After yesterday’s rescheduled Blue Grass Day at Keeneland, we get back to regular programming. Keeneland is back to their regular schedule, and today they have an eight-race card on their as planned Wednesday of racing.
Today we will look at the seventh race on their card today. We have three-year-olds on the main track here, going a mile and a sixteenth. An overflow field of 14 is entered, with a maximum of 12 horses running today.
Keeneland Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming
First, the 8 Touchy will be scratched. He ran in the Lafayette Stakes on Monday finishing third. This will allow the 13 Hymn (9/2 morning line) to have first chance to draw into the field. If so, he comes in from Oaklawn where be finished second in an optional claiming race where he could not get to the winner.
Favored in today’s featured race is the 6 Lion of Justice (8/5 ML). He made his debut at Colonial Downs last month won easily on the one-turn mile there. He was not far off the track record in his debut, but you could argue that the track was fast because it was Virginia Derby day when he ran.
The 10 Skate Away (4/1 ML) shortens up from his maiden breaker at Gulfstream. He went gate to wire to win last time out. He may be dueling with the favorite on the front end which may lead to other horses closing today.
The 9 Ashley’s Archer (8/1 ML) made his 2025 debut at Tampa Bay Downs finishing second. The winner drew off in the stretch to win. This colt has raced longer on the Woodbine’s main Tapeta track and should like the distance today in his second race off of a layoff.
The 14 Valentinian (7/2 ML) will need another horse to scratch to get into the field but will be stalking behind the leaders today. He will need to get over from the fair outside post. If he draws in, he could be closing well like he did when he broke his maiden on his first try at Tampa Bay Downs.
Joe’s Pick
The mile and a sixteenth races at Keeneland are short stretch finishes. Horses can close to win here, but they will have less real estate from the top of the stretch to the finish.
I question Lion of Justice’s race last time out. It was a great debut by him, but that track was souped up, especially with American Promise breaking the track record in the Virginia Derby a few races later. We can see how he does with a track which will be fast, but not lightning fast.
I think the two outside horses have the best chance of winning here. Hymn was a beaten favorite at Oaklawn but still ran well. Valentinian has a great closing kick, but needs anther horse to scratch out. If he does get in, he will win this.
I’m calling this race 14-13-6-10 and my play is $20 to win on the 14. If the 14 does not draw in, I will take the 13 instead. Best of luck everyone and I will see you in the winner’s circle!
