Grade III Transylvania Headlines Keeneland Opening Day

By Rick Francis —-

The 2018 Keeneland Spring Meet opens its 16 run with graded stakes action when a field of twelve 3-years-olds take to the turf in the running of the Grade 3 Transylvania Stakes; let’s have a look at the starters.

Race 9) GIII Transylvania Stakes 3yo 1&1/16th Miles Turf Post Time 5:30 EDT

1) Maraud – most accomplished at the distance having won three with a third from five starts; his last winning time was seconds faster than anyone in the field has posted.

2) Tigers Rule – missed by a nose here in October when the G3 Bourbon was switched to the main track; exits a solid score over the Fair Grounds turf, a course that plays similar to here.

3) Tap Daddy – disappointed last out in the Black Gold Stakes; Leparoux returns, aboard for his last win.

4) Dragon Drew – enters on 2-race win streak, including strong effort in Black Gold at odds of 22-1; form and works improving, value.

5) Admiralty Pier – has demonstrated a strong late kick in all five career starts, last three coming over Woodbine synthetic; solid conditioning angle.

6) Determinant – broke maiden last out going longer at Gulfstream; with a maiden winner next out Casse is 17 percent.

7) Funny Duck – staying forwardly placed in last three, Distorted Humor colt has placed twice and broke maiden in last; strong try today.

8) Captivating Moon – placed last out at Tampa even with loading issues; Geroux staying is a plus.

9) Golden Dragon – hasn’t been a factor in last three starts; pass.

10) King Valero – has tried all three racing surfaces with lone turf victory coming over the undulating course at Kentucky Downs; not for me.

11) Beer Pressure – gets first blinkers for first start in Ewing barn, both solid training plays.

12) Analyze It – a perfect 2-for-2; makes 2018 debut but has been pointed to this since G3 DeNille score last November.

Selections: 4, 12, 1, 6