Scully: Handicapping the Keeneland Turf Pick 3 on Oct. 9

Saturday’s Keeneland Turf Pick 3 will showcase three stakes, including a pair of Grade 1 events. The challenging wager features a $3 minimum and a 15 percent takeout.

Here is how I'm handicapping the sequence.

Race 6 – Woodford S. (G2)

#2 Golden Pal is the one to beat in the 5 1/2-furlong Woodford, and a single on many tickets, but the three-year-old is making only his third start of the season and must rebound from a weakening seventh in the Aug. 20 Nunthorpe S. (G1) in England.

I will spread with #4 Firecrow, who earned his first turf win in a stakes two back and figures to show high speed following a close fourth in a Grade 3 stakes, and #6 Extravagant Kid, who runs well off a freshening and has the class to make a major impact inside the final furlongs.

Race 8 – First Lady S. (G1)

Little went right for #2 Empress Josephine in two starts following her victory in the Irish 1000 Guineas (G1). The Galileo filly turned things around with a good fourth against better in the Sept. 11 Matron (G1) at Leopardstown, missing by only 1 1/2 lengths, and I like her chances in the one-mile First Lady. John Velazquez picks up the mount for Aidan O’Brien on my single.

Race 10 – Keeneland Turf Mile (G1)

A couple of longshots have appeal. #3 In Love is my top choice. Listed at 20-1 on the morning line, the gelding easily captured an entry-level allowance at Keeneland last fall, and he’s really come on in the last two outings for Paulo Lobo, most recently drawing away to a convincing stakes win at Kentucky Downs. In Love has a chance to carry his improving form forward.

#9 Monarchs Glen ran well in back-to-back turf stakes before receiving a less-than-favorable trip in the Mint Million S. (G3) at Kentucky Downs, checking in third. The veteran turf gelding may continue to show more for Mike Maker, and Monarchs Glen should be rolling from off the pace.

#7 Pixelate, who cut back to a mile with a convincing score in the Mint Million, will also be used, along with #4 Space Traveller and #6 Ivar.

Wager

$3 Keeneland Turf Pick 3: 2,4,6 with 2 with 3,4,6,7,9 ($45)