Weekend Stakes Action - Grade III Kennedy Road Stakes and Grade III River City Handicap

Two Grade III’s highlight this weekend’s stakes action as the Grade III Kennedy Road Stakes and the Grade III River City Handicap are both run this Saturday.

racebook fans.

Let’s get to it!

Race-day: 11/22/2008

Woodbine Racetrack - - Race 6

Grade III Kennedy Road Stakes

$150,000

For Three Year Olds and Up

6 furlongs on artificial

If Storm Treasure can reproduce his last few efforts in this, than he’s going to be awfully tough to beat. Trained by Steve Asmussen and out of Storm Boot, this tough knocking horse might just need a change in surface, from turf to artificial, in order to win this. He’s the pick. For second, the looks of Rouse the Cat caught my eye. Mainly a turf sprint specialist, Rouse the Cat has the ability to lay closer than he did in his last. If he can produce his patented late kick on the artificial, he could upset Storm Treasure. For third, I’m going with Shadowless who should run much better than what his online odds will indicate.

1. Storm Treasure

2. Rouse the Cat

3. Shadowless

Churchill Downs - - Race 9

Grade III River City Handicap

$100,000

For Three Year Olds and Up

1 1/8th miles on the turf

Karelian might be in a good position to turn the tables on rival Thorn Song. Karelian lost to Thorn Song in his last race by only 2 ½ lengths and his ability to close might actually help him in this race since there appears to be enough speed to help his closing kick. Thorn Song will be the obvious chalk. Why? He’s coming out of the Breeders’ Cup Mile and there’s no doubting his class. But can he keep up his front-running style in what figures to be a contested pace? For third, my eyes have turned to Yate’s Black Cat who on paper looks to have no chance to challenge these but will be saving all of the ground in this race.

1. Karelian

2. Thorn Song

3. Yate’s Black Cat

Good Luck!