Blue Grass Stakes
Lexington, Kentucky – The Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland Racecourse takes place on CNBC from 6-7pm ET.
There are two general perceptions as to how the Blue Grass Stakes will shape up. One involves Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion Hansen and how he will face his toughest competition for the early lead. The other thought is that the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes is setup perfectly for Dullahan because the pace will be too fast for Hansen.
The weather forecast for today’s Blue Grass Stakes in Lexington Kentucky call for winds ranging from 10-20 mph and a 50% chance of rain. This is something you will want to consider when handicapping the race and placing your bets. Pay attention to the track surface conditions as I have a feeling they might come into play today.
Hansen is trained by Michael Maker and drew post four, opening as the 6/5 morning line favorite with jockey Ramon Dominguez. Hansen has only lost once in his career, back in the Holy Bull when he finished second after he stumbled out of the gate. I think that track surface and wind conditions will dictate if he tries to stretch and early lead or rate off the pace.
Dullahan and Howe Great are next up on the morning line at 6/1 despite having different running styles. Dullahan, trained by Dale Romans will be expected to come from well off the pace with jockey Kent Desormeaux. In the Palm Beach Stakes, Dullahan finished second to Howe Great after trying to come from five horses back in a six horse field.
Howe Great with jockey Javier Castellano will likely press the pace early for trainer Graham Motion. Looking at the field it’s possible that as many as six horses from the eleven horse field will try to press the pace early and get out front. Look for Howe Great, Scatman, Hansen, Heavy Breathing, Hero of Order and Ever So Lucky to all try and get the early lead.
Toyota Blue Grass Stakes Morning Line Odds and Post Positions:
|
PP |
Horse |
Jockey |
Trainer |
M/L |
|
1 |
Heavy Breathing (KY) |
C J Lanerie |
T A Pletcher |
12/1 |
|
2 |
Gung Ho (PA) |
E S Prado |
M J Maker |
30/1 |
|
3 |
Prospective (KY) |
L Contreras |
M E Casse |
10/1 |
|
4 |
Hansen (KY) |
R A Dominguez |
M J Maker |
6/5 |
|
5 |
Russian Greek (KY) |
M Mena |
G Dorochenko |
50/1 |
|
6 |
Dullahan (KY) |
K J Desormeaux |
D L Romans |
6/1 |
|
7 |
Politicallycorrect (KY) |
E Trujillo |
W A Ward |
30/1 |
|
8 |
Midnight Crooner (KY) |
G K Gomez |
B Baffert |
15/1 |
|
9 |
Holy Candy (KY) |
J Rosario |
J W Sadler |
30/1 |
|
10 |
Howe Great (KY) |
J Castellano |
H G Motion |
6/1 |
|
11 |
Ever So Lucky (KY) |
J R Leparoux |
J E Sheppard |
12/1 |
|
12 |
Hero of Order (KY) |
E Martin, Jr. |
G Dorochenko |
12/1 |
|
13 |
Scatman (KY) |
S Bridgmohan |
M E Lauer |
12/1 |
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Every year Jack McKinney follows the new 2 year olds on the scene through the Breeder’s Cup as maturing 3 year olds.
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