Now on deck at Keeneland is the Grade 3 Franklin County, a Grade 3 on the lawn going five and a half furlongs. A couple of scratches to note – Ruby Notion (12), who had been expected to start as one of the favorites, and also-eligible Brittney On Blades (12). Fellow also-eligible On Probable (15) is running, though it is quite difficult to make a case for her.

One thing that immediately jumped out to me in handicapping the race was the presence of numerous speedballs, including a pair, Girls Know Best (7) and Brielle’s Appeal (13), whose regular aim is to know down from the start. Their presence, as well as the other quick types, could set up a horse for success from just off the pace.

Chanteline (9), a mare comfortable racing from stalking role 2-4 lengths off the pace, seems poised to capitalize and is my selection. She won the Smart N Fancy at Saratoga on firm ground this summer with a flashy 104 Beyer, though she is also capable of wet ground, as she displayed with a second in the Caress to the now-scratched Ruby Notion.

Calfornia raider Belvoir Bay (3) can also strike from just off the pace, though having to ship across country seemingly puts her at a disadvantage vs. the top one, particularly off a layoff. She isvery talented– a mare that won three consecutive stakes going down the hill this spring at Santa Anita before shipping to Woodbine and running fifth in the Hillander against males.

Those looking for a value filly to toss in the mix should consider late-running Con Te Partiro (2). Though this race is much shorter than the races over which she has been running recently, this is a filly that was fast enough to break her maiden going 4 ½ furlongs at Keeneland on dirt in April 2016 and who won a turf stake at Saratoga as a juvenile that same year going 5 ½ furlongs.