Keeneland Track update for April 15

We are halfway through spring at Keeneland — seven race days behind us, with eight more still ahead. As we head into the last two weeks of the meet, let's check in with the shining stars!

Jockeys

Luis Saez has never won a Keeneland riding title, but he's on his way to changing that this year. After the first two weeks, Saez leads with 14 wins, finishing in the top three 31 times from 46 starts. Along with ranking first in starts, he tops all jockeys (minimum five starts) with a 30% win and 67% in-the-money rate.

Saez does equally well going short or long, though he is doing noticeably better on dirt (11-for-31, 25%) than grass (three-for15, 20%).

On grass, Tyler Gaffalione (five-for-14, 36%) and Joel Rosario (five-for-16, 31%) have turned heads. Rosario has also been excellent in stakes races so far, winning an astonishing six-of-10 attempts.

Despite Gaffalione winning both riding titles at Keeneland last year (and three Keeneland riding titles so far), the public is sleeping on him. Five of his eight wins have not been favored, and Gaffalione's average win payoff is an appealing $13.70.

Trainers

Though Wesley Ward has been getting a lot of ink — as usual, for Keeneland in April — he is in a tight training race. His seven wins (seven-for-22, 32%) tie him for the training lead with Brad Cox (seven-for-21, 33%) and Todd Pletcher.

Pletcher has placed his horses with laser accuracy: his seven wins have come in just 12 starts, for a 58% win rate, and 10 of his 12 runners have finished in the money.

Ben Colebrook has also had a very strong Keeneland meet so far. His five wins put him fourth, and he has only needed 11 starts, posting a 45% win rate. Colebrook has been particularly sharp in sprints, four-for-seven.

At a glance

For more information about the latest trends during the Keeneland meet, read the latest Brisnet At a Glance report!