That was Saratoga and this is Keeneland. Of course Saratoga is a superior track than Keeneland. But Keeneland is one of the signature meets in America.
Went to both tracks this year and never thought about the prestige angle in handicapping both of them before. I was with a few gamblers who enlightened me to the fact that certain owners insist they win races at these two meets and you can throw the form out. It really helped make it easier to bet horses that would have been otherwise tough to play. That explains some of the huge prices. Also learned about the Wesley Ward/JA Garcia advantage at Keeneland. I knew Ward got bet heavily with young horses, but at Keeneland-Garcia up, he is a great wager at any odds.
Leparoux, in my opinion, can win from anywhere and understands the importance of a bias and saving ground as well as anybody riding. He often hits tickets by skimming the wood with very inferior horses. If he jumps off a contender, especially Maker horse, to a question mark, bet the farm on him!
