Keeneland Barn Notes — Thursday, Oct. 20

By Amy Owens —-

THURSDAY, OCT. 20

Keeneland’s 17-day Fall Meet runs through Saturday, Oct. 29.
Post time for the first race each day is 1 p.m. ET. No racing Mondays and Tuesdays.

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BREEDERS’ CUP 2-YEAR-OLDS OUT IN FORCE FOR PLETCHER
BREEDERS’ CUP HOPEFULS SLAMMED, MANNY WAH, ANDTHEWINNERIS RETURN TO WORK TAB
COASTANA, TEMPLE CITY TERROR HEADLINE SUNDAY’S ROOD & RIDDLE DOWAGER
UPCOMING STAKES PROBABLES
WEEK 3 SPECIAL EVENTS
FALL MEET LEADERS
WORKOUT VIDEOS POSTED ON KEENELAND’S PHOTOSHELTER FOR EDITORIAL USE

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BREEDERS’ CUP 2-YEAR-OLDS OUT IN FORCE FOR PLETCHER

Trainer Todd Pletcher’s juveniles taking aim on the Nov. 4 Future Stars Friday races during the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland worked here Thursday on a fast track.

Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable’s Forte and Harrell Ventures’ Lost Ark, the respective winner and sixth-place finisher in the Oct. 8 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland, breezed a half-mile together in :49.20 immediately after the track’s second renovation break at 9 a.m. Both are candidates for the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).

Keeneland clockers caught the two in fractions of :13.40, :25, :49.20 and out in 1:02, 1:15.80 and 1:30.20. (Click here for a video of the work.)

“That was a pretty standard breeze from them,” Pletcher said. “They’re both solid work horses and are always willing. We were just hoping to see more of what they normally do.”

Pletcher was happy with the colts’ performances in the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity.

“We felt like (Forte) handled the added distance (of 1 1/16 miles) and the two turns; he certainly looked like he relished it,” Pletcher said. “Lost Ark had a rough trip into the first turn and that kind of took him completely out of position. He finished up with some interest so that was encouraging.”

In addition, Frizette (G1) winner Chocolate Gelato and restricted stakes winner Atomically worked in tandem for Pletcher following the first renovation at 7:30 a.m. The prospects for the $2 million NetJets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) clocked the half-mile in :49.

Fractions for the pair, according to Keeneland clockers, were :13.20, :25.20, :49 and out in 1:01.80, 1:15.20 and 1:30.

“I thought it was perfect,” Pletcher said. “Went off nicely, finished up well, good strong gallop out. Both got over the track (as if) they like it. It was a well-executed breeze.”

Repole Stables races Chocolate Gelato, and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners owns Atomically.

On Friday morning, Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) contenders Malathaat and Nest as well as Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) or Big Ass Fans Dirt Mile (G1) hopeful Life Is Good are expected to breeze for Pletcher.

Malathaat, last season’s champion 3-year-old filly, won Keeneland’s Juddmonte Spinster (G1) on Oct. 9 for Shadwell Stables. Nest, owned by Repole Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Michael House, is exiting a victory in the Beldame (G2) on Oct. 9.

Life Is Good, winner of last year’s Dirt Mile, won the Woodward (G1) in his most recent start on Oct 1. He races for CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm.

BREEDERS’ CUP HOPEFULS SLAMMED, MANNY WAH,
ANDTHEWINNERIS RETURN TO WORK TAB

Brad King, Suzanne Kirby and Barbara Coleman’s Slammed returned to the work tab Thursday morning with a :36.80 clocking for 3 furlongs under jockey Florent Geroux.

“That was a good way to start the day. She was very happy out there,” said Geroux, who was aboard Slammed when she won the Thoroughbred Club of America (G2) on Oct. 8 to earn a spot in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) here on Nov. 5.

Geroux, who has tallied four of his seven Breeders’ Cup victories at Keeneland with two each coming in 2015 and 2020, is looking at mounts in five or six races. The other marquee names are Cyberknife in the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) and Society in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).

Slammed is trained by Todd Fincher, who is expected to be on hand next week for the final works for Slammed and Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile candidate Senor Buscador.

Fincher also trains Sheriff Brown, who worked 3 furlongs in :37.40 with Geroux aboard this morning. Sheriff Brown is being pointed to the 15th running of the $350,000 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G2) to be run at 1 5/8 miles here on Nov. 4.

Also on Friday, two Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” victors owned by Susan Moulton and trained by Wayne Catalano – Manny Wah and Andthewinneris – returned to the work tab following their victories during Fall Stars Weekend.

Manny Wah, winner of the Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2) on Oct. 7, worked a half-mile in :47.40 for the second-fastest move of 26 at the distance. Manny Wah is headed for the $2 million Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), a race in which he finished fifth in here in 2020.

Manny Wah could give Catalano back-to-back Breeders’ Cup Sprint victories following a win by Aloha West at Del Mar last year. Three trainers have won that race in consecutive years.

