Belmont at the Big A & Keeneland Picks & Selections (October 4): Jockey Club Derby, Miss Grillo, Woodford & Coolmore Turf Mile
Belmont at the Big A Race 4 Jockey Club Derby Invitational Grade 2
2 Asbury Park is lightly raced son of Frankel who should relish the stretch out to this marathon distance. Colt was last seen finishing third in a restricted stakes race at the spa. Colt was compromised by a pedestrian pace upfront but still finished with authority. A quicker early pace today would bode well for this closer. Win Contender
5 Hammerhead exits from a horrible trip in the Toronto Cup at Woodbine, finishing a disappointing 7th. Colt looks like a horse who should appreciate the added distance today and gets an upgrade in the Jockey department. Live Longshot
4 Hill Road has yet to back to the winners circle since his Peter Pan Stakes victory four races back. Colt ran a decent third on the blades last out. Major Threat
Selections 2-5-4-3
Belmont at the Big A Race 8 Miss Grillo Stakes Grade 2
10 Miss Picky raised her turf speed figure 10 points in second career start when breaking Maiden by over 4-lengths at the Spa. Gal is a daughter of Uncle Mo, whose youngsters tend to move forward at a quick rate. With not much speed signed on in this Grade 2, I expect this Filly to be on or near the lead early with Kendrick Carmouche in the irons. Win Contender
12 Quiet Street draws an unfavorable post but has impressed in her first two starts to start off her career. She broke her maiden on the blades while sprinting at Saratoga, then finished first when taking on winners for the first time in the 1000k Untapable Stakes at Kentucky Downs. She routes for the first time today and is Bred up and down for route distances. Win Contender
6 Rose Room has shown a strong late kick in 2 Career starts. Filly’s earned a sharp late pace figure last out which tops this field. Major Threat
Selections 10-12-6-9
Keeneland Race 6 Woodford Stakes Grade 2
8 Khaadem is a 9 year old veteran who continues to run well. Gelding recently finished third by 2 to a very salty group of horses in the Grade 2 Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs. This Irish Bred is use to carrying 130 lbs or more overseas, the 121lbs he carries today should feel like a feather. I love this one’s chances today. Win Contender
7 Governor Sam drops in class after finishing a strong third in the Grade 1 Franklin Simpson Stakes at Kentucky Downs. Colt is 5 time winner at this distance and a perfect 1-1 here on the Keeneland green. Win Contender
5 Doncho enters here off back-to-back wins as he steps up the class ladder. Don’t Ignore
Selections 8-7-5-1
Keeneland Race 10 Coolmore Turf Mile
4 Diego Velazquez brings quite the resume from overseas for trainer Aidan O’Brien. Colt has won 6 of 11 lifetime starts including a group 1 win and has 3 wins at this mile distance on the turf. Win Contender
12 Jonquil is another Euro in here who I believe has a shot at a price. This one’s trainer doesn’t ship to the states much but when he does he brings a live runner. Colt exits from Group 2 victory overseas. Live Longshot
8 Program Trading sports some of the best late pace numbers of this group and should be motoring late. Use Underneath