Keeneland Barn Notes — April 2

By Amy Owens —-

MONDAY, APRIL 2

Keeneland’s 16-day Spring Meet opens Friday and runs through Friday, April 27, with racing Wednesdays through Sundays. Post time for the first race each day is 1:05 p.m. ET.
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Click here for the Toyota Blue Grass (G2) Weekend microsite dedicated to Keeneland’s April 6-8 opening weekend stakes. See biographies of the connections of horses expected to compete
in the 94th running of the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass on opening Saturday, April 7; history and statistics for the race; and charts and replays. Also includes history, statistics and charts for the $500,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1) on April 7, along with complete lists of nominees and past performances for the other stakes on opening weekend.

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Clickhere for a link to the lists of nominations and past performances
for Keeneland’s April 13-14 stakes.

• ARAWAK JOINS PROSPECTIVE FIELD FOR TOYOTA BLUE GRASS
• SEVEN FILLIES PROBABLE FOR CENTRAL BANK ASHLAND
• UNDEFEATED ANALYZE IT HEADS FIELD OF 12 FOR OPENING-DAY KENTUCKY UTILITIES TRANSYLVANIA
• PROSPECTIVE FIELDS FOR OPENING WEEKEND STAKES
• 2018 SPRING MEET SPECIAL EVENTS

ARAWAK JOINS PROSPECTIVE FIELD FOR TOYOTA BLUE GRASS

Jack Sisterson, assistant to trainer Doug O’Neill, said Monday morning that plans are to enter R3 Racing, Steven Keh and CTR Stables’ Arawak on Tuesday for Saturday’s 94th running of the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass (G2).

“It looks like we are going to enter both,” Sisterson said, referring to Arawak and Greg Hall and SAYJAY Racing’s Blended Citizen.

Blended Citizen and Arawak finished first and third, respectively, in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park on March 17. The two colts arrived at Keeneland on March 26 and worked 5 furlongs together here Saturday, with Blended Citizen being clocked in 1:01 and Arawak in 1:01.20.

Both colts returned to the track Monday morning, jogging over surface rated as “good” with exercise rider Jonny Garcia aboard each.

A full gate of 14 is expected for the Toyota Blue Grass, which carries 170 points toward the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) on a 100-40-20-10 basis for the first four finishers.

Other probables include California Night, Determinant, Flameaway, Free Drop Billy, Good Magic, Gotta Go, Heartfullofstars, Machismo, Quip, Sporting Chance, Tiz Mischief and Zing Zang. Kanthaka is considered as a possible starter.

On Monday morning at Oaklawn Park, Robert Baker and William Mack’s Sporting Chance worked a half-mile in :48.40 over a fast track for trainer D. Wayne Lukas, and Jackpot Farm’s Zing Zang covered a half-mile in :51.60 for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Lothenbach Stables’ Gotta Go is expected to work Tuesday morning at Keeneland for trainer Ian Wilkes with regular rider Chris Landeros slated to handle the work, according to Wilkes assistant Nicola Ward.

Loooch Racing Stable and Ashley Quartarolo’s Machismo arrived at Keeneland Sunday and is scheduled to go to the track Tuesday morning. Trainer Anthony Quartarolo is scheduled to be here Tuesday morning.

Agave Racing Stable, Bran Jam Stable, Little Red Feather Racing and David Clark’s Heartfullofstars worked 5 furlongs in 1:01 Sunday morning at Santa Anita for trainer Phil D’Amato. The colt is scheduled to ship to Keeneland on Wednesday.

Scheduled to arrive Monday at Keeneland from winter bases in Florida were e Five Racing Thoroughbreds and Stonestreet Stables’ Good Magic for trainer Chad Brown and John Oxley’s duo of Flameaway and Determinant, trained by Mark Casse.

Trainer Rodolphe Brisset reported that Quip came out of his 5-furlong breeze in 1:00.40 here Sunday fine and was scheduled to return to the track Tuesday. Quip is owned by China Horse Club International, WinStar Farm and SF Racing.

All Toyota Blue Grass entrants have to be on the grounds at Keeneland by noon ET Thursday.
The Post Position Draw for the Toyota Blue Grass and the $500,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1) will be held Tuesday, beginning at approximately 11:15 a.m. It will be streamed live on Facebook @keeneland.

SEVEN FILLIES PROBABLE FOR CENTRAL BANK ASHLAN
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The list of probable starters for Saturday’s $500,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1) has swelled to seven with Craig Upham’s Patrona Margarita and Magdalena Racing, Gainesway Stable and Harold Lerner’s Eskimo Kisses advancing from possible to probable status.

Trained by Bret Calhoun, Patrona Margarita arrived at Keeneland Sunday and jogged on the main track Monday morning. In her most recent outing, she was fourth in the Rachel Alexandra (G2) in her first start in five months. Patrona Margarita worked a half-mile in :48.20 at Fair Grounds Saturday prior to shipping north.

Trainer Kenny McPeek said he was planning on running Eskimo Kisses back in two weeks following that filly’s runner-up effort in the TwinSpires Fair Grounds Oaks (G2). With that second-place finish in New Orleans, Eskimo Kisses picked up 40 points toward the $1 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) and stands 10th on the Oaks leaderboard. The top 14 point earners to pass the entry box will make up the Oaks field May 4.

