Horse Racing Fantasy Community

The unofficial beginning of Spring has arrived in Kentucky as racing returns to historic Keeneland on Friday, April 2.

Located in the rolling hills just west of Lexington, Keeneland has been conducting racing since 1936. The track traditionally holds meetings in October and April.

The current meeting runs for just 15 days from April 2 to April 23, with programs held Wednesday through Sunday with the exception of April 4. Racing begins at 1:05 EST.

There will be 16 stakes races during the meet with a total of $3.65 million offered in the black-type events.

Keeneland is one of the premier racetracks in the world, and once against it has drawn the best jockeys, trainers and horses from North America.

Julien Leparoux was the leading rider of the 2009 Spring meeting with 27 wins; he is back to defend the title against a stacked colony of riders. Basically all the best from around the country are here and it tough for many talented jockeys to get good mounts, yet along victories.

A couple of riders to watch include: Rajiv Maragh, who comes into this meet in career best form. The young Jamaican has steadily improved since cracking the big time last year, but value can still be found on his mounts.

Jockey Javier Castellano is coming off a tremendous meeting at Gulfstream and his momentum should carry over into this meet. For my money, he is simply the best turf rider in North America and he should be given extra preference in turf races.

All the top trainers in the nation will have stalls at Keeneland.
Interestingly, the Spring meeting has seen a different trainer top the standings for six of the last seven years.

2009 - Bill Mott
2008 - Todd Pletcher
2007 - Patrick Biancone
2006 - Nick Zito
2005 - Todd Pletcher
2004 - Steve Assmussen
2003 - D. Wayne Lukas

A couple of trainers that often don't get supported at the windows, but have horses geared up for this meet are Michael Matz and George "Rusty' Arnold. They should be considered at long odds.

One of the highlights of the meet is the beginning of two-year-old racing. We are sure to see some very talented juvenile going to the post.

There are a few hidden angles for wagering on these races. Often times, the breeding farms will debut a young horse by a freshman sire, with the hopes the horse will win and generate some buzz about the sire.

Give preference to the offspring of freshman sires early in the meet. Watch for offspring of Bernardini. Bluegrass Cat, Henny Hughes, Rockport Harbor, First Samurai, Borrego and War Front. All of these sires offspring have been positively received at the sales and they could produce a first out winner at Keeneland.

Keeneland switched from a dirt surface to a Polytrack in the summer of 2006. The dirt track at Keeneland was traditionally known for favoring speed. While the new Poltytrack has generated mixed reviews from gamblers, there are many of reasons to support the product at the windows.

Keeneland has a very low takeout: 16% on win, place show wagers; 19% on all exotic wagers.

They offer a 50-cent trifecta; 50-cent pick 4 and pick wagers; and a 10-cent superfecta.

The racetrack averaged 9.38 starters per race, a very solid number and the pool are large enough to ensure decent payoffs on tickets will all longshots.

The main track is 1 1/16th miles and the turf course is 7.5 furlongs. The track can sometimes play to speed, but mostly closers seem to get a better setup.

Good luck with your plays at Keeneland and check back later, as we will be posting an early preview of the three-year-olds targeting next weekend's Bluegrass Stakes.