Keeneland & Aqueduct Stakes Picks: Commonwealth, Madison, Blue Grass & Wood Memorial Analysis For April 4, 2026

Keeneland Race 7 Commonwealth Stakes Grade 3

1 Be You enters here in fine form for trainer Todd Pletcher. Gelding seems to do his best running when coming out of the inner posts, he draws the 1 hole today. Three of this son of Curlin’s 4 lifetime wins have been at this distance. I like his chances today. 

7 Saudi Crown has back class and seems to be the true speed in here. Look for Jockey Johnny V to gun this Brad Cox trainee out of the gate and try to wire this field today. Win Contender 

2 Crazy Mason is a stone cold closer who is pace dependent. He’ll need them to be motoring early to set up his potent late kick. This Grey has burned me in the past but his 1/56 bullet suggests he’s ready to get back tonthe winner’s circle. Major Threat

5 National Identity has reeled off 4 straight victories versus NY Breds with a career top speed figure last out. The waters get deeper here as he tries open company. Use in the deep exoctics

Selections 1-7-2-5

Keeneland Race 9 Madison Stakes Grade 1

4 Ragtime gets back to her preferred distance after a failed attempt at a mile when finishing third in the Grade 3 Chilukki Stakes. With a plethora of want-the-lead types in here, look for this Filly to be picking off runners in the stretch drive. Win Contender 

3 Clicout is a lightly raced Gray whose last race was 4th place finish in the G1 Breeders Cup Distaff. I love that she cuts back to 7-furlongs today. Gal has tactical speedand should get first run at the pacesetters. Win Contender 

2 Sterling Silver also fits the profile of the aforementioned. Mare has run well in back-to-back races finishing 2nd in a G2 two back and second once again in a G3 last out. Don’t Ignore

6 R Disaster is one of many who will be trying wing it on the front end. I’m just worried there will be a pace meltdown upfront and of all the front runners in here, this is one that might be standing at the wire. 

Selections 4-3-2-6

Keeneland Race 10 Shackertown Stakes Grade 2

8 Litigation is in the best form of his career and the work tab looks tight. I see no reason why he can’t run back to his last victory in the Silks Runner Stakes, where he clocked in with a 102 Bris number. Win Contender 

2 My Boy Prince has found his niche as his connections finally get this 5 year old Gelding back to sprinting. He was neck away from victory in a Stakes two back, then won the Turf Dash at Gulfstream back in mid February. He offers a good value with the 6-1 morning line. Win Contender 

9 No Nay Hudson is a Grade 2 winner who must be respected. Live Longshot 

Selections 8-2-9-10

Aqueduct Race 12 Wood Memorial Stakes Grade 2

13 Iron Honor is unbeaten in 2 career starts both here at the Big A. Colt’s Gotham win last out was impressive. He was facing winners for the first time, chased face pace and fought gamely to the wire. I believe this son of Nyquist is step above this field and I’m not trying to beat him today. Top Pick 

1 Napoleon Solo disappointed last out in the G2 Fountain of Youth Stakes when finishing a tiring 4th. I’ll forgive that effort as this Colt broke badly that day and was rushed up prematurely. Add that he was facing the likes of Commandment and Cheif Wallabee and you can see way he’ll be player versus this weaker bunch of animals. Win Contender 

3 Right to Party might just shine at this distance. LIVE LONGSHOT 

Selections 13-1-3-9

Keeneland Race 11 Blue Grass Stakes Grade 1

6 Further Ado was last seen finishing just 3 quarters of a length behind The Puma in the Tampa Bay Derby. The Puma would go on to lose by a nostrila in the Florida Derby. This Brad Cox trained son of Gun Runner is training well and should tough to beat today. TOP PICK 

1 Talkin was disappointing 5th in the Tampa Bay Derby but this Colt has been facing some salty 3 year olds in his 4 career starts. He now makes his second start off the layoff, enters here with a 1/66 bullet and Joel Rosario rides back. Look for Rosario to be more patient on this Colt in the early stages of this race. A more patient can get this son of Good Magic to the winners circle today. LIVE LONGSHOT 

4 Reagan’s Honor has won back-to-back starts, including a near 7- length victory at the Fair Grounds versus weaker. He faces the acid test today as he takes on Stakes competition. Major Player

Selections 6-1-4-7

Today’s Most Likely Winners

Keeneland Race 11

#6 Further Ado(8-5)

Aqueduct Race 12

#13 Iron Honor (5-2)

Top Value Play

Keeneland Race 9

#4 Ragtime 5-1