Friday's Best Bet: Violent Times solid price player in Franklin County
Friday’s 9th race from Keeneland is the Grade 3 Franklin County Stakes for fillies and mares dashing five and one-half furlongs on the turf course (Post Time - 5:30 p.m. ET).
This is a big field, but there is not as much speed as you would think. I am looking for a tactical type to take this one, and I landed on #1 VIOLENT TIMES (10-1). The lightly raced 4-year-old filly ran well in all four turf sprint tries including an easy optional claiming win at this distance at Saratoga Aug. 25. She figures to save ground behind the speed under Jose Ortiz, and hopefully the inside opens up in the lane.
I like #2 Oleksandra (5-1) in turf sprints, but she needs pace help and racing luck in this spot. Joel Rosario rides her well.
#3 Morticia (9-2) got back on the beam vs. some of these in a grade three at Kentucky Downs last time. She was 5-1 last time, and was the favorite in seven of eight starts before that. Look for her to be the favorite after that Sept. 7 victory. The consistent early-pressing mare likes this course and distance.
#8 Little Bit Me (8-1) was 2nd to Morticia last time, and she upset that rival at 24-1 odds under Friday’s rider John Velazquez in a turf sprint stakes at Churchill May 2. She has stalking speed.
#10 Goldwood (8-1) has won five straight turf sprint stakes races, and #11 Girl Knows Best (6-1) exits back-to-back victories. They both have speed.