3 minute read

The spring meeting had to be put off but eventually it's here.

It will be behind closed doors but there's some very good fields.

As an aperitif there's the Makin Marker Mile Gr 1 over 1600m turf on Friday.  Chad Brown saddles the first two in the market – Raging Bull and Without Parole, on 9/5 and 5/1.  War Of Will is on 6/1 and Parlor, who is by Lonhro, is on 10/1 and could be worth a little e/w.

Before heading to Keeneland on Saturday there is the Gr 2 Rufian at Belmont where Monomoy Girl is an unbackable favourite  on 2/5 with only 5 runners.

At Delaware there's the Delaware Handicap Gr 2 for f&m over 1700m.  Dunbar Road looked good winning the Shawnee at Churchill Downs and is on 6/5 for Chad Brown and I Ortiz.  Todd Pletcher has Bellera on 7/2 and Always Shopping 5/1.

Back to Keeneland with the Apalachia presented by the Japan Racing Association is Gr 2 over 1600m turf.  There are only 6 runners with Alms on 6/5 and Walk in Marrakesh on 9/5.

The Madison Gr 1 over 1400m has 8 f&m with Guarano on evens for Brown and J Ortiz.  Mia Mischief is on 3/1 and Bell's the One on 6/1.

The Shakertown Gr 2 is over 1100m and has a full field of 14.  Wildman Jack and Bound for Nowhere are both on 5/2, and Extravagant Kid and Texas Wedge are both on 6/1.

The Ashland Gr 1 over 1700m for the 3yo fillies has only 6 runners and looks like being between Venetian Harbour 6/5 and Speech on 2/1.

The Jenny Wiley is for f&M over 1700m turf with 8 runners.  Rushing fall on 6/5 for Brown and Castellano, with the talented Brazilian-bred Jolie Olimpia on 5/2.

And then there's the iconic Blue Grass over 1800m for 3yos which is still giving Kentucky Derby Points.  There's one filly here going against the boys – Swiss Sky Diver who has won her last 3 outings and Kenneth McPeek has booked Mike Smith for the ride.  She gets her fillies allowance as well so no surprise she's on 3/1.  The best of the boys could be Rushie on 5/1 and Art Collector on the same quote.