McPeek pair debuts at big prices in coming days at Ellis Park

While Kenny McPeek is certain to be at Saratoga on Saturday with Take Charge Milady running in the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks, the trainer is sure to be keeping an eye on Ellis Park where he will be represented by Allied Racing Stable's homebred La Norme de Jour in race 3.

The $100,000 maiden special-weight race for 2-year-olds is the first of three such races between Saturday and Monday but the only one sprinting and on dirt. The races Sunday and Monday are at one mile on the turf with the fillies going first.

La Norme de Jour is 15-1 on Saturday, and then the McPeek team has another big price Monday with McFasty sporting a 10-1 price. Both juveniles have been working at Churchill Downs, which has been fertile ground for debut winners this year.

Admittedly, there is a small concern that McPeek does much better with his 2-year-olds second time out, but the prices are projected to be too good on these to pass. As a bettor, though, it's worth bookmarking these horses, because even if things don't go well this weekend, we know McPeek improves second time out, and the Horse Racing Nation ratings hinted at talent to begin with.

Coverage of Ellis Park maidens at Horse Racing Nation is done in partnership with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.