A competitive field has gathered at Keeneland for the final “Points” race of 2014. A good mix of turf, poly and distance sired horses should ensure a competitive betting affair.
Mr Speaker tries the All Weather surface for the first time. His last race was a fast closing 2nd in the Palm Beach which was a classy race. Closed late into moderate fractions. May ultimately prove to be a good turfer. Expect him to close but sometimes first time on a surface is tricky. Prefer underneath in exotics.
Solitary Ranger is a Synthetic specialist, but Keeneland surface plays to closers in route races and this meet when the fractions have been par or faster than par that favors closers. Expecting a contentious pace and that will not benefit the Ranger. Think he shows speed but fades down the lane in a tough field. This guy is capable of big efforts when left alone.
Poker Player was rushed into the Spiral Stakes at the last-minute and did not fire on a surface that was hard to close on that day if you were coming from the back. Horses who ran wide and just off the pace did well that day. Poker Player should like the Keeneland surface. Best race is capable of winning this. Two works leading into this race should have him fit. Should be closing late.
Z Lucky has one win in 5 starts and that was in January. Has closed from the off the pace in last couple of races. Faces some classy horses in this field and is another who may be closing. Sire Zensational was a complete speedball and it’s interesting Z Lucky has done his best running from off the pace. Expect him closer to the pace on the poly with this field.
Divine Oath is undefeated and last race closed into an a FAST pace and got the nod by a long neck. He pulled away from Big Bazinga that day who has come back with competitive races since that race. Forestry is the Broodmare Sire and they have done well on the Keeneland surface. Like this guy to close late.
Ami’s Holiday is making his debut for 2014 and was a proven stakes horse at Woodbine as a Juvenile. Missed some time to training due to cold and wet weather at Oaklawn. Ontario Bred should hit hard this summer in the Woodbine Stakes. Trainer can fire off the bench with good efforts and last work was a solid 6 furlongs. Expecting a good race.
Ride Away ships in from Tampa Bay for trainer having a good Keeneland meet. Remington wins were against weaker competition. Chance at a price. Running style fits the winner’s profile at this distance.
Supermonic is another with big wins in last 2 races and improved big time in last race, going wire to wire in a race that was run with slow fractions and easy lead. No easy lead today with Solitary Ranger. Will be over-bet based on last race.
Pace:
Solitary Ranger is the speed of the speed and will take the field a long way and last race, he stopped quickly, is capable of stealing the race if left alone. Look for Ami’s Holiday and Z Lucky to show more speed and apply pressure approaching the turn. The Closer is Poker Player and Divine Oath.
The Choice:
Divine Oath is the selection for me. On the rise in class, running style and pedigree fits the winning profile of this race the last couple of years. Ami’s Holiday is the 2nd choice.