Xpressbet writer Jeff Siegel offers his top plays for Saturday.
Keeneland Race No. 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT)
#2 Balnikhov (8-1)
California shipper offers a good gamble at 8-1 in this year’s edition of the Grade 3 Bryan Station Stakes based on his West Coast form that strongly suggests he’s most comfortable at this one-mile distance. A winner of the Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar two races back, the Irish-bred gelding packs a potent stretch kick, so with some pace up front to compliment his style and a trouble-free trip under top rider Tyler Gaffalione, the Phil D’Amato-trained sophomore has a legitimate chance to pull off an upset.
Keeneland Race No. 9 (5:16 p.m. ET/2:16 p.m. PT)
#1 West Will Power (4-1)
Makes his third start following a long layoff and looks primed for the best race in his current form cycle following a clever score in an overnight race at Churchill Downs last month. The Brad Cox-trained 5-year-old has finished first or second in nine of 11 career starts and is a perfect one-for-one over the Keeneland main track, so from his good rail draw in a pace scenario that looks favorable, the son of Bernardini can capture this year’s edition of the Fayette Stakes at a nice price.
