Handicapper's Corner: Blue Grass Stakes (G1)

Taking a Wild Shot at the Blue Grass Stakes

By: Mike Mills, ThoroFan Member

ThoroFan's Handicapper's Corner welcomes a new racing analyst to our stellar group!

 

Mike Mills is an avid horse racing fan who fell in love with the game at the age of nine when his mom took him the short trip from the family summer house on Saratoga Lake to Saratoga Race Course to see Big Red run in the Whitney. 

A graduate of the University of Louisville, Mike spent many a day at Churchill Downs and Keeneland during his tenure at the University, of course only when there were no classes. Saratoga being Mike’s love, he can be found most days of the meet at the Bone Zone in the Backyard.Handicapping races for friends and family over the years is the extent of Mike’s touting experience, so he is very excited to make his national debut with Thorofan.

Keeneland’s 93^rd Running of The Toyota Blue Grass contested at 1 1/8 Miles.

 Somewhat disappointed in the small field of just seven, but with so many big races for Derby aspirants last weekend and today, not really surprised.

#1 It’s Your Nickel  But don’t spend it here.  While working well and a winner of his last three, he will find himself overmatched against this group and could have the best view down the lane.

#2 McCraken Perfect four for four in his short career.  Must respect a colt who knows where the wire is.  Should enjoy the extra distance to run at.  March 20^th bullet work indicates the ankle strain has improved but is a question.

#3 J Boys Echo Had him in the Gotham when he bested seven including the well regarded El Areeb.  Broke his maiden at this yard, never a bad sign, and should relish the extra distance.  Connections won this event last year.

#4 Tapwrit Another good one from Pletcher.  Not surprised to see Jose of the brother Ortiz end up on this one instead of the outside horse after his ride on that one in the Fountain of Youth.  Should be peaking third off the layoff.

#5 Wild Shot Will be sent to the front as he was in the Breeders Futurity on this track last fall running a good third behind Empire Classic.  May get a share. 

#6 Irap O’Neill ships this fellow in while still a maiden, but he has the most experience in the field with seven starts.  Should show speed and keep Wild Shot honest but doesn’t appear to be up to the caliber of these.

#7 Practical Joke April Fool’s was last Saturday, and this fellow is no joke.  Glad to see Joel back up as the ride he received in the Fountain of Youth from Jose was less than stellar.  Like the extra week off by running here instead of last weekend at Gulfstream.  Second off the layoff and appears to be sitting on a big one……this is the one.

The Play: $40 Win, $60 Place #7, Total $100…..Have a Day!

With the short field, no exotics plays recommended in this race, but if you must, use 2, 4, 5