Expert Picks

Kim Nelson

Kim Nelson has worked with horses all her life. She rode hunter jumpers as a child and teenager. She then moved on to work for North Ridge Farm learning the basics with mares, foals and yearlings. She has worked through the years for Carl Nafzger, Adena Springs, The Daily Racing Form and Marylou Whitney Stables. Keeneland has always been the home track for Kim and this will be her 14 year anniversary handicapping the spring and fall meets.

Thursday, April 09, 2026

$.50 Early Pick 4 begins in Race 2

$3 Keeneland Turf Pick are races 4, 6 and 8

$.50 Late Pick 4 begins in Race 6

$3 Late Pick 3 begins Race 7

1st Race

Top Picks #8, #4 and #5

#8 Ruiva is a well prepared firster for the Ward barn. Barn is formidable with this type. #4 Uncle With Money has several sharp works and looks good to go. #5 Skara Brae is the 6-5 early favorite. 

2nd Race

Top Picks #15, #7 and #2

#15 Gus's Gal was the beaten favorite in her last but did hold on for 2nd over a sloppy going. If she draws in here expect her to be very sharp off her that one. #7 Bugs Malone is making her first try over the dirt. With that change and the slight drop in price, could be what she needs to pick up a check. #2 Safe Space is a firster with a solid work tab. 

3rd Race

Top Picks #1, #3 and #8

#1 Ma Rae's Girl is first off the claim and 3rd off the layoff. She has a win over the Keeneland course and works suggest she can find another one here. #3 Mom's Cheesecake won a nice allowance race here last fall and this spot looks to suit her. Look for her to be competitive. #8 Sweet Scorecard likes this distance and has the early foot to lead the way and is capable of staying on for part. 

4th Race

Top Picks #5, #3 and #10

#5 Trust Account, a very expensive yearling purchase, broke her maiden last out in her 3rd career start and her first start as a 3 year old. She looks the part and top connections bring her over. #3 Amberglen broke her maiden here last fall at first asking. She is making her first start of her 3 year old campaign here and  she adds Lasix this time. Expect a big effort from her. #10 Huck's Agenda is making her first start over the lawn after having been fairly successful over the dirt in 5 career starts. 

5th Race

Top Picks #6, #8 and #2

#6 Mr. Miracle is making his 3rd career start for the Brad Cox barn. He has a couple of 3rd place finishes under his belt and expect him to find his way to the winner's circle this time. #8 Royal Crescent just missed in his last race which was his 2nd career start. He has top connections and he should be a big player in this one. #2 Fourth Dimension has been an improving sort and this is 2nd time Lasix for him. Don't leave him out. 

6th Race

Top Picks #4, #10 and #9

#4 East Jabip has a real shot of getting an easy lead and taking this group gate to wire. #10 Soloist ran well as a 2 year old breaking her maiden at first asking and being quite competitive in stakes company. Sure she has matured at 3 and could be a big player here. #9 Just a Minute is 2nd time Lasix and like her works.

7th Race

Top Picks #5, #2 and #3

#5 Go to Girl is first off the layoff and first Lasix. She has some impressive running lines coming out of her 2 year old campaign and like her for the win. #2 Market Chill broke her maiden last out impressively and poses a threat here. #3 Majestical adds blinkers this time and comes over as the early 9-5 favorite. 

8th Race

Top Picks #3, #8 and #6

#3 Simulate has been facing some tough company in recent form. He comes in here fresh and like his odds. #8 Mountain Bear is another that is fresh off the layoff and past Beyer numbers are impressive for this field. #6 Reagan's Wit is proven at this distance and is finding a bit softer company than he has faced in recent form. 

 

9th Race

Top Picks #12, #9 and #2

#12 Merry Madison is 3rd off the layoff and looks quite capable with this field. #9 Haleakala is making a significant drop in class. She fits here. #2 Onmywaytosavthday has been competitive with this level in past form and should land a share in this spot. 

Thursday, April 09, 2026