We have just two plays on this fine fall Saturday: turf stakes in New York and suburban Toronto. Let’s go.
Keeneland, Race 7, 4:12 pm ET
Grade 3 Rood and Riddle Dowager Stakes, 1½ miles, Turf, Fillies & Mares 3 & Up
Nine go in the Dowager, which we are expecting to stay on turf. We’d probably like 6-Romgna Mia a little bit on a firm going, but on a grass course softened by rain the past few days, we move her up in a big way: Her affinity for the going makes her strictly the one to beat. This is a filly who was good enough to be competitive in a couple of Group races in France earlier this year, where the competition was tougher than what she will face today; we see her galloping comfortably early, and rolling late. We will bet her to win at 6-1. The bet: Keeneland, Race 7, $50 to win on 6-Romagna Mia.
Woodbine, Race 8, 5:08 pm ET
$100,000 Eternal Search Stakes, 7½ furlongs, Turf, Ontario-bred Fillies & Mares 3 & Up
Ontario-breds, ten of them after scratches, line up for the Eternal Search. We like a long shot, 8-My Girl Sky, who shortens to this 7½ furlong distance after running in longer races since May. We like the cutback, and we also like that she has the best-pace figures in the field, meaning she possesses the best closing kick. Since we expect the early pace here to be quick enough to favor the stalkers and closers, we think there is a good chance that My Girl Sky can recapture the form she showed winning a 7 furlong turf stakes in October of last year. We will bet her to win at 20-1. The bet: Woodbine, Race 8, $40 to win on 8-My Girl Sky.
That’s all for today. Until the next time, enjoy the racing, be safe, and, as always, good luck at the windows.