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KEENELAND NOTEBOOK APRIL 24, 2010 by Frank Cotolo The brief Keeneland meet is one day from completion as this is being written. The final week, sans one program, is covered here, complete with horses to watch as they go on to tracks with artificial surfaces or just plain dirt. So this will act as a wrap up of the Kentucky circuit's pre-Kentucky Derby (G1) meet, Churchill Downs, which we will cover starting next week before the May classic. Keeneland offered 47 races on April 16, 17, 18, 21 and 22. A dozen of those events were on the grass. The public increased its handicapping skills greatly from the first two weeks of the meet, identifying winners at a 34-percent clip, counting both surfaces. Last week we reported that Polytrack speed was winning far more than usual. The accent on speed continued, as 46 percent of the races were won wire-to-wire. In sprints there were seven won from the top and in routes there were eight. Four out of 10 took place on April 16; five out of 10 won on April 17; two on April 18; three on April 21; and a pair on April 22. There were no wire-to-wire wins on the turf. Most of the grass victors were off the pace for their wins, though some of those could be considered "close" to the leaders through the distances. Trainers In the final week, Todd Pletcher got extremely hot and won five races, topping the conditioner community. Christophe Clement and Wesley Ward followed with four and Ken McPeek tripled. First-timers won for Pletcher, Ward (he had two), Michael Maker, George Arnold and Wayne Catalano. However, it was John Terranova who stood atop the win-percentage standings:
HORSE TO WATCH Our list produced these winners during the Keeneland meet. Not all of them raced at Keeneland. Remember; follow our list suggestions for two races no matter where they race: BRAVO PRADO (El Prado [Ire]), $9.80 Friday (4/16) 10TH --BEACH COMMANDER (Deputy Commander) is a bet-back horse, having won with gusto, meeting a strong duel with a late bid. 10TH -- SMARMY (Parents' Reward ) lost all chances struggling in a duel all the way around. Saturday (4/17) 1ST -- TRYING BRIAN (Tiger Ridge), making his first start since November, had a good, speedy return. 3RD -- SARGENT PARK (Fusaichi Pegasus) was three wide for a long time, losing ground and tiring. 5TH -- EMBUR'S SONG (Unbridled's Song) broke maiden at first crack with a big performance for Pletcher. 10TH -- ANOTHER DANCER (Maria's Mon ) dueled, got the lead, then lost it but remained best of the rest for the heavy effort. Sunday (4/18) 3RD -- SCREENPLAY (Stephen Got Even) wheeled back off an eight-day rest and had good speed in this maiden claimer at 5-1. 5TH -- TURALLURE (Wando) broke in midair, got back into the thick of the action, gaining, then tiring late. 9TH -- KIAWAH CAT (Lemon Drop Kid) was challenged three wide throughout and still got third. 9TH -- BLISSFUL SONG (Unbridled's Song) also had a partner in the running and could have done better if that was not the case. Wednesday (4/21) 2ND -- DON'TWAIT TOOLONG (War Chant) was forced to race five wide and was claimed for Eddie Kenneally. 3RD -- BECKY'S KITTEN (Kitten's Joy) is a bet-back horse, winning this $40K claimer at 4-1 and going into the Asmussen barn. Thursday (4/22) 6TH -- METROPOLITAN MAN (Hook and Ladder) broke maiden impressively and should be okay to step up and win again. 7TH -- TWILIGHT BAY (Purge) was brilliant from the 10 post at 6-1, getting the lead and holding it well to three-quarters while three wide before tanking.
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