Other fillies expected to be entered Tuesday for the Central Bank Ashland that offers 170 points toward the Kentucky Oaks are Andina Del Sur, C. S. Incharge, Monomoy Girl, Mrs Rocco and Tyfosha.

The Post Position Draw for the Central Bank Ashland and $1 million Toyota Blue Grass (G2) will be held Tuesday, beginning at approximately 11:15 a.m. It will be streamed live on Facebook @keeneland.

UNDEFEATED ANALYZE IT HEADS FIELD OF 12 FOR OPENING-DAY KENTUCKY UTILITIES TRANSYLVANIA

William Lawrence’s undefeated Analyze It heads a field of 12 3-year-olds entered Monday for Friday’s 30th running of the $150,000 Kentucky Utilities Transylvania (G3) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

The Kentucky Utilities Transylvania serves as the featured event on Friday’s opening-day program of the 16-day Spring Meet that runs through April 27. Friday’s 10-race card begins at 1:05 p.m. ET with the Kentucky Utilities Transylvania scheduled as the ninth race with a 5:30 p.m. post time.

Trained by Chad Brown, Analyze It has not been tested in his two starts. He won his debut by 6¼ lengths in October at Belmont Park and took the Cecil B. DeMille (G3) at Del Mar in November by 4½ lengths as the 1-2 favorite.

Jose Ortiz has the call on Analyze It, who will break from post position 12.

Brown will be shooting for his second victory in the race. He took the 2015 running with Night Prowler.

Also eyeing a second victory in the race is trainer Todd Pletcher, who took the 2013 running with Jack Milton.

Pletcher will send out Treadway Racing Stable’s Maraud.

Winner of the Palm Beach (G3) at Gulfstream Park on March 3, Maraud has compiled a 5-3-0-2 record on turf. John Velazquez, who won this race on Jack Milton, has the call and will break from post position one.

The field for the Kentucky Utilities Transylvania, with riders and weights from the rail out, is: Maraud (Velazquez, 123 pounds), Tigers Rule (Joel Rosario, 120), Tap Daddy (Julien Leparoux, 118), Dragon Drew (James Graham, 118), Admiralty Pier (Luis Saez, 118), Determinant (Tyler Gaffalione, 118), Funny Duck (Brian Hernandez Jr., 118), Captivating Moon (Florent Geroux, 118), Golden Dragon (Jack Gilligan, 118), King Valero (Sergio Figueroa, 118), Beer Pressure (Robby Albarado, 118) and Analyze It (Ortiz, 123).

PROSPECTIVE FIELDS FOR OPENING WEEKEND STAKES

Here are the probable and possible starters for the other five graded stakes on the April 6-8 opening weekend of Keeneland’s 2018 Spring Meet, according to Keeneland Stakes Coordinator Tiffany Bourque.
Click here for a microsite dedicated to Keeneland’s April 6-8 opening weekend stakes, including a complete lists of nominees and past performances.

$300,000 MADISON (G1) (Entries taken Tuesday; race Saturday) – Probable: American Gal (Simon Callaghan), Finley’sluckycharm (Bret Calhoun), Impasse (D. Wayne Lukas), Lewis Bay (Chad Brown), Miss Sunset (Jeff Bonde), Ms Locust Point (John Servis), Tequilita (Michael Matz), Unchained Melody (Brian Lynch). Possible: Ami’s Mesa (Josie Carroll), Cuddle Alert (Reed Saldana), Mines and Magic (Vicki Oliver), Teresa Z (Anthony Margotta Jr.).

$250,000 COMMONWEALTH (G3) (Entries taken Tuesday; race Saturday) – Probable: Awesome Saturday (Bret Calhoun), Conquest Windycity (Mike Maker), Crewman (Dee Poulos), Eight Town (Brian Lynch), First Premio (Mark Casse), Limousine Liberal (Ben Colebrook), Shut the Box (Angel Montano), Warrior’s Club (D. Wayne Lukas).

$200,000 SHAKERTOWN (G2) (Entries taken Tuesday; race Saturday) – Probable: Bucchero (Tim Glyshaw), Disco Partner (Christophe Clement), Flashaway (Mark Casse), Kid Perfect (Angel Montano), Recruiting Ready (Horacio DePaz), Tombelaine (Catherine Day Phillips), Will Call (Brad Cox).

$200,000 APPALACHIAN (G2) PRESENTED BY JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION (Entries taken Thursday; race Sunday) – Probable: Beach Waltz (Mike Maker), Cash Out (Rusty Arnold), Daddy Is a Legend (Brian Lynch), Dixie Moon (Catherine Day Phillips), Heavenly Love (Mark Casse), Lounge Act (Brad Cox), Rushing Fall (Chad Brown), Thewayiam (FR) (Graham Motion), Treasuring (GB) (Simon Callaghan).

