Mike Battaglia

Mike is Keeneland’s longtime odds maker and is recognized as being one of the best handicappers in America. In addition to his duties at Keeneland, he is a racing analyst for NBC’s Thoroughbred racing coverage.




Sunday, April 21, 2013

1st Race: BILL OF RIGHTS (#5) faded after pressing a fast pace last out. He drops a notch in class and is capable of the wire-to-wire win today. FORT MORGAN (#1A) has been running well at Gulfstream Park and is proven over the all-weather surfaces. FLUENT (#2) makes his first start since being claimed by trainer Mike Maker and is a solid threat.

2nd Race: NIEMI SAYS NO (#3) ran gamely in his debut and should move forward off that effort. Give him the slight edge in here. STEEL GUITAR (#7) has been a beaten favorite in his last three but is the one to beat. TATTAGLIA (#10) can win with a repeat of his last but may have moved forward in the slop at Oaklawn Park.

3rd Race: KINGSFORD DRIVE (#2) looked sharp winning last out and can make it two in a row for trainer Mike Maker and jockey Alan Garcia. MARCHING ORDERS (#6) drops a notch in class and is s training well over this surface. VOODOO DOCTOR (#3) drops back in for a tag and fits with these.

4th Race: OH CAROLE (#2) drops in for a tag and owns a win over the Keeneland Polytrack. She comes off a dull effort but her best would be good enough to win here. REVENUE (#6) also takes the class drop and will be tough with Joel Rosario up. COSTLY (#7) just ran on Wednesday but rates a chance.

5th Race: SCREENPLAY (#5) is a veteran runner with a solid turf record. He has run well in both of his races here at Keeneland and rates the slight edge with Edgar Prado up for trainer John Terranova. HUMBLE AND HUNGRY (#2) is the definite class of the field but he hasn’t raced since June and may need one. KLISZ (#6) ran poorly last out but is capable of better.

6th Race: BARRIO BABY (#9) moves up in class after two straight wins. He was claimed last out by trainer Mike Maker and can extend his streak in a wide-open allowance race. HEYWOODS (#3) ran evenly in his first race since October and could add value to the gimmicks. BEATNIK (#6) is a contender.

7th Race: ALWAYS KITTEN (#12) was ambitiously placed in the Fathead Bourbonette Oaks (G3) on March 23 and lost all chance when she stumbled leaving the gate. She will like the move back to the turf and the 1 1/8-mile distance. THREE HEARTS (#2) narrowly beat the top pick at Gulfstream Park and will be tough again today. HITECHNOWEENIE (#1) looked good in her maiden win at Churchill Downs and is a contender.

8th Race – Ben Ali Stakes (G3): SUCCESSFUL DAN (#1) is an amazing horse. He is a seven-year-old with only 11 starts and it’s well known that he has had plenty of problems, but when trainer Charlie LoPresti gets him ready to run he can hold his own with any horse in the country. He will be ready to go today. In comparison, RICHARD’S KID (#5) is an eight-year-old who makes his 43rd career start. He has earned over $2.3 million and figures to be the one to beat. BOISTEROUS (#7) has never tried the Polytrack but if he handles the move he is dangerous.

9th Race: TANZSPIEL (#4) rallied to finish second in a race here on opening Saturday and appears to be in a good spot to get her maiden win today with Julien Leparoux picking up the mount. CAXAMBAS PASS (#3) exits the same race as the top pick. That was her first start and she ran well despite a wide trip. Expect improvement today. FINURA (#8) is a contender.

 

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