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.




Saturday, April 20, 2013

1st Race: PSALM SINGER (#8) flashed speed before stopping in her debut going a mile at Gulfstream. Trainer Ken McPeek drops her in for a tag today and she is capable of winning with Julien Leparoux picking up the mount. SCEALEILE (#2) figures to be tough to beat. DREAMY DIVA (#1) also takes the class drop and fits in here.

2nd Race: STRIKE THE TIGER (#6) has run well over the Keeneland Polytrack in the past and drops to the bottom for this one. His best would make him a winner for trainer Wesley Ward and jockey Joel Rosario. ST. ARMANDS (#7) has been running well and looks second best. FLEURDEFORTYFOUR (#9) has the speed to be dangerous.

3rd Race: BYE BYE BUNTING (#7) should get a good trip from right off the pace with Garrett Gomez picking up the mount. She rates the edge in a very well-matched claiming race. MISS CLARK COUNTY (#9) broke her maiden over this track last year. She has been off since December but drops in class for her return and is the one to beat. IN STEP DANCER (#3) is a solid threat.

4th Race: MILLS (#4) just missed in his debut and has trained sharply since that start. He is bred to handle the added distance and trainer Barclay Tagg and jockey Joel Rosario teamed up the win the Appalachian Stakes (G3) Presented by Japan Racing Association here on Thursday. TIMELESS INDY (#10) is a well-bred runner from the Bill Mott stable and is the one to beat with Mike Smith aboard. HIS RACE TO WIN (#11) fits with these.

5th Race: RIVER LEMON (#7) has been running for a tag but is bred to handle today’s longer distance and is capable of winning despite the class hike. GRANDSTAND (#4) comes off a solid effort on the turf and is the one to beat. MYHORSEOFCOURSE (#2) looks best of the rest.

6th Race: GODARD (#4) closed strongly last out to finish second and Garrett Gomez picks up the mount today. He gets the nod in another extremely well-matched turf race. WHICH MARKET (#9) exits the same race as the top pick. He has solid form on the grass and can’t be left out of the gimmicks. FILM SHOT (#12) has the class to beat these if he gets a good trip from the outside post.

7th Race: AWESOME FLOWER (#4) moves up in class after an impressive score on opening day. She faces tougher company but appears capable of the class hike and can make it two in a row for trainer Mike Maker and jockey Joel Rosario. QUEEN OF MAMBO (#2) has never run a bad race and will be tough if she takes to the Polytrack. MISS HOOCHIE COOCHIE (#3) has the speed to be dangerous.

8th Race – Giant’s Causeway Stakes: SWEET CASSIOPEIA (#9) is riding a four-race win streak. She will be rallying from just off the pace and appears to be in a good spot to get her fifth in a row. SENSIBLE LADY (#5) is a turf sprint specialist who is always dangerous. SPUN CAP (#8) takes a class hike but rates a chance.

9th Race – Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G3): SUNBEAN (#6) was impressive winning three straight races against Louisiana-breds. He was in good position in the Louisiana Derby (G2) but lost all chance when blocked behind a wall of horses for the entire stretch run. He moves to the barn of trainer Mike Maker and had a fast work on Tuesday in Louisville. He can win the Coolmore Lexington if he takes to the Polytrack. WINNING CAUSE (#1) is a perfect 2 for 2 over the Keeneland strip. He figures to be in good position from the inside post and is a solid contender. PURE FUN (#11) is capable of beating the boys but might be compromised by the outside post.

10th Race: SUYETA (#3) is back in for a tag and will like the move back to the Keeneland strip. He rates the edge with Joel Rosario picking up the mount for trainer Mike Maker. GHOST CHAPEL (#9) is good right now. He has won three straight and is definitely the one to beat. CANE GARDEN BAY (#8) has the speed to be a contender.

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