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.




Wednesday, April 17, 2013

1st Race: DARKEST HOUR (#9)  has won three of his last six and has the tactical speed to be on or near the lead throughout. His best makes him a winner in the opener. LOADED LADY (#7) has been off since November but trainer Eduardo Caramori has good numbers with his returning runners. This one ran well over the Keeneland strip last year and could be dangerous. HEAVENLY LIGHT (#4) rates a chance.

2nd Race: SCANNING (#2) makes her third career start for the hot barn of trainer Shug McGaughey. She should be ready to get her maiden score with jockey Shaun Bridgmohan picking up the mount. NASHINDY (#6) debuts for trainer Jonathan Sheppard, who is also having an excellent meet. He has a low win percentage with first-timers but this one is training well and looks dangerous. RENOWNED (#5) has the speed to be on or near the lead and is the one to catch.

3rd Race: DONATE (#5) looked sharp winning last out and may be the fastest out of the gate today. She drops in for a tag and will be hard to catch if she takes to the Polytrack. COSTLY (#7) was claimed from a winning effort at Turfway last out. She moves up a notch in class but is definitely the one to beat. DONNA GETYOURGUN (#9) hasn’t won in quite a while but fits with these.

4th Race: UNTETHERED (#3) is back in for a tag and rates a slight edge in a well-matched field. TAKE IT LIKE A MAN (#6) ran poorly last out but a return to his best form makes him tough to beat. YOU’RE MY BUDDY (#4) is a contender.

5th Race: CALL ME KITTEN (#7) debuts for trainer Mike Maker off a series of solid works. He figures to be ready and rates the edge with jockey Rosie Napravnik aboard. O T B BOB (#6) drops in for a tag for the first time and will be tough at this level. RATION (#1) gets blinkers for the first time and is a solid threat.

6th Race: PERREGAUX (#3) ran third in his first race back after a layoff of more than a year. A couple of horses in that race came back to win next out, and he figures to improve off the effort. MAGICAL SEASON (#1) dropped in for a tag last out and ran well to win that one. He figures to be tough to beat again today. UPSELL (#4) is a definite threat in a wide-open race.

7th Race: MONTANA NATIVE (#2) was stuck behind a wall of horses in her last race and didn’t fire when switched to the outside for the drive. Either of her previous two races would make her a winner with jockey Joel Rosario picking up the mount for trainer Ken McPeek. MAMA’S DIA (#3) has been firing bullets in the morning and trainer Tom Amoss should have her ready for a top effort. MISS LUCKY SEVENS (#1) rates a chance.

8th Race: LA MALAGUENA (#7) drops in for a tag and should be able to get her maiden win with jockey Corey Lanerie aboard for trainer Dale Romans. SHE’S TELLIN’TALES (#5) looks like the main competition. INDYGO FASHION (#9) fits with these and jockey Julien Leparoux picks up the mount.

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