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.




Thursday, April 11, 2013

1stRace: RAMSEY BRANCH (#1A) drops in for a tag after an even effort at Gulfstream. Trainer Mike Maker and owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey have been hot so far this meet, and this one should be ready to win at this level. NEXT SPEAKER (#3) ran well to finish second in his debut and is definitely the one to beat. KRUTHEN (#6) rates a chance.

2nd Race: PERFECT PRAISE (#2) is another solid runner from the Maker barn. He looks like a winner at a short price with Joel Rosario aboard. ROSE DELA TROIENNE (#6) gets blinkers for the first time and ran evenly in her only start over the Keeneland Polytrack. CHEROKEE CALLIE (#7) could add value to the gimmicks.

3rd Race: TOMEI (#1) debuts for trainer Wesley Ward, who has won both of the baby races so far this meet. It would be tough to go against him in here. ZEE STONE (#8) has trained sharply and trainer John Hancock’s horses are running well right now. SKY AMERICA (#3) posted a solid work for over this track for trainer Mark Casse and has to be considered.

4thRace: FAST BOBBI J (#8) has developed a bad case of seconditis but drops in class and could break through with Gary Stevens picking up the mount today. ALMOST AN ANGEL (#6) also takes the class drop for trainer Wesley Ward and figures to be the main competition. KERI KERI (#9) moves up in class after breaking his maiden and was claimed from that one by trainer Mike Maker.

5th Race: PRINCESS SINEAD (#5) has been off since her U.S. debut in September but trainer Christophe Clement has excellent numbers with returning runners. She was third in a Group 1 in Ireland last year and her best makes her a winner with Julien Leparoux aboard. GLAMOUR PUSS (#4) has never run a bad race and is the one to catch. AMY’S OUTBURST (#1) moves up in class after winning a claiming race at Santa Anita.

6th Race: MORO TAP (#1) didn’t have the smoothest of trips in his lone turf start at Gulfstream but he finished well and galloped out on top in that one. He faded after chasing a fast pace last out and looks like another strong win candidate from the Maker barn. SMOOTH STONE (#11) has been second in all three of his races and can’t be left out of the gimmicks. COST AFFECTIVE (#8) has only had one race and should improve.

7th Race: PISGAH STATION (#9) has been hooking much better in his recent races at Fair Grounds. He drops in class for his return to Keeneland and he can win this one with Rosie Napravnik picking up the mount for trainer Angel Montano. WON FAST BULLET (#4) is a consistent performer with the tactical speed to be in contention throughout. WHATTHECATDRUGIN (#6) has been unbeatable at Turfway. He has to give five pounds to this field but will be hard to handle if he takes to the Keeneland Polytrack.

8th Race: BELO ACTEON (#6) drops in class after facing graded stakes winners in his last two. He was third behind Point of Entry in his only start on the Keeneland turf and appears well spotted for the win today. REFLECTING (#5) looked good in his last score at Gulfstream and is the one to beat. SNEAKY KITTEN (#1) has the speed to be dangerous.

9th Race: OPTIONALITY (#7) finished dead last at Gulfstream but drops in for a tag and has run well on the Polytrack in the past. He should be able to win with Gary Stevens picking up the mount for trainer Tom Proctor. SCANDALO (#12) figures to be the one to beat. ASTRONOMER (#10) has only had one race and should improve.

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