We close out another week at Keeneland with a race from Lexington today. We have fillies and mares on the turf for the Grade 2 Franklin Stakes going five and a half furlongs.
Keeneland Race 9 – Franklin Stakes (Grade 2)
We have an overflow field of 16 fillies and mares entered into today’s race. Up to 12 horses will run in this race. The 13 B G Warrior (30/1 morning line), 14 Beauty of the Sea (10/1 ML), 15 Stone Silent (12/1 ML) and the 16 Twirling Queen (10/1 ML) all will need scratches to get into the race.
Note that the 14 Beauty of the Sea finished third on Saturday in a stakes race at Woodbine. She will be scratched from this race no matter if there are any scratches in the main portion of this field. But keep an eye out for the scratches for the other three also eligibles if you like them today.
Favored in today’s sprint stakes is the 1 Star of Mystery (3/2 ML). She comes into this race after winning the Quick Call against the boys at Saratoga back in July. She enjoyed not having to face the top sprinter Cogburn who set a track record in the Grade 1 Jaipur Stakes in June, also against the boys.
Also, I would not be concerned about the layoff here. She had a similar four-month break from August 2023 to January 2024, where she defeated the boys in Dubai. This is a dangerous Godolphin owned combination that can get the job done here today.
The 3 Roses for Debra (9/2 ML) won the Presque Isle Masters last month in Erie, PA showing not only can she sprint on the turf, but she can also do so on synthetic as well. She won at this distance at Keeneland in April and looks to improve on her five wins in nine tries on the turf and 9 out of 15 lifetime. She could be near the pace or a few lengths further back like I think the favorite will be today.
The 6 Don’tlookbackatall (8/1 ML) finished second at Kentucky Downs at the end of August finishing second to a runaway winner. She won the three prior races stalking the pace, including the Grade 3 Caress at Saratoga at today’s distance.
Keep an eye on the 9 Elm Drive. If you toss that race at Kentucky Downs, she will be near the pace and near the front at the end. I’m willing to say that she just did not like Kentucky Downs one bit when she there in that same race as Don’tlookbackatall.
Joe’s Pick
I am trying to beat the favorite here. Star of Mystery races against her own gender for the first time in over a year and has beaten the boys regularly. Roses for Debra will look to replicate her win here back in the spring.
But I am going to take a chance on the 6 Don’tlookbackatall who shortens up to today’s distance from that second on the hilly Kentucky Downs turf course. I am calling this race 6-1-3-9, and my play is $20 to win on the 6. Best of luck everyone!
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