Exotics Plays for the Keeneland Turf Mile

An outstanding field of nine will travel eight panels on the green in Saturday’s $1.25 million Keeneland Turf Mile S. (G1). The winner of the lucrative contest will receive a berth into the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) at Del Mar on Nov. 2. 

Turf Mile Exotics

• $12 exacta 3 with 9 ($12)
• $6 exacta 3 with 2,6 ($12)
• $1 trifecta 3,9 with 2,3,6,9 with 2,3,6,9 ($12)
• 50-cent superfecta 3,9 with 3,9 with 2,6 with all ($12)

#3 More Than Looks was not poised to run his best last time in the Fourstardave H. (G1) at Saratoga in his seasonal debut, but the talented dark bay still rallied well in the lane to finish second behind an impressive winner over a good surface for conditioner Cherie DeVaux. The son of More Than Ready evolved into a strong miler in 2023 and he could be sitting on a big one second time off the bench. Jose Ortiz will pilot the stout late runner. 

Fourstardave (G1) victor #9 Carl Spackler thrives at Saratoga, but he has proven to be quite good at other venues, too. The Chad Brown trainee, one of three from this barn in the field, dons a sharp 5-for-6 lifetime mark at the distance and is a must-use in the event. The tactical son of Lope De Vega will enjoy clear sailing throughout with regular pilot Tyler Gaffalione in the controls. 

Juddmonte homebred #2 Kikkuli was a close second to excellent miler Haatem in the Jersey S. (G3) at Royal Ascot in June, and I feel that he will be a major player in his U.S. debut with something resembling that performance. The half-brother to the otherworldly Frankel might just be scratching the surface of his abilities, and I can’t ignore him with Frankie Dettori in the irons. 

I do not love the chances of #6 Talk of the Nation winning the race, but the Todd Pletcher pupil is simply too consistent to leave off of my exotics wagers. Quality Road four-year-old has run well in each of his four assignments in 2024, and he has won or placed in all nine of his one-mile ventures to date as well. John Velazquez will take the reins.