We close out another racing week with our feature race today coming from Keeneland. They have an overflow field of 16 horses, with up to 12 horses running in their featured race this afternoon. Today’s race is the Grade 2 Giant’s Causeway Stakes as fillies and mares will spring five and a half furlongs on the turf course.
Keeneland Race 7 – Giant’s Causeway Stakes (Grade 2)
Favored in the Giant’s Causeway is the 13 Shining Star (3/1 morning line). She will have to draw in off of the also eligible list, and if she does, she will have the misfortune of an outside post. But she is three for three on the grass lifetime and showed she can be on the lead or stalk. Either way, that turn will be coming up fast on her today.
The 5 Gratefully (4/1 ML) comes in from Santa Anita for today’s race with a five for five record. Like the favorite, three wins are on the grass and she has shown the ability to both rate and duel on the lead. Her versatility will be important in this race today if she wants to continue her winning streak today.
The 10 Saturday Flirt (8/1 ML) won an allowance at Kentucky Downs in September and returns to the races this afternoon. The turn at Keeneland today will not be as forgiving as Kentucky Downs, but she has the ability to close here. With all the front running speed in this race, don’t be surprised if she is charging late.
The 12 Creed’s Gold (10/1 ML) was cross entered into a race at Gulfstream yesterday, but she was scratched to run here today. She is usually closer to the pace, but she was further back than usual and won the Lightning City Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. She may be closer to the front today in this Grade 2 race.
Joe’s Pick
This is an intriguing race with undefeated horses entered and a bunch of speed up front. But I think the undefeated horses will take a backseat to Saturday Flirt coming off of a seven-month layoff. She won on the course last year and has a bullet on the grass in preparation for today. Also, the trainer knows how to get his horses ready off of a long layoff.
I’m calling this race 10-5-13-12 and my play is $20 to win on the 10. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
