering the stretch, Lithe Spirit is dangerous.

#9 Get Twisted (30/1) – This pace has a real chance to cook up early and that would give this mare a chance as the longest shot on the board. She showed talent winning her debut in a turf sprint way back in 2023 and has been lightly raced since. Get Twisted has been progressing with each start at Turfway this winter, and today looks like the spot she’ll run her best. Even if she comes running a little too late today, she can still hit the board at a big number.

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Keeneland Saturday Picks — April 12, 2025 | Best Bets & Turf Racing Analysis

A group of horses racing at Keeneland, with jockeys in colorful silks and a crowd in the background.

A 3rd and 4th behind the chalk Friday at Keeneland. The Conductor thinks the prices on the lawn will come home today. The sun is out and we have the first beautiful Saturday of the meet. Let’s Ride.

Race 5: 1 Mile. (Turf) Alw 120000n1x

#1 Forty N Five (12/1) – The more the Conductor looks at this race, the more he likes this horse at a price. He showed ability on turf last year and the barn had the confidence in him to try him in a Grade 1. He returned off the bench sprinting on dirt last time, and ran a solid 2nd. That race was a clear prep for this spot and he looks primed to run a career best today switching back to the lawn. Forty N Five looks to get a favorable trip too, with the favorites drawn to the outside.

Race 9: 1 1/16 G3 Stonestreet Lexington Stakes

#3 Bullard (9/2) – This colt has shown by far the most talent in this field. He blew by some strong Baffert runners this summer over a Del Mar track the was very speed biased. He stretches out for the first time today and his breeding suggests the added distance will only help him. Bullard will be the key to the Conductor’s Saturday.

Race 10: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) F. G1 Jenny Wiley Stakes

#8 Sacred Wish (8/1) – The European invaders will take the most money in this race, but the Conductor thinks two American prices have a shot. Sacred Wish is in career best form. After winning a Grade 1 in Santa Anita two back, she was finishing best last time against a frontrunner flow. There will be pace to run at in this race and the Conductor thinks she’s a bit underrated.

#9 No Show Sammy Jo (15/1) – This mare was ultra impressive last year, answering every challenge at multiple distances and race tracks. She is working well off the bench and has yet to run a bad race in her career. This isn’t the strongest group of Europeans the Conductor has seen and thinks she stacks up if she fires her best.

Race 11: 7 Furlongs. F.Alw 50000s

#2 Autumn Rhythm (8/1) – This filly will be less than 8/1, but has a clear inside speed advantage over this field. The way this Keeneland dirt track has been playing, the Conductor sees her stealing this race on the front end. Gate to wire.

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Keeneland Friday Picks — April 11, 2025 | Best Bets & Full Card Handicapping

Two racehorses running on a grassy track with spectators in the background at a horse racing event.

A 15/1 2nd by a nose and a solid 3rd at 12/1 with a troubled trip Thursday for the Conductor. Hopefully some of you passengers cashed some verticals. Let’s get the noses down in front today and head into the weekend in style. Skip.

Race 5: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) F.Alw 120000n1x

#8 Rare Art (8/1) – This race is loaded with early speed and the Conductor thinks this is the best closer of the bunch. He was bet to favoritism last time vs similar competition off the bench, and his poor performance can be forgiven. He was very rank while wide entering the 1st turn and would not settle for Johnny V. Now 2nd off the layoff, he switches back to Dylan Davis, who will drop back and save ground. With a quick pace up front, the Conductor expects Rare Art to mow them down in the stretch.

Race 9: 1 Mile. (Turf) G1 Makers Mark Mile

#3 Trikari (8/1) – This colt was impressive last year, winning multiple graded stakes at different distances and over varying turf conditions. Most of the contenders in here want to be forwardly placed and Trikari looks to sit an ideal trip sitting right behind the speed. The layoff isn’t much of a concern at the price, and he has upside making his first start as a 3-year-old. The Conductor trusts Motion to have him ready for a Grade 1 at Keeneland.

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Keeneland Thursday Picks — April 10, 2025 | Best Bets & Handicapping

A group of racehorses running on a track with jockeys during a horse race event.

