The spring meet at Keeneland Race Course has come and gone quickly. It is truly hard to believe it is already Closing Day. Just one final 10-race card is available until the fall, so hopefully we can make the most of it.
I took three big swings yesterday with no success. Hopefully this trio of spot plays can make up for it!
Race 5:
This second-level allowance over the sod kicks off the Pick 6, as well as the Turf Pick 3 and is one of the more wide-open races on the Closing Day agenda. #6 Mo Fox Givin is a filly I chased early in her career after being impressed with what I saw live at Churchill Downs in late September ’23. She had some traffic issues in a couple of starts, but overall was not quite as good as I had expected as a 2YO/3YO. The daughter of Mo Town does appear to be rounding back into form though for Mark Casse after being caught wide throughout when finishing second to perfect trip and next out winner Movin’ On Up down at Gulfstream Park last month. The Gary Barber owned runner ran well in her only start over this course and attracts Irad Ortiz Jr. Today feels like her day.
Play: #6 Mo Fox Givin (8-1 ML)
Race 6:
There is not a ton of speed signed on in this 7-furlong affair over the main track, so that should benefit those that are prominent early. #6 No What Ifs should be one of those up close in her third start off the claim for trainer Grant Forster. The daughter of Frosted posted a career best performance last out at Fair Grounds when she battled along the inside throughout at a big price and held on for second. She moves to an outside draw and attracts Jose Ortiz. Hopefully, she can build off of her last run and put forth another top in her third try off the layoff.
Play: #6 No What Ifs (12-1 ML)
Race 10:
The meet concludes with an 8.5-furlong journey for protected maidens over the Keeneland lawn. #7 Tickled Quist is likely to take plenty of support for trainer Brad Cox after a pair of runner-up finishes in similar spots at Fair Grounds this winter. He is extremely likely to hit the board again, but I am willing to let the Nyquist colt beat me on top. Hopefully, it is with #2 Sweet Freedom. The Harvey Clarke homebred made his first start of 2025 last month at Turfway Park and should have gotten a lot out of a race he very well could have needed. He draws favorably along the rail, lures John Velazquez, and meets a somewhat suspect group to close things down. At the price, I will be jumping in on the son of Candy Ride hoping the ninth time is a charm.
Play: #2 Sweet Freedom (15-1 ML)
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