Stogie’s Horse Racing Picks for Friday, April 18, 2025
Keeneland Race 8
- 6 That’s Right has run into the speedster Coppola in his last two races, finishing a respectable fourth in both the Gulfstream Turf Sprint and the Janus Stakes. This Brad Cox trainee fits well versus these and the morning line is sweet on this Gelding. Win Contender
- 4 Big Invasion has the class edge over his competition today, but this 6-year-old hasn’t seen the starting gate in over 5 months. However, He has been training sharply at Payson Park for trainer Christophe Clement. Even if he’s not 100%, I believe he’s a player here. He also drops 6 lbs off his last race. Win Contender
- 8 American Monarch could make some noise in here at a price. Live Longshot
Selections 6-4-8-5
Keeneland Race 9 Baird Doubledogdare Stakes Grade 3
- 5 Tarifa makes her second start off the layoff for trainer Brad Cox. Filly’s lone start on this main track was a dominating debut score by over 6 lengths. Cox will have this gal ready to fire today. Top Pick
- 1 Just FYI came back off a 9-month break and set a quick pace versus Allowance/Optional 75k types but tired late in the stretch. He now makes her second start off the bench and her work tab has been dotted with bullets. She’s definitely can take this field gate-to-wire on her best day. Win Contender
- 6 Candied has been facing some salty runners in Grade 1 competition and she has been no worse than 3rd in her last 4 starts versus the best Fillies in the country. My only concern is she’s been idle for over 5 months and might need a race. Major Player
Selections 5-1-6-7
Gulfstream Park Race 9
- 5 Baby Blocks has been racing strictly on the All-Weather in 2025, but this Blake Kelly trainee has had some success on the turf. Filly won two races at this distance on the green at Colonial Downs in 2024 and enters here off a 1/26 bullet. Win Contender
- 3 Maddy R has some sharp early foot but has faded in the stretch drive in her last two efforts. She drops in class, runs second off the line, and gets second-time juice. Looks like a recipe for a trip to the winner’s circle. Win Contender
- 6 Condora has run well here on the Gulfstream Green but hasn’t seen race day in over 8 months. Gal makes her first start for trainer Jose D’Angelo who hits at a respectable 22% winners with newbies to his stable. Don’t Ignore
Selections 5-3-6-7