Protege got the job done at 7/2 Wednesday, but lets get on some of these bombs that are coming home. The Turfway shippers are running their eyeballs out on dirt and turf at huge prices. With stacked cards this weekend, it’s time to compile coal. Skip.

Race 5: 1 1/16 Mile. Clm 40000n2L

#1 Indy Charges On (12/1) – This race is wide open and the Conductor likes this Turfway shipper at a price. He was on the inside close to a quick pace last time and won nicely. He is stepping up in class today, but is lightly raced and has upside making his first dirt start. He looks like he’ll get the exact same trip as his maiden victory, and he’ll be riding the Keeneland golden rail.

Race 8: 5½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.Alw 130000n2x

#3 High Fashion Kate (14/1) – This filly will be making her first start on turf since switching into an improved barn. In her last start in a turf sprint, she lost by a nose at 7/1 vs similar competition. There is very little speed in here after scratches and she looks to get a favorable trip forwardly placed or on the lead. The Conductor is looking for High Fashion Kate to steal this race on the front end.

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Keeneland Wednesday Picks — April 9, 2025 | Best Bets & Track Bias Notes

Three horses racing on a dirt track with jockeys in colorful silks during a horse race event.

Tough Bluegrass Tuesday for the Conductor. Time to cut Chancer McPatrick back in distance. The rail was golden on turf and dirt yesterday, so keep a watchful eye on that trend. Keeneland does typically have an inside bias. The good news is if you have a bad day. you have another Keeneland card every day this week. Keep pounding.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. Alw 30000s

#1 Protege (7/2) – This gelding beat a tougher group in his last fast dirt start. Since then he’s caught a sloppy track and then ran a solid 3rd on the synthetic. Now making his first start on dirt for a better barn, he should fire today.

#3 Bebedouro (12/1) – This gelding is stepping up in class after a nice win on synthetic last time. He’s run previous numbers on dirt that are competitive with this group and the Turfway shippers have been lighting up the tote early this meet. Bebedouro looks to get a favorable trip on a dirt track favoring inside speed.

Race 8: 1 Mile. (Turf) Alw 120000n1x

#1 Shopper’s Revenge (15/1) – This is a great betting race and the Conductor likes two prices exiting the same race. This gelding tried the turf for the first time last start and ran better than it looks with a nightmare trip. His breeding suggests he should improve on the lawn and the Conductor likes that Assmussen gives him another shot here. The rail draw and Irad in the saddle only help his cause.

#8 Sand Pipes (8/1) – This colt was favored in that last race with Shopper’s Revenge and didn’t have a fair chance. He got completely sawed off at the top of the stretch and still finished well for 4th. In a race that looks to have a quick pace up front, Sand Pipes will be flying late.

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Keeneland Tuesday Picks — April 8, 2025 | Best Bets & Turf Card Analysis

Group of thoroughbred horses racing with jockeys in colorful silks on a grassy track.

Test Score wins nicely at 9/1 Monday and the train is back in motion. Keeneland turf doesn’t stand a chance under the Conductor’s watchful eye. All the races are back on the turf today. Props to the maintenance crew for having the lawn ready despite all the rain. Now we mow. Skip.

Race 2: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) Mdn 110k

#7 Van Ginkel (8/1) – The Conductor likes this maiden race quite a bit with vulnerable favorites drawn to the outside. Van Ginkel ran better than it looks in his dirt debut last time closing well behind a slow pace. He’s bred for the turf and looks primed to run his best stretching out in distance too. This morning line is probably high with Prat aboard for Chad Brown, but 5/1 will work for the Conductor.

#3 Kicking Clear (15/1) – This longshot also has upside making his first start on turf. He’s bred to mow and has been steadily progressing with each start. He ran a strong late pace figure on the synthetic last time and looks to get a good trip today with a nice inside draw. Kicking Clear can light up the tote.

Race 5: 1 1/16 Mile. Mdn 110k

*Gullet Shot of the Day #7 Last Man Standing (9/2) – This colt had no business finishing 2nd in his debut last time with an abysmal trip. He’s working well off that effort and will get a much better ride here with Irad aboard. The Conductor expects Last Man standing to explode today.

