Maker’s Mark Mile

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

As you would expect, Friday’s Maker’s Mark Mile S. (G2) at Keeneland is a
highly competitive event. And if you’re playing exotic wagers, this is a good
race to hit the all button.

ARTIE SCHILLER (El Prado [Ire]) has not started
since experiencing a nightmare trip as the favorite in the Breeder’s Cup Mile
(G1) after impressively winning a pair of Grade 2 races in New York with
excellent late speed. The James Jerkens trainee likes to stalk the front runners
and is nicely drawn near the inside for a ground saving trip. He rates our top
choice.

GOOD REWARD (Storm Cat) is two-for-two over this course and closed out his
sophomore campaign with a come-from-behind victory in the Hollywood Derby (G1).
In his only start this year, he finished an even fourth to Rock Hard Ten (Kris
S.) in the Strub S. (G2) on the main track at Santa Anita. The Shug McGaughey
trainee figures to improve with a return to the turf and rates a serious threat
for all the money.

AMERICA ALIVE (American Chance) is a solid closer who figures to come running
late. The Neil Howard trainee just missed in a Grade 2 race at Fair Grounds in
his last start after a wide trip. At 10-1 on the morning line, America Alive
rates our longshot special, but must draw in from the also-eligible list in
order to run.

Southern California shipper LAURA’S LUCKY BOY (Theatrical [Ire]) won a
one-mile grass stakes in his seasonal debut and is undefeated in three starts at
one mile on the turf, including a Grade 3 event at Hollywood Park. The lightly
raced Richard Mandella trainee likes to be in the mix early and rates our
sleeper under Corey Nakatani.

Multiple Group 3 winner TRADE FAIR (GB) (Zafonic) finished a close fifth in a
turf sprint at Santa Anita in his U.S. debut. The Bobby Frankel trainee figures
to enjoy this European-style turf course and could factor for a share under
Jerry Bailey. OLD FORESTER (Forestry), the other also-eligible, exits a sharp
stalk-and-pounce victory going 8 1/2 furlongs in a fast time at Gulfstream Park.
He could light the board at a nice price if he goes.

MUGBIL (Swain [Ire]) finished a close, but troubled, third to Old Forester as
the favorite in the U.S. debut last out. The Kiaran McLaughlin trainee has upset
potential and is worth a second look at 10-1 on the morning line. COOL CONDUCTOR
(Stravinsky) is a versatile runner who fits with these. The Bill Mott trainee
makes his seasonal debut in this spot but could earn part at playable odds.

MR. LIGHT (Arg) (Numerous) set a world record for this distance before winning the one-mile Appleton H. (G3) in his last start. He has the
look of a possible underlay given the wacky times on the grass at Gulfstream
Park this year. GULCH APPROVAL (Gulch) finished second to Old
Forester is his last start and is trained by the ever-dangerous Nick Zito. He
figures to attend the early running and could stick around for a piece under
Rafael Bejarano. B. A. WAY (Lasting Approval) is conditioned by Diane Perkins,
who has had remarkable success at this track in the past. The gray comes off the
shelf but is not totally out of it. SALFORD CITY (Ire) (Desert Sun [GB]) is
winless in three starts as the favorite since being imported. He is hard to
recommend against this group.