A full field of 12 goes in Saturday’s Lexus Raven Run (G2) at Keeneland. (Photo credit: Keeneland).
Saturday’s $250,000 Lexus Raven Run (G2) at Keeneland is the only graded stakes race for thoroughbreds on Saturday, with a field of 12 lining up to go seven furlongs on the main track.
The Brian Lynch trained Lightstream is the 3-1 morning line favorite, drawing the 12 post with jockey Julien Leparoux in the irons.
The filly won her first three starts, then ran third in the Mother Goose (G1) and in her most recent outing ran a game second in the Test (G1) at Saratoga.
The Tom Amoss trained Lucy N Ethel is the second choice on the morning line at 9-2. She took advantage of a speed friendly racing strip to take the field gate to wire in the Prioress (G2) in her last outing.
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She was trained by Ramon Preciado in her first three starts and by Chloe Bradley in her Prioress victory.
It is a big day in New York, eight stakes highlighting Empire Showcase Day with over $1.75 million in purses up for grabs.
I have my full card reports available for both Keeneland and Belmont Park on Saturday.
My Best Plays Report for Saturday includes my 10 strongest plays form Belmont Park and Keeneland.
Let’s head out to Keeneland for Saturday’s featured race of the day:
Keeneland Race 9 The Raven Run G2 (Post time 5:30 ET)
#12 Lightstream 3-1
#11 Takrees 12-1
#10 Sophia’s Song 5-1
#6 Bellamentary 6-1
Analysis: Lightstream stalked the early pace and came with a good late rally to finish in the runner up spot in the Test (G1) last out at the Spa behind a 55-1 bomb. The filly won her first three career starts including the Beaumont (G3) here at the spring meeting. The Lynch barn is 15% winners (with a +ROI) with runners coming back off a 61-180 day layoff. She has been working steadily for her return off the break and should work out a good trip breaking from the far outside.
Takrees was outrun early while saving ground and came with a wide rally to finish third last out in the prioress (G3) at the Spa going six furlongs. She caught a racing strip that was kind to inside speed that day. She makes her third start since May and appears to be getting good right now. The McLaughlin trainee should end up going off at a generous price.
Sophia’s Song made a good late rally to finish close up third in the Charles Town Oaks (G3). She won the Caesar’s Wish three back at Laurel Park going a one turn mile. She will be closer to the pace here exciting the bull ring in West Virginia and the blinkers come off. This is her third start off a five month layoff.
Wagering
WIN: #12 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 11,12 / 6,10,11,12
TRI: 11,12 / 6,10,11,12 / 4,6,10,11,12
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Michael’s Breeders’ Cup Reports includes his selections, analysis, fair odds line, and wagering recommendations for every race during the two-day Breeders’ Cup from Santa Anita on Nov. 4-5.
The Breeders’ Cup offers 13 championship races over two days, bringing together the best top horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the world, this year to compete at Santa Anita.
