Keeneland Opener: Epitome of a 4 letter word

Tweet There's been a lot of talk about 4 letter words when it comes to synthetics lately...so the timing seems perfect for the opening day of Keeneland's spring meet on Friday on the polytrack. Ok, you're not going to get a whine session about how hard it is to handicap the synth at KEE from this part of the blogosphere....but if you look at the opening day's entries you'll see what I mean about 4 letter words....for instance...

Race 2: Hull (#4 horse, ML 2-1)
Last year's Derby Trial Stakes winner (I was there!) on Churchill's opening day makes his 2010 debut in a 6 furlong race taking on two tough foes in Taqurub (5/2) and Despite the Odds (5/2). Unraced since last June's Woody Stephens on Belmont Day, he's undefeated in Kentucky so our first 4 letter horse of day with Robby Albarado up is ready to roll.

Race 4: Inti (URU) (#2 horse, ML 10-1)
Not as inviting a selection, this Uruguayan 5 year may be overmatched going 1 1/16 on the polytrack, but he's been over this track before and has the speed to contend. We'll try and hit the board with our second 4 letter word.

Race 5: Toll (#1 horse, ML 4-1)
At 4-1 we won't be trying to Hit it Rich (5/2) on this one, but if I pull out my Secret File (6-1), maybe we can pull something off in the exotics in this one. Had some success on the poly in his maiden debut and Leparoux rode him. Won't be playing the 4 letter double.

Race 6: Doff (#1 horse, ML 15-1)
I love their beer. Heck, for a buck a 4 letter Pick 3? The trainer is 40% this year with first time starters (2 for 5 - full disclosure).

Race 8: Fish (#6 horse, ML 5-1)
Julien Leparoux up. Fish on Good Friday. C'mon if this isn't the 4 letter hunch play of the day, I'm a rock star. Broke maiden at Keeneland last year.

Race 9: Call Shot (#1 horse, ML 12-1)
Ok, I'm stretching it a bit...but back to back 4 letter words? Works for me....Think Babe Ruth pointing skyward...

Have fun, enjoy the card and refrain from using any 4 letter words...