How to bet the Maker’s Mark Mile

A high-quality field of 10 will contest the Friday feature at Keeneland in the $300,000 Maker’s Mark Mile (G1).

Maker’s Mark Analysis

#2 High Crime will be sent from the start as the speed of the cast. #10 War of Will will be tracking the pacesetter from the second slot, with #6 Everfast and #7 Emmaus behind that duo a few lengths farther back.

Maker’s Mark Contenders

#1 HEMBREE -- One-run closer from the Maker barn gets a fine draw on the rail, but he is winless in 10 straight. Proud Citizen 6-year-old has a solid turn of foot, though he would need a lifetime best to make the frame in this deep cast.

#2 HIGH CRIME -- Dangerous speedster was very impressive in a 5 1/2-furlong romp on the Churchill Downs turf against allowance types. Miller trainee takes a massive class hike today, however, and it seems unlikely that he will carry his speed to the finish line in the Maker’s Mark.

#3 PARLOR -- In-form gelding has been sharp as of late, including a closing third in the Wise Dan (G2) last time out. Dark bay from the Maker barn has placed in two of three at Keeneland and could challenge for a share late with a well-timed ride. Florent Geroux will be in the silks.

#4 RAGING BULL -- Classy contender is one of two from the Chad Brown shedrow with a big chance on Friday. Dual Grade 1 hero exploded late to take the Shoemaker Mile (G1) in his 2020 debut, and he could move forward in just his second run of the season. Regular pilot Rosario retains the mount.

#5 ENGLISH BEE -- Grade 3 winner from the Motion barn missed by a neck in the recent Wise Dan (G2). English Channel colt has upped his level this campaign, and the 4-year-old has a chance to fill out some exotics with another move forward beneath James Graham.

#6 EVERFAST -- Son of Take Charge Indy has run well in two outings since arriving in the Sisterson barn. Bay colt has never run on the turf, however, and this is a demanding task for a first go on the sod. He would be a surprise.

#7 EMMAUS -- Consistent sort has put in a pair of solid attempts this season and could peak third time off the layoff. 6-year-old gelding was victorious in a lone prior run at Keeneland, and he could get the jump on the deep closers due to his excellent positional speed. Exotics contender will have Brian Hernandez Jr. in the stirrups.

#8 WITHOUT PAROLE -- Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) third had a fine prep for this when third in the Shoemaker in his second try of 2020. Group 1 victor shows five solid morning drills in preparation of his Keeneland debut, and the top pick should be primed for his best third time back. Irad Ortiz, Jr. riding only adds to the appeal.

#9 NEXT SHARES -- Archarcharch gelding does some of his best work at the locale, evidenced by his upset score in the 2018 Shadwell Turf Mile (G1). Baltas pupil has run a pair of fine races in succession, and he would also move up if there is moisture in the ground on Friday.

#10 WAR OF WILL -- Classic winner tired late in the Shoemaker when fifth while making his return to the green. Casse charge has run some big races on the grass in the past, and I love the removal of blinkers for the Maker’s Mark. War Front colt figures to get a perfect trip under Tyler Gaffalione.

Maker’s Mark Wagers

• $10 Win and Place: #8 Without Parole ($20)
• $.50-cent Trifecta Key: 8,10 with 4,5,8,10 with all ($24)