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By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman An intriguing Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier is taking place at Remington Park this Friday. The $300,000 Remington Springboard Mile S. has drawn nine entries, and I believe there's an opportunity to cash nice payoffs in exotic wagers. For starters, I'm confident #8 Otto the ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman No trainer has enjoyed more success in the $200,000 Starlet (G2) than Bob Baffert. The Hall of Fame conditioner has won the Starlet a record nine times, including the last six editions in a row. Three of Baffert's last six winners exited victories in the Desi Arnaz S., a ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman After spending the vast majority of its history as a Grade 1 race, the $500,000 Cigar Mile H. (G2) at Aqueduct has been reduced to Grade 2 status for its 2023 renewal. The change is already having an impact. Saturday's running of the one-mile contest has drawn a lighter field than ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman From 2010 through 2022, the historic Clark Stakes at Churchill Downs carried Grade 1 status, and the roster of winners included future Horses of the Year Wise Dan (2011) and Gun Runner (2016) plus Preakness (G1) winner Shackleford (2012) and Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) runners-up ...