Day 5 at Keeneland is a big race today. Our race today is the Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Stakes. We have older horses going a mile on the turf course. Nine are entered in this $650,000 race.
Race 9 – Maker’s Mark Stakes (Grade 1)
Favored in the Maker’s Mark is the 6 Carl Spackler (9/5 morning line). He last ran in the Breeders’ Cup Mile last November. He wintered in Florida in preparation for his return today. The favorite has run well in the past off of a layoff, so there is a great chance he does it again today. Expect him to be near the front today.
The favorite should have a lot of company on the front end. The 8 Northern Invader (4/1 ML) was on the lead last time out at Tampa Bay Downs in the Tampa Bay Stakes. If he is on the front that would mean that the favorite would be stalking.
The 3 Trikari (8/1 ML) returns to the races after a six-month break. He was last seen in the Bryan Station Stakes here at Keeneland last October. He had traffic trouble last time out and might have a shot at closing here if he does not get into traffic trouble again today.
The 1 Integration (3/1 ML) just missed in the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational at the end of January at Gulfstream Park. He is also a closer to who could be flying at the end here today.
Joe’s Maker’s Mark Pick
There could be a ton of speed on the front end here. If things set up like I think they will, you could have the closers making their presence known at the end. The one that will do that is Integretation who will beat Trikari at the wire.
I’m calling this race 1-3-6-8 and my play is $20 to win on the 1. Best of luck everyone and I will see you in the winner’s circle!