Weekend before Breeder's Cup

The most striking thing about this year's Breeder Cup races are the absences of the super top trainers, namely the big 3-McGaughey, Zito, and Nafzger. I have to respect them for not entering just to enter, but only when they feel they have the top runners.

 Meanwhile, while the world focuses on California next weekend, Keeneland is still the top dog this weekend.

McGaughey sends out PARADING in the Grade Fayette at 1 1/8 mile.  Those who saw him win the Ben Ali last Spring at Keeneland had to feel they were watching the future Breeder Cup Classic winner, but Shug knows his horse, and where to put him.

Listed at 7-5, on paper he would be 4-1 if anyone else trained him. Still, Shug is the man.

The second choice, BLAME, will be about 3-1, and is truly vulnerable. The good news is he is lightly raced, and shows a good forward move.  The bad news is his class is based on a restricted stakes race and a second in a lackluster Grade 2 field.

This could be a good race to pick a live long shot to win, and play PARADING on top of the longer ones in the trifectas and superfectas. Some of the better ones are listed at longer odds.

MEDJOOL is listed very long, but will probably be more like 13-1. He made some good moves in Canada, and trainer Merrill Scherer is not dumb. He has him here because he is ready for a good race.

10 cent Superfecta picks 3 (PARADING) with 4 (MEDJOOL) with 2,7.9.10, with All. 3 with 2,4,10, with 2,4,7.9.10 with ALL.

 50 cent Trifecta picks Box 2 (JADES REVENGE), 3,4. Wheel 3 with 2,4,10 with All. Wheel 3,4 with 2,3,4, with 2,3,4,7.9,10.