Keeneland, Oaklawn & Santa Anita Picks: Bewitch Stakes, Southern Hospitality Stakes & Best Bets

Keeneland Race 8 Bewitch Stakes Grade 3

9 Speed Shopper enters here in fine form off two very good Grade 3 performances. Mare won a Grade 3 at this distance on the green down in South Florida and followed that effort with a good third in the G3 Orchid Stakes while running a career top. She sports the best late pace numbers of her rivals in here and should be a player at the wire. Win Contender 

7 Just Basking comes out of the same race as the aforementioned,  finishing 4th by just over a length, despite racing wide throughout. A tighter trip today for this daughter of Arrogate could turn the tablespoons on her main rival in here. Win Contender

6 Mrs Astor has been a win machine when competing on the West Coast, including multiple Grade 3 victories. My only concern is she’s 0-4 here on the Keeneland green. Use Underneath 

2 Virgin Colada is worth a play at the 12-1 morning line. She has back class, comes off of two solid efforts on the All-Weather surface at Turfway Park and gets turf Stud Flavien Prat in the Irons. Live Longshot 

Selections 9-7-6-2

Oaklawn Park Race 9 Southern Hospitality Overnight Stakes

2 Rilytole was seen finishing second by a nostril to a very good 3 year old Iron Orchard in the Grade 1 Frizette at the Big A. This Filly has kept some good company in her lightly raced career and enters here off two very sharp works. Gal hasn’t seen race day in over 6-months and debuts for a new barn today, which is a bit of concen. Still this is a talented daughter of Mitole, who ran well first of the pine in his career. I like this Filly’s chances today. Top Pick

4 Candy Talkin could make some noise in here at a price. Filly has run three strong races on the turf at the Fair Grounds. Gal gets back on the where she has won 1 of 2 races and gets an upgrade in the jockey department. Live Longshot 

5 Have Faith has been second best in two back-to-back races here at Oaklawn. Filly will need to move forward today to get her Pic taken. Don’t Ignore 

Selections 2-4-5-6

Santa Anita Race 7

3 Eternal Reign drops in class, makes her second start off the layoff and sports the best turf speed figures amongst her competitors. Looks like a recipe for the win. Top Pick

9 Anywaythewindblows ran a respectable 4th beaten by just under two lengths when making her north American debut at this level on the turf here at Santa Anita. A move forward off that effort could get the job done today. Live Longshot 

1 Rehearsal chased a fast pace last out while sprinting on the blades here and had nothing left in the tank, finishing a disappointing 7th. I’ll draw a line through that effort, this gal is definitely not one turn horse. She’ll be factor hereat this mile distance. Major Threat

Selections 3-9-1-8

Stogie Plays for Today 

Santa Anita Race 7

$20WP #3 Eternal Reign 

.50 cent Trifecta Box 1-3-8-9

Total Wager $52