2022 Sycamore Stakes Daily Double Wagers

Friday’s headliner at Keeneland is the $300,000 Sycamore S. (G3), which will be run at 1 1/2 miles on the turf as Race 9. An overflow field of 16 has been entered for the ultra-competitive event, which will be the centerpiece of my Daily Double wagers as I will look to capitalize on an especially generous offer from Twin Spires.

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Race 8 – Allowance

The six-furlong allowance heat attracted a full field and is led by debut winner #12 Strobe (9-5). Trained by Brad Cox, the Godolphin homebred was unveiled on Kentucky Derby Day and led at every call while registering a robust 107 Brisnet Speed number beneath the Twin Spires. He’ll be formidable with anything resembling that first-out performance.

#6 Mahaamel (4-1) flashed enough potential last campaign to be given a real chance to win the heat, if the top one falters. Todd Pletcher pupil runs off the shelf and as a gelding for the initial time, and the son of Into Mischief wouldn’t be a surprise in the sprint. Luis Saez takes the call.

Race 9 – Sycamore S. (G3)

#4 Highland Chief (9-2) disappointed when fourth in the Bowling Green S. (G2) at Saratoga last time out, but I will come right back with the Graham Motion trainee in this tilt. Man o’ War S. (G1) victor lacks consistency, but he comes in fresh for a superb layoff barn, and I feel that he has as much talent as any contender in the field.

Mike Maker’s #2 Red Knight (6-1) took this race in 2020 and appears to be back in top form in 2022. Pure Prize gelding keeps Gerardo Corrales in the silks and will be making his move prior to the turn for home after saving ground early on.

#6 Channel Maker (6-1) was a convincing winner of the Elkhorn S. (G2) on the surface in April, and the accomplished eight-year-old will be a major contender in this event with anything close to his top effort. Saez will be in the stirrups. 

Race 10 – Maiden Claiming

In the 6 1/2-furlong finale, #1 Master Game (7-2), #8 Almanzo (7-2), and #11 Impenetrable (9-2), will each drop down after facing special weight foes to date. I have had a lot of success with this kind of class move in the past and will include each one of the trio. In addition, #6 Cooper Time (8-1) could be any kind in his debut for Paulo Lobo, and I will also use the son of Medaglia d’Oro with Corrales up.

Daily Double Wagers

Race 8 with Race 9:

6,12 with 2,4,6

Race 9 with Race 10:

2,4,6 with 1,6,8,11

Good luck!