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 14, 2013

1st Race: SNOW KISSED (#4) drops in for a tag and should like the return to the Keeneland Polytrack. Jockey Julien Leparoux picks up the mount for trainer Tom Amoss, who figures to have her ready to win today. SPANISH AMBASSADOR (#5) has the speed to be on or near the lead and could be tough to catch. MISS DORA (#2) fits with these.

2nd Race: LILY OLAY (#6) has run well in all three of her races in Florida. The drop in for a tag is a bit puzzling but her best would make her a winner for trainer Eddie Kenneally with jockey Joel Rosario picking up the mount. LITTLE TRICKSTER (#9) also takes the class drop and will be the one to beat. WITH POLISH (#1) has good early speed and gets Lasix for the first time.

3rd Race: ADMIRAL KITTEN (#5) lost all chance in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes when he stumbled leaving the gate. He has been training sharply since that start and the Ramsey/Maker/Rosario trio has been tough to beat this meet. ARE YOU KIDDING ME (#2) didn’t take to the dirt in the Besilu Stables Florida Derby (G1) and will appreciate the move back to the turf course this afternoon. PATAKY KID (#4) finished a half-length behind Are You Kidding Me at Tampa Bay and jockey Gary Stevens picks up the mount.

4th Race: NOUN (#8) has been off since November but trainer David Carroll brought one back off the layoff to win earlier this week. This one gets Lasix for the first time and should be tough on the class drop. WHY TAKE A CHANCE (#5) has been competing against New York-breds in stakes races and is the one to beat at this level. KARIDA (#7) is a solid threat.

5th Race: HORNED FROG (#10) disappointed as the favorite last out but should like the move back to the Polytrack afternoon. A return to his best form would make him a winner for trainer Mike Maker and jockey Javier Castellano. GALLANT PLEASURE (#4) is good right now. He comes off of three straight wins at Hawthorne and is the one to beat. NIEDERZEL (#11) definitely fits with these.

6th Race: FUNNY PROPOSITION (#5) has been off since February but has been training well in Florida and trainer Mark Casse adds blinkers today. She has faced some top opposition and appears well spotted in here. VALIANT GIRL (#9) comes off a game win at Tampa Bay Downs and is the one to beat in a well-matched allowance race. GOLDRUSH GIRL (#10) is a solid contender.

7th Race: KEEP UP (#1) is undefeated in three starts since moving to the turf course. He showed marked improvement with each of his races and has been training sharply for his first race since November. He gets the edge in a stakes-caliber allowance race. DEPECHE CHAT (#10) was no match for the top pick in the River City Handicap (G3) in November at Churchill Downs but owns a win over the Keeneland turf and looks dangerous in this spot. MAJOR MARVEL (#6) has been sharp in Florida and is a solid threat.

8th Race -- Beaumont Stakes (G2) Presented by Keeneland Select: JUDY IN DISGUISE (#4) is undefeated in two starts in the U.S. She has the speed to be on or near the lead throughout and rates the edge with jockey Mike Smith picking up the mount. PREMIER STEPS (#2) will be rallying from just off the pace. She comes off of a game win at Gulfstream Park and jockey Javier Castellano is back aboard. ALLABOUTCAROLINE (#8) is ambitiously placed but posted a recent bullet work and could run well at decent odds.

9th Race: ROCKEFELLER (#11) drops in class and hooks a fairly easy field. His best makes him a winner against this bunch. HENRY’S THUNDER (#12) has been running evenly at Turfway Park and rates a chance. SLEWPY’S IMAGE (#3) has the speed to be a contender.

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