A full field will line up on Sunday in the $350,000 Bourbon at Keeneland with longshot Panama having a shot of pulling off the upset.
The winner of the Bourbon earns an automatic starting spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) which will be held on Nov. 4 at Keeneland.
There are two other ‘Win and You’re In” races on Sunday at Keeneland. A field of five line up in the $500,000 Spinster (G1), the winner earning a free ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).
Malathaat is the 3-5 morning line favorite and faces a just four foes including Letruska (5-1) and Played Hard (3-1).
The $250,000 Indian Summer drew a field of 11 with the winner earning a starting spot in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1).
Sunday is the final day of the PlayUp Racebook $1,000 Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In Challenge Contest. Horseplayers can earn $10 for each winner they pick and there is a $500 prize for the top handicapper.
Let’s head out to Keeneland for Sunday’s featured race of the day:
Keeneland Race 8 The Bourbon (G2) Post time 5:10 ET
2 Panama 15-1
3 Reckoning Force 7-2
9 Gigante 4-1
6 Boppy O 9-2
Panama
This gelding came across the pond and beat Alw-1 optional claimers in his U.S. debut at Kentucky Downs going 6 ½ furlongs over firm turf at Kentucky Downs. It was not a real tough group but this guy looks as if he will appreciate the added ground. He broke his maiden two back at Windsor going six furlongs in a 13-horse field. The runner up Betweenthesticks has won three times since, the fourth and fifth place finisher were next out winners. Saez picks up the call and the 15-1 morning line looks attractive.
Reckoning Force
This guy broke his maiden winning the Juvenile at Kentucky Downs going a mile in his third career start. The colt raced next to last early and came with a good run while very wide and battled on gamely to prevail by a neck. He had run fourth and third in two trips at Saratoga this summer. He was previously trained by Joseph O’Brien and lands with Brendan Walsh.
Gigante
The Asmussen trainee broke his maiden two back on dirt and last out took the field gate to wire to win the Kitten’s Joy at Colonial Downs, drawing off to win by 6 ¾ lengths. This guy is a half to Tryon Summer ($142,955) who was also a stakes winner on turf at Colonial Downs. He may have more company up front and his 4-1 morning line may end up lighter.
