SIXTH RACE

Will take EXCURSION over ADARA in a close call, though neither will be much of a price. Excursion just an even run last out making synthetic debut following a layoff, and given the overall shape of his form, the drop to maiden-claiming makes sense. Showed last year at PIM he can handle two turns. Trainer H G Motion has good numbers with horses racing under similar circumstances. Adara drawn wide in last two and not only drops here but makes first dirt start in blinkers - for whatever that’s worth. Another “FWIW” - didn’t work back after last start for 21 days. GOOD JUJU makes first start since January and his top Beyer Speed Figure came after a similar break last summer. Looks ploddy, but then again, this is a $30K MCL.

SEVENTH RACE

Changed my selections here several times - it’s that kind of race. Main-track-only TIZ SPLENDID NEWS aired in a short-stretch, two-turn KEE mile last fall, ran into the talented Carribean Caper early this meet, and can lead all the way if this is moved to dirt. GIRL’S ON FIRE could do the same thing — lead all the way — on grass, but at a much longer price than Tiz Splendid News. She faded readily on “good” turf last out at FG tackling winners after a front-running debut score, and being out of a Dynaformer mare, she has pedigree to stay on this nine-furlong trip if allowed to back up the pace and race unpressured. GO BIG GREEN should be in the vanguard, as well, and has improved at least mildly with more aggressive tactics of late. Thought IL MALOCCHIO might be the one but her Canadian-sired stakes win last year at WO lacked visual impressiveness. Stable-mate FOREVER BOSS has excuses but wonder about the nine furlongs. A second over the distance and presence of leading jock could make VIBURNUM an underlay, while REINA DEL SOL does seem to be coming into this “the right way.”

EIGHTH RACE

Trainer W Ward has had multiple entries in far more KEE races this meet than I can count, and often it is not at all clear which is the A Team, which the B. This race is like that, but, despite drawing the rail for her debut, FINE PROSPECTURE gets my vote here. Like the pedigree for 5.5f and the KEE work pattern this spring suggest she’s quick enough and fit enough. Trainer B Morey’s most recent sample of first-time starters doesn’t lend much confidence, but MENDING looks quietly well meant to me. Homebred was taken out of two sales and on the surface, at least, has the pedigree to run longer. Might sound counterintuitive, but that makes me like her going this short-sprint trip first out - connections must be seeing quickness in her training. TESORINA is the second Ward. Probably has speed to get position from this wide draw, and her race at this level last fall at KEE shows she fits well enough. 4201 Versailles Rd. Lexington, KY 40592 Phone: (859) 254-3412

Main track: One and one-sixteenth miles, oval. Turf course: Seven and one-half furlongs, oval. Distance from last turn to finish line: 1,174 feet.

TAKEOUT INFORMATION

■ Win, place and show: 16% ■ Exactas: 19.5%

■ Pick 5: 15%

■ All other exotics: 22%