Spot Plays for Keeneland on Oct. 2

A pair of graded stakes races will highlight a fine 10-race card on opening day at Keeneland on Friday.

Race 2 -- Maiden Special Weight

Juvenile fillies will travel six panels on the dirt with 10 going postward. #10 Farsighted showed me enough on debut to be considered a prime win candidate in her second career assignment. Rusty Arnold pupil was defeated by just 2 3/4 lengths when fourth at Churchill Downs at first asking, and the January foal will move forward on Friday for a conditioner who shows a +ROI second-time out.

Race 5 -- Maiden Special Weight

Second division for 2-year-old fillies also attracted 10 who will travel 6 furlongs. I am in on #9 Sun Path for conditioner Brad Cox. Chestnut has a pair of 2-year-old-winning siblings from as many to have raced, led by her full sister Bonny South, who won the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) and was runner-up in the Alabama (G1) earlier this season. Florent Geroux will guide the Juddmonte homebred.

Race 8 -- Phoenix (G2)

I am not sure if #12 Midnight Sands can beat this field from the widest post slot, but the Brendan Walsh trainee has my attention. Chestnut son of Speightstown had a four-race win streak snapped when third in a strong allowance event at Churchill Downs off the shelf most recently, but he figures to improve in his second stateside venture. Kentucky-bred readied for Friday with a scorching half-mile drill beneath the Twin Spires in his latest morning move.

Race 10 -- Maiden Special Weight

Juvenile boys will go 1 1/16 miles on the green to close out the card. The Brendan Walsh-trained #6 Bryce Canyon showed speed on debut before flattening out in a race that was washed off the turf at Churchill Downs, and the Godolphin homebred will move forward with the surface change on Friday. Ghostzapper youngster is from a family of fine turf performers and picks up Leparoux, as well. The price should be generous.