Mage Can Get the Right Trip at the 2023 Kentucky Derby
Read this articleFull Field Set for Grade 2 Shakertown Stakes
Some of the nation’s elite turf sprinters will line up April 9 at Keeneland to contest the Grade 2, $200,000 Shakertown Stakes as a field of 12 is set to go five and a half furlongs.
5/2 morning line favorite Undrafted returns for his six year-old debut after running fifth in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. The Wesley Ward trainee is a well-traveled veteran with plenty of back class, including a Group 1 victory at Royal Ascot last summer. In North America, Undrafted is a grade 3 victor with serveral close finishes at the grade 1 and grade 2 level to his credit. Ward connects at 16% with horses returning from extended layoffs and Undrafted has worked steadily for his return. With a closing style, Undrafted will be aided by a swift and contentious early pace - something that seems likely with the presence of several pure speed horses in the race.
Power Alert in top form
Power Alert (3/1) is in sharp form after winning a pair of stakes races at Gulfstream Park and should once again be difficult to handle while breaking from the rail. Trained by Brian Lynch, the six year-old gelding has won 7 of 13 starts at the five and a half furlong trip to go with two runner-up finishes. Power Alert defeated Undrafted while winning the Grade 3 Churchill Downs turf sprint last May.
Catch me if you can for longshot
Rocket Heat (20/1) brings plenty of early speed and is a playable longshot while shortening up in distance. The Vann Belvoir trainee ships east from his Santa Anita base after running a tiring second in the Hernandez Stakes. The distance reduction should help this four year-old gelding who is 3 for 4 at the distance.
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