Keeneland handicapping for Sunday, October 4, features selections and race analysis from Daily Racing Form expert Marcus Hersh. The Sunday card spans ten races, with Hersh designating Twilight Delight as his best bet of the day in the fifth race.
Twilight Delight Headlines Sunday Fifth Race
Twilight Delight enters the fifth race as the top selection after disappointing in his first two starts at age three on “good” turf. Marcus Hersh reported that the horse previously looked like a strong two-year-old turf sprinter and rebounded on firmer ground last out at Ellis Park. A recent Keeneland workout video further elevated expectations for the horse’s upward trajectory, though Hersh noted the runner cannot win solely on the lead.
Guy Smiley is projected to finish second in the fifth race following a victory in a Kentucky Downs N1X coming off a 16-month layoff. Hersh expects Guy Smiley to rate a couple of lengths off the pace rather than contest the early speed. Ortley Avenue rounds out the top three selections for the race but is flagged as a potential underlay due to speed figures earned at Saratoga and an anticipated pace duel.
Opening Race and Early Card Contenders
Just Asap leads the selections for the first race after a troubled start forced him far off the pace before he finished a close third among 11 runners. Asmussen. Good Mojo and Capital Connection complete the top three picks for the opening event, with Good Mojo showing solid form against higher-priced winners.
Get Them Roses tops the second race projections after being purchased for $50K at an August auction and running back for that tag. Maginnesontap and El Ramundo join the selections for the second race, which features runners competing outside maiden special weight company.
Mid-Card Selections and Route Contenders
Way Beyond is tabbed as the top choice in the third race, dropping down to a 3yo $62.5K claiming class after returning against tougher older first-level allowance horses. City of Life and Kokomo Joe fill out the rest of the third-race trifecta projections for the Keeneland autumn meet. Grantchester heads the fourth-race selections, transitioning to the dirt after a useful turf prep at Kentucky Downs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marcus Hersh’s best bet for the Sunday Keeneland card?
Marcus Hersh’s best bet of the day is Twilight Delight in the fifth race, citing a strong recent Keeneland workout and a solid previous victory on firm ground at Ellis Park.
Which trainer claimed Just Asap prior to the first race?
Owner-trainer S. Asmussen claimed Just Asap for a $16K tag two races before the horse’s closing third-place finish on the Sunday card.
How much did Get Them Roses cost at the August auction?
Get Them Roses was purchased for $50K at an August auction before entering the second race at Keeneland.
Twilight Delight ran on firm ground at Ellis Park prior to the Keeneland meeting.