Mike Battaglia's Picks
THURSDAY, MARCH 28 (Preview)
Race 1
STILL CHIEF is riding a two-race win streak for the hot Contreras barn. He appears to be in a good spot to extend that streak with Prescott back aboard tonight. BIRDS GONE WILD was no match for the top pick last out but likes the 6-1/2 furlong distance and will be running at the end. BETTER WATCH OUT has been off since September but fits with these.
Race 2
I GOT IT beat several of these same rivals last out and gets the nod in this bottom claimer. ONE THIRTY ONE will be running late and is the one to beat. SEATTLE SASS should get a good trip from the inside post.
Race 3
HEADFIRST has been running well at this level and looks best with Prescott picking up the mount. MONGOLIAN RAHY takes the big class plunge for her Kentucky debut. Anything close to her best would make her a winner but the drop in a reason for concern. TSCHUDI'S GIRL is a contender.
Race 4
PLANS TO PROSPER faded after showing speed against better at Gulfstream. That was her first race since July and she figures to move forward off that effort. Give her the edge with Machado picking up the mount for Dale Romans. SMILE AWHILE just missed in her second career start at Los Alamitos. She has been training steadily since shipping to Kentucky and is the one to beat. SHE BE STRIKING disappointed in her race over this track but can be expected to improve tonight.
Race 5
BALIZAR was third when dropped to this level last out. He looks best off that performance. LET'S RIDE is a 7-year-old who just won his second career race but he looked good in that one and has to be respected. KOWBOY POSSE could add value to the exotics.
Race 6
KNOCKOUT GIRL drops to the bottom for Tom Drury. She cuts back to six furlongs and figures to rally from just off of what should have a lively pace. She gets the nod with Franklin back aboard. BREWS TOONIE TOSS ran well in her first race off the claim and figures to be the main competition. SUGAR CANDY ROSE may be the fastest from the gate but is questionable at six furlongs.
Race 7
AGAINST THE LINE hooked a tough field on Ruby day and ran well to finish third. He figures to be in good position throughout and looks like a good bet to win this one for Jeff Greenhill and Abel Lezcano. FREDDIE K. comes off two straight runner-up efforts. He has the speed to make the lead and is definitely the one to catch. ST. LOUISE has been running well and gets in light with Tormey.
Race 8
TWO MILE CREEK is an invader from Fair Grounds. He ran poorly last out but hooks a fairly weak bunch for his Kentucky debut and should handle these. ACES AND EIGHTS has been beaten at short odds in his last four races but has the speed to be dangerous. CONFECTION FORTUNE is a contender.
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