Royal Approval the key to Friday Pick 3 at Keeneland

An excellent three-race sequence featuring Grade 1 events for 2-year-olds will be a major focus of my Breeders’ Cup Friday plays at Keeneland.

Suggested Pick 3 Wager

• $1 Pick 3: 1,2,4,5,6,8 with all with 11 ($42)

Race 7 -- Juvenile Turf (G1)

An especially talented field of prospects will travel one mile on the lawn to kick off the wager. Jessica Harrington’s #5 Cadillac (6-1) is my slight top selection, but there is little chance that I could single the European import on the ticket. Group 1 romper #1 Sealiway (8-1), Royal Lodge (G2) star #2 New Mandate (12-1), Pilgrim (G2) runner-up #4 Public Sector (8-1), Bourbon (G2) winner #6 Mutasaabeq (5-1), and Wesley Ward’s #8 Outadore (8-1), will be included as I will spread in leg one.

Race 8 -- Juvenile Fillies (G1)

A stellar cast of 2-year-old fillies will travel 1 1/16 miles on the main oval in a highly competitive race. Six of the seven in the contest show graded stakes wins on their resume, and I have a hard time separating the bunch. I even give a chance to the pair of longshots, #4 Thoughtfully (20-1) and #6 Crazy Beautiful (20-1), so utilizing the "all" button is my most logical course of action in the middle leg of the play.

Race 9 -- Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1)

Wesley Ward’s #11 Royal Approval (10-1) will be my aggressive single to close out the wager, which could yield a big payoff if I am on point with my handicapping. Tiznow filly is 2-for-2 following an unsuccessful voyage to Royal Ascot, and I love that she lands here as she was cross-entered in the Juvenile Turf Sprint as well. Three Chimneys Farm homebred will be forwardly placed prior to inching clear in the stretch with Irad in the controls.

Good luck!