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 10, 2013

1st Race: SABOULI (#4) has finished second in her last three races and appears well spotted to get her maiden win for Motion and Rocco. HILLARY D (#3) drops in class and definitely fits at this level. WICKAPECKO (#2) has the speed to be dangerous.

2nd Race: TAPE IT (#7) comes off of a dull effort in New York but drops in class and should handle the move back to Polytrack. He will be rallying from off what figures to be an honest pace and can make it two in a row for trainer Graham Motion and jockey Joe Rocco Jr. STRAIGHT TOWN (#6) ran well over this track in October and looks like the one to beat. LADIES LUV OUTLAWS (#4) stumbled badly leaving the gate at Fair Grounds and could be dangerous.

3rd Race: RULES OF HONOR (#1) won his second start back after a long layoff and appears to be in a good spot to get the repeat win for trainer Mike Maker and jockey Joel Rosario. ANTIQUE WEDDING (#4) drops back in for a tag and owns a win over the Keeneland Polytrack. He fits with these. WARBIRD (#7) is a contender.

4th Race: TWIRL (#6) showed big improvement in her second U.S. start and posted a recent bullet work in Florida. She figures to win this one at a fairly short price. BEIJOCA (#4) finished a couple of lengths behind the top pick in January and then ran very well in a graded stakes race last out. TIVOLI (#1) should like the turf and could add value to the gimmicks.

5th Race: POINT FINISH (#7) chased Whatthecatdrugin last out and that one was undefeated in four starts at the recently concluded Turfway meet. This is an easier spot and his best makes him a winner today. TOBES THE MAN (#12) has been running well at Oaklawn and his speed makes him dangerous. ST. ARMANDS (#11) is good right now.

6th Race: KANSAS (#5) was no match for her heavily favored entrymate Kimono at Saratoga but ran well to finish second in that one. She has been training steadily for her return and trainer Wesley Ward figures to have her ready to win today. REINA DIAMANTE (#4) comes in off a pair of runner up efforts at Turfway and should move forward in this one. WAKE UP (#8) rates a chance.

7th Race: WAR DANCER (#1) is one of two in here from trainer Ken McPeek. He looked sharp in his maiden win at Gulfstream and should get a good trip from the inside post. Give him the slight edge today. BOLD CHALLENGER (#3) is the other McPeek runner. He comes off a seventh-place finish in a key race. Two of the top three came back to win stakes races and the other was third in the Transylvania (G3). JUMP FOR KITTEN (#11) is a solid threat.

8th Race: MARY MAGDELINE (#8) stopped badly last out but should like the cut back in distance and the move back to Polytrack today. She can win this one with jockey Joel Rosario picking up the mount for trainer Mike Maker. STORMY SATURDAY (#12) drops in class and will be tough at this level. EYE LUV U TWO (#5) has only had one race and figures to improve.

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