$150,000 BEAUMONT (G3) PRESENTED BY KEENELAND SELECT (Entries taken Thursday; race Sunday) – Probable: Almond Roca (Graham Motion), Criminal Mischief (D. Wayne Lukas), Dream It Is (Barbara Minshall), Gas Station Sushi (Richard Baltas), Good Move (Brad Cox), In the Mood (Stephen Sandy), Summer Sunday (Stuart Simon), Uppercut (Peter Eurton).

2018 SPRING MEET SPECIAL EVENTS

Through the summer, The Keeneland Library is paying tribute to Pierre Bellocq, the internationally celebrated artist better known as “Peb,” with the exhibit “Artistry of Peb: Fifty Years of Features” and a virtual exhibit on Keeneland.com titled “The Artistry of Peb.” “Artistry of Peb” showcases 18 of Bellocq’s features from The Morning Telegraph and Daily Racing Form spanning the mid-1950s to the mid-2000s. This work solidified Peb’s renown as an artistic commentator of the Thoroughbred racing industry. The Keeneland Library is free and open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Official Keeneland Tours – Keeneland offers a selection of guided tours, including Behind-the-Scenes Racing Tours and a Backstretch Tour and Day at the Races, throughout the year. On Saturdays during Sunrise Trackside, free guided tours begin every 20 minutes from the Paddock and Walking Ring from 7:30-10 a.m.
Wednesday, April 4
Taste of the Races. The Keeneland Shop presents a spring shopping preview in celebration of the Spring Meet from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Event features hors d’oeuvres prepared by Executive Chef Marc Therrien and craft cocktails from Maker’s Mark and Gents Original. The first 250 attendees will receive their complimentary cocktail in a Keeneland Catstudio glass as a gift. Attendees will receive an exclusive 20% discount on all in-store purchases at The Keeneland Shop. Some exclusions may apply.
Thursday, April 5
Taste of the Races. The Keeneland Shop presents a spring shopping preview in celebration of the Spring Meet from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Attendees will receive an exclusive 20% discount on all in-store purchases at The Keeneland Shop. Some exclusions may apply.
 
Friday, April 6 – Opening Day
The Keeneland Shop’s Milliners Corner presents Christine A. Moore Millinery and Forme Millinery adjacent to the Walking Ring.

College Scholarship Day. College Scholarship Day, which Keeneland holds with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, will give away a record $30,000 thanks to two $10,000 Runhappy Scholarships in addition to ten $1,000 scholarships awarded after each race. Click here to pre-register online by 5 p.m. April 5 to pass the line and enter to win an outdoor box for use April 6. Full-time college students receive free general admission April 6 and can register at the College Zone in the North Terrace, which will have music, free snacks and prize drawings.
Tailgating on The Hill. Keeneland’s popular tailgate lot, located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center, features local food trucks, a jumbo television screen, wireless wagering and wagering terminals, race-day programs, The Keeneland Shop kiosk and free shuttles to the track. BETologists will be available to answer fans’ questions.
Friday Pick 4 Presented by TVG. A $200,000-guaranteed pool will be offered on the final four races of the day, including the Kentucky Utilities Transylvania (G3).

Saturday, April 7
Sunrise Trackside Racehorses and the people who work with them begin the day well before sunrise. See what they’re up to Saturday mornings during Sunrise Trackside, a free family-friendly event. Breakfast With the Works features breakfast for purchase and trackside commentary (7-8:30 a.m.) while horses train on the main track, and is accompanied by children’s activities in the Kids Club Corner (7-9 a.m.); guided walking tours (7:30-10 a.m.); equine Paddock demonstration (9 a.m.) with Asbury University; and a Q&A session with a jockey in the Paddock (12:05 p.m.).

The Keeneland Shop’s Milliners Corner presents Christine A. Moore Millinery and Forme Millinery adjacent to the Walking Ring.

Tailgating on The Hill. Keeneland’s popular tailgate lot, located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center, features local food trucks, a jumbo television screen, wireless wagering and wagering terminals, race-day programs, The Keeneland Shop kiosk and free shuttles to the track. One of Central Kentucky’s favorite bluegrass bands will perform from 12-4 p.m. BETologists will be available to answer fans’ questions.

$400,000 All-Stakes Pick 4 Presented by TVG. Features races 7-10: Shakertown (G2), Madison (G1), Central Bank Ashland (G1) and Toyota Blue Grass (G2).
$300,000 All-Stakes Pick 5 Presented by TVG. Features races 6-10: Commonwealth (G3), Shakertown, Madison, Central Bank Ashland and Toyota Blue Grass.
Sunday, April 8
The Keeneland Shop’s Milliners Corner presents Christine A. Moore Millinery and Forme Millinery adjacent to the Walking Ring.

Jockey Autograph Signing. Racing fans can meet jockeys currently competing at Keeneland as well as retired jockeys – from Hall of Famers to history makers and Keeneland favorites – and participate in an autograph signing to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Retired jockeys scheduled to take part in the event include James Bruin, PJ Cooksey, Jean Cruguet, Tony D’Amico, Pat Day, Rafael Estrella, Carl Faulconer, Sandy Hawley, Michael Heath, Mike Manganello, Chris McCarron, Larry Melancon, John Oldham, Suzie Picou Oldham, Joe Steiner and Kaoru Tsuchiya.