Xpressbet writer Jeff Siegel offers his top plays for Friday.
Keeneland Race No. 5 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT)
#7 Samburu (6-1)
Makes his U.S. debut in a second-level allowance middle-distance turf event after displaying promise in England, where he won three of five starts while earning strong Timeform ratings. A first-time Lasix user for trainer Bill Mott (excellent stats with shippers and layoff runners), the son of Kingman likes to settle early and produce a late kick. If he fires his best shot, this talented sophomore could produce a mild surprise at 6-1 on the morning line.
Keeneland Race No. 7 (4:12 p.m. ET/1:12 p.m. PT)
#3 Victory Formation (4-1)
Smoked a quarter mile in :21 2/5 seconds at the Timonium Sale in May before bringing $340,000 through the ring, and a bullet gate drill at Ellis Park (5f, 1:00 2/5 hg) in late September reaffirmed the belief that this is a colt of some ability. The Brad Cox-trained son of Tapwrit attracts one of the stable’s “go-to” riders (Luis Saez), so in an open juvenile sprint we’re expecting a major performance first crack out of the box. At 4-1 on the morning line, this promising youngster offers value in the Win pool and in the various rolling exotics.