Expert Picks

Kim Nelson

Kim Nelson has worked with horses all her life. She rode hunter jumpers as a child and teenager. She then moved on to work for North Ridge Farm learning the basics with mares, foals and yearlings. She has worked through the years for Carl Nafzger, Adena Springs, The Daily Racing Form and Marylou Whitney Stables. Keeneland has always been the home track for Kim and this will be her 14 year anniversary handicapping the spring and fall meets.

Keeneland Turf Pick 3 for $3

Race 5

#8

Race 8

#2, #3, #7

Race 10

#5, #7 and #13

Cost #27

1st Race

#7 Tavria is dropping slightly in class and moves back to the dirt. She's a winner at this distance and hoping for a good price. #3 Day Dawning exits a maiden win and drops her price to face winners for the first time. She comes over as the 7-5 favorite. #6 Ash Wednesday is another fresh off the maiden win. Her Beyer numbers are solid for this field. Top Picks #7, #3 and #6

2nd Race

#8 Ganymede is a firster for the Ward barn. Sharp gate drills are hard to look past. #2 Nanina is making her debut for the Brad Cox barn. Barn gets 21% winners with firsters. This filly looks the part. #4 Dragon Navy has a race over the track. She was checked hard in that one and expect an improvement here. Top Picks #8, #2 and #4

3rd Race

#8 Beach Queen has the pedigree for this distance and local works are solid. Outside post should get her clear running if she can get the break. #6 Toxic Love turned in an even effort in her debut. The class relief here could move her up. #3 Splendid should be involved early and hang around for part. Top Picks #8, #6 and #3

4th Race

#1 Higher Standard is fresh off a brief vacation and is dropping to a new low. Recent Beyers suggest he can get the job done. #7 Uncashed is a distance specialist and is making a significant drop in class. He is also adding blinkers. #5 Junior Bug is fresh off the winter break and finds a soft spot to land here. Top Picks #1, #7 and #5

5th Race

#8 Sweet Rebecca had been keeping Graded Stakes company before the long vacation. She is 2 for 3 at this distance and recent works suggest she is well prepared for her return. #9 Pharoah's Wine is 2nd off the layoff and should be sharp off that 3rd place finish last out. She too loves this distance. #1 Deep Satin hasn't missed an exacta in 4 starts. She's first back off the bench and deserves a look. Top Picks #8, #9 and #1

6th Race

#5 Sam's Treasure has the pedigree for this distance and she comes in fresh. Beyer numbers are solid. #7 Central Avenue had a solid 2 year old form but was only out twice last year. Her company lines are strong and looking for her to be involved at the wire. #1 Tiarella broke her maiden going away in her last out. She will likely show the way. Top Picks #5, #7 and #1

7th Race

#4 Dontworryboutnothn is a firster for the Ward barn. Local works are fast. #1 Il Cavallino was an expensive yearling purchase and he looks good for a big debut effort. #7 Life's Reward is a firster from the formidable Brad Cox barn. Top Picks #4, #1 and #7

8th Race

#7 Eternal Silence got a little anxious in her last which was first off the layoff. She should settle a bit nicer here and like her for the win. #2 Immensitude exits a 2nd place finish in the Grady 3 Very One. She seldom misses a check and have to consider her a threat. #3 Forever After All is loving this distance on the grass. She comes over with the Brendan Walsh barn who has had an incredible meet and will be the early 9-5 favorite. Top Picks #7, #2 and #3

9th Race

#1 Unmatched Wisdom is the early 6-5 favorite for the Chad Brown barn. He brings a couple of sharp works over the Keeneland main track for his return to the races. #3 Bourbon Resolve showed little last out but has been on a freshener and previous form is solid. Also like that Irad Ortiz, Jr land here. #2 Will Take It hasn't missed the exacta in his last 3 starts. Recent works are sharp and he could get a share here. Top Picks #1, #3 and #2

10th Race

#13 Vivaldi just missed in his last and the slight back up in distance should put him in the winner's circle. #5 Stormy Passage turned in an even effort in his debut but his Beyer number was decent and look for him to move forward. #7 Tickled Quist has a couple of 2nds at this distance on the turf. He has early foot and expect him to be alive at the wire. Top Picks #13, #5 and #7