Shortly after Manny Wah, Castle & Key Bourbon (G2) winner Andthewinneris worked a half-mile in :48.60 with splits of :12.40 and :24.40. Andthewinneris is a candidate for the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) that will close Future Stars Friday on Nov. 4.

COASTANA, TEMPLE CITY TERROR HEADLINE
SUNDAY’S ROOD & RIDDLE DOWAGER

Belladonna Racing’s Coastana and Pocket Aces Racing and Somewhere Stable Kentucky’s Temple City Terror, who have been facing the likes of standout grass marathoner War Like Goddess, head a field of 11 fillies and mares entered Thursday for Sunday’s 31st running of the $300,000 Rood & Riddle Dowager (G3) going 1½ miles on the turf.

The Rood & Riddle Dowager will go as the seventh race Sunday afternoon with a 4:12 p.m. post time. First post for the nine-race program is 1 p.m.

Trained by Cherie DeVaux, Coastana finished third just behind winner Virginia Joy (GER) and War Like Goddess in the Flower Bowl (G2) at Saratoga in September and in her most recent start was third in the Waya (G3) over yielding turf at the Belmont at the Big A meet. Adam Beschizza has the mount Sunday and will break from post one.

Trained by Brendan Walsh, Temple City Terror exits a fourth-place finish in the Flower Bowl in which she finished a little more than a length behind War Like Goddess. Prior to that, she had a runner-up finish by the same margin to winner War Like Goddess in the Glens Falls (G2).

Tyler Gaffalione has the mount on Temple City Terror and will break from post position five.

The field for the Rood & Riddle Dowager, from the rail out with riders and weights, is: Coastana (Beschizza, 121 pounds), Luck Money (Vincent Cheminaud, 121), Core Values (Rafael Bejarano, 121), Flying Fortress (Julien Leparoux, 121), Temple City Terror (Gaffalione, 121), Sister Otoole (Luis Saez, 121), Beside Herself (Flavien Prat, 118), Stand Tall (Florent Geroux, 121), Queen Bourbon (Brian Hernandez Jr., 121), Go Big Blue Nation (John Velazquez, 121) and Mia Martina (Joel Rosario, 121).

UPCOMING STAKES PROBABLES

$300,000 Rubicon Valley View (G3), 3-year-old fillies, 1 1/16 miles on the turf (Entries taken Sunday; race Friday, Oct. 28) – California Angel (George Leonard III), Dolce Zel (FR) (Chad Brown). Possible: Diamond Wow (Patrick Biancone).

$200,000 Myrtlewood, 2-year-old fillies, 6 furlongs (Entries taken Sunday; race Friday, Oct. 28) – Lady Radler (Michael Campbell), Satin Doll (Doug O’Neill), Somebody’s Problem (Greg Foley), Take Charge Briana (D. Wayne Lukas).

$350,000 Hagyard Fayette (G2), 3-year-olds and up, 1 1/8 miles (Entries taken Wednesday, Oct. 26; race Saturday, Oct. 29) – Ain’t Life Grand (Kelly Von Hemel), First Captain (Shug McGaughey), Last Samurai (D. Wayne Lukas). Possible: West Will Power (Brad Cox).

$300,000 Bryan Station (G3), 3-year-olds, 1 mile on the turf (Entries taken Wednesday, Oct. 26; race Saturday, Oct. 29) – Churchtown (Roger Attfield), Dakota Gold (Danny Gargan), Fort Washington (Shug McGaughey), Speaking Scout (Graham Motion).

$200,000 Bowman Mill, 2-year-olds, 6 furlongs (Entries taken Wednesday, Oct. 26; race Saturday, Oct. 29) – Bourbon Bash (D. Wayne Lukas), Damon’s Mound (Michelle Lovell), Havnameltdown (Bob Baffert), Quick Hammer (Brad Cox). Possible: Sir Lancelot (Mike Stidham).

WEEK 3 SPECIAL EVENTS

Year-round

Official Keeneland Tours. Visit keeneland.com/tours for availability and to purchase. New: Road to the Breeders’ Cup Tour and Breeders’ Cup Experience Tour.

Now through December

Keeneland Library Exhibit “Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland.” Enjoy photographs from the memorable 2015 and 2020 runnings of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland along with artifacts from Breeders’ Cup Ltd. and mementos of fan favorites American Pharoah and Zenyatta. The Library is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Every Friday and Saturday

The Hill. No ticket or reservation is required for Keeneland’s popular free tailgating area, which is open Fridays and Saturdays and offers a unique way to experience the races. Fans on The Hill can participate in the racing action via a jumbo TV and wagering, while food trucks and live music presented by The Burl create a festive atmosphere. Those who wish to elevate their tailgating experience can book a premium package that includes tent, tables, amenities, reserved area for the day and more with REVELxp, the official tent partner for organized tailgates. Visit Keeneland.com/tailgating for details.

