Keeneland Picks & Analysis: Lafayette, Beaumont, Transylvania & Ashland Stakes Breakdown – 04/03/26

Keeneland Race 5 Lafayette Stakes

3 Artic Beast has been destroying New York Breds while sprinting in the empire state. Colts lone loss was in open company in the Springboard Mile Stakes when he finished second of 11 starters. He has the tactical speed to get a position early and should be stalking the pace today. Win Contender 

6 Carson Street drops in class after finishing a disappointing 6th in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes. I’m going to forgive that effort. Colt was facing some very salty runners and didn’t care for the mile and an eighth distance. He cuts back to 7-furlongs today for trainer Brendan Walsh, who throws the blinkers back on. Win Contender 

2 Knock it Off is unbeaten in 2 career starts while running strong dirt speed fig. Colt has had everything his own way in these gate-to-wire victories. He likely will be pressed on the lead today and will have to prove himself versus this tougher group of animals today. He just might be up to the task. Major Player

Selections 3-6-2-1

Keeneland Race 7 Beaumont Stakes

5 Baracca didn’t want any part of that two turn mile and sixteenth distance when she finished 7th in the G2 Golden Rod Stakes. Gal is unbeaten at one turn sprint distances which she gets today. She gets first time blinkers today from her trainer who hits at 17% when slapping on the eye cups. Win Contender 

3 Sneaky Good has been facing better in Graded competition and has run well, finishing third in back-to-back Grade 3’s. Filly’s lone start here at Keeneland was an impressive near 5-length score. Win Contender 

7 A Fine Chardonnay returned from a 4 month layoff and ran a non-threatening third in local Stakes down in South Florida. She could be player if she can move forward as she makes her second startoff the layoff. Don’t Ignore

Selections 5-3-7-2

Keeneland Race 8 Transylvania Stakes Grade 3

11 Ganaas tries the blades for first time today after two disappointing 5th place finishes versus Stakes competition. Colt is 15-1 on the morning line and is worth a shot at a price. His post is a concern and will have to work out a trip. He drops 6lbs off his last race and is Bred up and down to relish the surface switch today. Live Longshot 

2 Vasy was last seen winning the Colonel Liam Stakes at Gulfstream by a neck. Colt closed well to get the W under the guidance of Jockey Flavien Prat who rides back today. I’m not sure he’ll wants this distance but Prat is a beast on the green. Win Contender 

3 Noble Dynasty sports the best late pace numbers of this group. If they go fast early, this Colt will be motoring late to the wire. Major Threat

Selections 11-2-3-7

Keeneland Race 9 Ashland Stakes Grade 1

2 Percy’s Bar hasn’t been seen since finishing a good third in the G1 Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Stakes. This Roan’s work tab has been dotted by bullets. This classy Filly appears to be sitting on a big effort. TOP PICK 

3 Zany has been an absolute freak winning his first three starts by a combined 18-lengths which includes a Grade 2 victory where ran a near tripledigit Bris speed figure. She’ll be pounded at the windows and rightfully so. Let’s try to beat her today. Win Contender 

4 French Friction is an unbeaten Oaklawn Park invader who has won his first two starts by a combined 12 lengths. Don’t Ignore

Selections 2-3-4-1

TOP VALUE PLAY 

Keeneland Race 7

#5 Baracca (6-1)

LONGSHOT PLAY OF THE DAY

Keeneland Race 8

#11 Ganaas(15-1)