Keeneland handicapper makes Breeders' Cup picks

ERLANGER, Ky - The 2011 Breeders’ Cup Day of Champions has been awaited for quite some time.

It takes place at Churchill Downs for the second straight year, and the weather has been arranged kindly by Mother Nature.

If you are a racing fan of any level, you will not want to miss one minute of the action this weekend.

Friday – First Post – 2 p.m. EST

Race #5 – Breeders’ Cup Sprint – 6f – 4:10 p.m. EST

#6 – Secret Circle (6-5) – Rafael Bejarano in the irons for Bob Baffert. Two-for-two with wins, and she is working well. The Baffert barn comes loaded with some nice runners this year, and this may be the first we see.

Race #6 – G-2 Breeders’ Cup Filly Turf – 1 mile on the turf – 4:50 p.m. EST

#14 – Somali Lemonade (3-1) – This gal won the G-3 Jessamine at Keeneland impressively. Trainer Michael Matz was beaming after the win, and leaned toward this race. Her explosive run will have to battle #10 – Elusive Kate down the lane, and I think at 3-1 you may get a solid price to build your exotics.

Race #7 – G-1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint – 7f – 5:30 p.m. EST

#6 – Switch (3-1) – A John Sadler trainee, and has the services of Joel Rosario. Last year they used a poly-prep to get her tightened. She was game in her prep, and came back and worked two solid works.

Race #8 – G-1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies – 1 1/16 – 6:10 p.m. EST

#11 – Weemissfrankie (4-1) - Bejarano in the irons for Peter Eurton, and they win 41% together. Been working well, and this New York-bred is 3/3 with wins in California. She has a style that fits the race.

Race #9 – G-1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf – 1 3/8 on the turf – 6:50 p.m. EST

#2 – Stacelita (2-1) – Ramon Dominguez has the call aboard this filly for Chad Brown. Go back three races, and you will see she faced the boys in the United Nations. She should stalk the pace, and make her presence felt at the top of the lane.

Race #10 – G-1 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic – 1 1/8 – 7:30 p.m. EST

#6 – Royal Delta (5-2) – Jose Lezcano in the saddle for Bill Mott. They love the way she is training, and the Mott camp is happy about their chances. She looks to be able to get the distance, and was beaten by Havre de Grace last out.