Friday, Oct. 21

Jockey Autograph Signing. Fans will meet active and retired Keeneland riders and Hall of Famers in an event that benefits the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Scheduled to attend are Gary Birzer, Steve Cauthen, Tony D’Amico, Carl Faulconer, Kaoru Tsuchiya Hawley, Sandy Hawley, Mike Manganello, Chris McCarron, Johnny Oldham, Suzie Picou Oldham, Shane Sellers and Charlie Woods. Signing takes place near the Walking Ring from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 22

Sunrise Trackside. This free morning program is geared toward families and offers a unique view of Thoroughbreds during training hours. Children’s activities from 8-10 a.m. include a meet and greet with Keeneland’s mascot, Buckles, along with face painting, games and more. Fans can enjoy coffee and donuts at The Starting Gate concessions while watching horses train. Mini tours are available at the Welcome Stand near the Paddock. A 30-minute Paddock demonstration with cartoonist Remi Bellocq along with a horse for patrons to pet begins at 8:30 a.m. Sunrise Trackside is open to the public and does not require a ticket to attend.

Sunday, Oct. 23

Heroes Day Presented by Rubicon. Heroes Day honors members of the military (active duty and veterans) and first responders (law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs and health care workers) and their families with free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seats. The Family Zone will offer free lunch provided by City BBQ and children’s activities for those families in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Keeneland will showcase a POW-MIA Chair of Honor to bring awareness to past and current POW-MIA military members through a partnership with The Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter 5. Heroes Day also will feature a flag unfurling on the main track between races, and local heroes will be recognized in the Winner’s Circle throughout the afternoon.

Access Fall Meet assets through the following path: Invited Galleries / Media Gallery / 2022 / 2022 Fall Race Meet

NEW: Videos of horses working at Keeneland are posted in the 2022 Fall Race Meet folder.

Path: Invited Galleries / Media Gallery / 2022 / 2022 Fall Race Meet / Videos Fall 2022 / Workouts Fall 2022

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Champion Midnight Bisou in Foal to Tapit Supplemented to Book 1
of Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale

LEXINGTON, KY (Oct. 20, 2022) – Keeneland has announced that champion and $7.4 million earner Midnight Bisou, a 7-year-old daughter of Midnight Lute who is in foal to Tapit, has been supplemented to Book 1 of the 79th November Breeding Stock Sale on Nov. 7. Midnight Bisou is consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa.

Midnight Bisou won the $1 million Cotillion (G1) and Santa Anita Oaks (G1) in addition to three other graded stakes at 3. She was named the champion older dirt female at 4 in 2019 following a dominating campaign that produced seven wins in eight races. Among her seven graded stakes wins that year were victories in the Personal Ensign (G1) at Saratoga, Ogden Phipps (G1) at Belmont and Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) at Oaklawn.

Midnight Bisou returned in early 2020 to finish second in the $20 million Saudi Cup against males and win the Fleur de Lis (G2) at Churchill Downs.

Winner of 13 races – all stakes – in 22 starts over four seasons, Midnight Bisou earned $7,451,520 during her illustrious racing career.

“It’s impossible to describe what she’s meant to me, my family and my partners,” Jeff Bloom of co-owner Bloom Racing Stable said. “She took us on an incredible journey and created so many amazing experiences for us across the globe. All those memories I will treasure the rest of my life.

“She effortlessly transitioned to life as a broodmare with the same elegance, class and intelligence that she displayed as a racehorse.”

Out of Grade 3 winner Diva Delite, by Repent, Midnight Bisou is a half-sister to recent Champagne (G1) runner-up and FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) candidate Verifying.

“Midnight Bisou represents the very best of Thoroughbred racing,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “She is a world-class racehorse from an active, talented family who is in foal to one of the industry’s premier stallions. Keeneland is delighted to offer her during Book 1 of our November Breeding Stock Sale.”

Diva Delight, who is in foal to Gun Runner, also is cataloged to Book 1. Out of the winning Tour d’Or mare Tour Hostess, she is consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, agent.

Book 1 starts Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. ET. Keeneland will accept supplements to Book 1 until the auction begins.

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Since its first race meet more than 85 years ago, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. The world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, Keeneland conducts four sales a year, in January, April, September and November. Graduates of Keeneland sales dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. Keeneland hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2015 and 2020 and is holding the event again on Nov. 4-5, 2022. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a privately held company with a not-for-profit mission that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses and millions of dollars donated in support of horse industry initiatives and charitable contributions for education, research, and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. Keeneland also maintains the Keeneland Library, a world-renowned public research institution with the mission of preserving information about the Thoroughbred industry. To learn more, visit Keeneland.com.

For more information contact Amy Gregory at 859 361-3490 or Amy Owens at 859 421-2566