Jeff’s Day Makers for Friday, April 8, 2016
Keeneland – 6th race – Keeneland – 1-Circus Performer (4-1)
Talented but lightly-raced colt will be making just his third career start but still has a chance to develop into a very good grass performer if he can stay healthy. Broke his maiden at first asking over the Keeneland turf course way back in October of 2014 but didn’t make it back to the races until February of this year when he finished a strong third despite trouble in a non-winners of two affair over seven and one-half furlongs at Gulfstream Park. Today he gets nine furlongs to work with and should make the most of the opportunity. There’s plenty of value at or near his 4-1 morning line in the straight poll and in rolling exotic play if you can get it.
Keeneland – 9th race – 2-Shakhimat (10-1)
This highly-promising Canadian-bred colt has been working like he’s fit and ready for his sophomore debut in his first outing since winning the Coronation Futurity at Woodbine in early November. The son of Lonhro has excellent tactical speed and should be on or near the lead throughout. If he comes back as well as he left – or perhaps better – the Roger Attfield-trained colt might be able to spring an upset in a loaded field that also includes the very talented Chad Brown-trained comebacker 8-Catapult, who is the one to beat and is a “must use” in exotic play. However, at 10-1 on the morning line Shakhimat offers the best value in the straight pool.
