Horse Racing Picks Today: Keeneland & Oaklawn Stakes Predictions and Best Bets – April 11, 2026

Keeneland Race 7 Giant’s Causeway Stakes G2

11 Time to Dazzle exits from a 4th place finish versus a very tough field of 13 in Dubai. That effort was impressive considering this Mare was coming off an extended layoff. She should get plenty of pace to set up her strong late kick. Win Contender

9 Love Cervere is an intriguing Longshot in here who I believe has a shot. Filly came from the clouds in a Grade 3 on the All-Weather at Woodbine to finish 3rd. Gal had a late pace figure of 103 that day and has consistent late turn of foot. She might get an ideal set up to pull the upset. Live Longshot

13(AE) Shining Star is on the Also-Eligible list, but if she gets in, I like her chances. She has reeled off 3 straight victories by a combined 15 lengths. The waters get deeper here but she’s in fine form and could be up to the task against this tough field. Major Threat

Selections 11-9-13(AE)-7-1

Keeneland Race 9 Jenny Wiley Stakes Grade 1

1 Expensive Queen gets the tepid nod in this evenly matched edition of the Jenny Wiley Stakes. Mare has won 3 of 4 since coming to the States with only loss coming in the G1 Gamely where she had an excuse. She really needs to move forward to get the W here and the way she won last out with a strong gallop out, suggests she’s sitting on big effort. Live Longshot 

7 Lush Lips has been no worse than second in her last 9 starts while sporting 6 trips to the winners circle, including a Grade 1 win here back in October. Win Contender 

8 Destino d’ Oro enters here off three straight wins including back-to-back Grade 2’s. Hard to leave this one off your tickets. Win Contender 

Selections 1-7-8-10

Oaklawn Park Race 8 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap G3

7 Tejano Twist is a 7 year old veteran runner who seems to be getting better with age. He recently won the G3 Whitmore at this distance here at Oaklawn with his patented late kick. The pace in this race should be hot early which will set up perfectly for this closer by Practical Joke. I’m digging the 6-1 morning line and hopefully that holds up come post time. Win Contender 

5 Roll on Big Joe is perfect 2-2 here at Oaklawn Park. He recently won the King Cotton Stakes by stalking the pace then pouncing in the stretch drive. Gelding proved he doesn’t  necessarily need the lead to win. With 2 speedballs to his inside, he should get a good tracking position just off the pacesetters and get first run at the early leaders. Win Contender 

8 Dreaming in Blue is another off the pace type that could make some noise in here late in the stretch. Don’t Ignore

Selections 7-5-8-3

Oaklawn Park Race 10 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1

1 Nitrogen failed as the favorite last out in the slop here at Oaklawn, finishing a fading 3rd at the wire. I’m going forgive that effort as this gal wasn’t fully getting a hold of the wet conditions that day. Filly will get a dry fast strip today to showcase G1 winning skills. She has never finished worse than third in 14 career starts with 7 lifetime victories. Top Pick

5 Om N Joy could surprise in here at a price. She was outclassed in the G1 Beholder Mile last out, but I like her effort in the Grade 2 Raven Run two races back. She finished 4th by just 2-lengths that day and was making up ground in the stretch drive. This Filly last 2 works have been sharp and I feel she’ll outrun her 15-1 odds today. Live Longshot

6 Nerazurri has won 3 of 4 here at Oaklawn and didn’t shame herself when she stepped up the class ladder and ran second to Nitrogen in the G3 Bayakoa. She enters here off a confidence building win in a Restricted Stakes race here. Look for Jockey Christian Torres to be a bit more patient with this Filly in the early part of this race. Don’t Ignore

Selections 1-5-6-8

STOGIE PLAYS FOR TODAY 

Keeneland Race 9

$10 WPS #1 Expensive Queen(10-1)

$1 Exacta Box 1-7-8 =$36

Oaklawn Park Race 8

$10 WPS #7 Tejano Twist(6-1)

$1 Exacta Box 5-8-7

$1 Trifecta Box 5-8-7= $42

Oaklawn Park Race 10

$15 WP Nitrogen (9-5) 

$1 Exacta Box 1,5,6

.50cent Trifecta Box 1,5,6,8 =$48

TODAY’S BANKROLL $126