Xpressbet writer Jeff Siegel offers his top plays for Friday.
Belmont at the Big A Race No. 1 (12:35 p.m. ET/9:35 a.m. PT)
#6 Inflationary (5-1)
Juvenile son of Into Mischief was purchased by a sharp outfit for $475,000 as a yearling and makes his debut from a cozy outside post in this one-turn mile affair with a series of workouts that should have him plenty fit. The Chad Brown-trained colt lands Flavien Prat, one of the barn’s “go-to” riders (30% and a strong ROI), so all indications are that this is a colt with plenty of ability and extremely live and well-meant first crack out of the box. At 5-1 on the morning line, he’s worth a gamble in the Win pool and in the various rolling exotics.
Keeneland Race No. 8 (4:44 p.m. ET/1:44 p.m. PT)
#12 Strobe (9-5)
Won at first asking on the Kentucky Derby program at Churchill Downs like a colt with immense talent, but makes his first start since after taking the summer off in this first-level allowance sprint that came up fairly competitive. The son of Into Mischief earned a stakes-quality speed figure in victory, so if he returns as well as he left, the Brad Cox-trained sophomore should be capable of handling this class hike in stride. We’ll make him a Win play and rolling exotic single and hope to get close to his morning line of 9-5.