Race 9: 5½ Furlongs. (Turf) G2 Shakertown Stakes

#1 Run Carson (6/1) – There isn’t much speed in this turf sprint other than #10 Coppola (6/1). As long as Run Carson breaks well, he should sit a nice trip tracking the leader in 2nd. The Conductor likes the versatility he’s shown in his young career.

Race 10: 1 1/8 Mile. G1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes

#6 Chancer McPatrick (7/2) – This colt ran well in his return off the bench last time. Although he finished a distant 2nd to #1 River Thames (5/2), that race was handed to him on the front end. River Thames will face more pace pressure today and Chancer McPatrick should sit a perfect trip. If he doesn’t get the job done today, it will be time to turn him back into a one turn closer.

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Keeneland Monday Picks — April 7, 2025 | Best Bets & Full Card Handicapping

Two horses racing with jockeys in colorful silks at a horse racing event.

0/3 in the slop Sunday Keeneland. Not the start we were looking for. However, the Conductor was pleasantly surprised the sun peaked out today and we have at least one race on the turf. If we can get through this week without any more significant rain, we’ll have full field turf racing. That’s all any man, woman or child can ask for. Let’s Ride.

Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) G3 Transylvania Stakes

#2 Reagan’s Wit (4/1) – There will be a decent pace in this race and the Conductor thinks it’s a good opportunity to toss the favorite #11 Mi Bago (3/1). The wide post, soft ground and added distance are all going against him. Reagan’s Wit has shown real talent in his young career and will be tough to beat with a nice inside draw. DeVaux looks to pick up right where she left off at Keeneland.

#7 Test Score (8/1) – This colt ran well at Gulfstream off the bench last time, showing a strong stretch kick against the frontrunner flow. He looks primed to run a peak effort today and should be a square price.

#8 Tom’s Magic (12/1) – He’s run three quality races in a row on the turf and is improving with each start. The Conductor expects him to be finishing well down the stretch.

Race 9: 1 1/16 Mile. F. G1 Ashland Stakes

#8 Admit (15/1) – The Conductor has knocks against all the favorites in here and most of them will be pushing the pace. Admit has been running the best late pace figures of the bunch on the synthetic and now switches back to dirt for the first time since the fall. She’ll get a great setup in this race and the Conductor thinks she could spring a massive upset. Bomb’s away in today’s feature race.

Keeneland Sunday Picks — April 6, 2025 | Best Bets on a Sloppy Track

A group of thoroughbred horses racing on a dirt track with jockeys in colorful attire.

We patiently waited all winter for spring, Keeneland and quality turf racing to return. What do we get in the end? Slop. It will not stop raining in Lexington and who knows if they’ll run on the turf anytime soon. The pony gods are not being very generous. The Conductor is angry, but I suppose Keeneland is still better in the slop than most meets these days. Let’s start the meet off right at Iron Bets of course. Skip.

Race 6: 1 1/16 Mile. F.OC 125000n1x

#5 Ruth (15/1) – This filly ran behind the favorite, #9 Justinqueso (7/2), last time, but the Conductor thinks she can turn the tables and at a much better price. That race came back fast and Ruth has every right to improve making her 2nd start off a break today. She also makes her 2nd start with Lasix, which is one of the few angles you can get a +ROI with Pletcher.

Race 7: 1 1/16 Mile. F.Mdn 110k

*Gullet Shot of the Day #5 Plaza Cue (6/1) – Steadily progressing with each start, the Conductor sees this filly graduating today. Her 2nd last time was even better than it looks, closing strongly behind a slow pace. She’ll have a much better setup today and 4/1 or better would be a dream.

Race 10: 1 1/16 Mile. (OFF Turf) Alw 150000b

#9 Injunction (12/1) – This gelding ran a solid 2nd off the bench last time over the tapeta. Now he switches back to dirt and he gets his preferred muddy surface. He’s 2/2 in the slop and those were his fastest races on numbers too. He looks to get a great trip today sitting in 2nd and the Conductor thinks he can pull of the upset in the finale.