Keeneland Barn Notes — Wednesday, Oct. 23

By Amy Owens —-

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23

WITH STAKES RECORD SECURE, TEAM COX HEADS
TOWARD FIFTH CONSECUTIVE FALL MEET TITLE

On Sunday, Brad Cox set a Keeneland record for most stakes victories by a trainer in a single meet when he sent out Chop Chop to win the Rood & Riddle Dowager (G3). The victory marked the fifth stakes win this season for Cox, who surpassed the previous record of four shared by six trainers: D. Wayne Lukas, Mark Casse, Graham Motion, Ben Jones, Todd Pletcher and Chad Brown.

“I didn’t realize until afterwards that we set a record until someone told me,” Blake Cox, assistant to his father, said. “It’s obviously a nice accomplishment especially at a prestigious race track. Hopefully we can add to it this weekend.”

Cox also won the Juddmonte Spinster (G1) with champion Idiomatic, the Darley Alcibiades (G1) with Immersive, the Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2) with Federal Judge and the Lexus Raven Run (G2) with Emery.

Meanwhile, Cox has 11 wins prior to the start of racing Wednesday to lead the trainer standings in his bid for his fifth consecutive title as the Fall Meet’s leading trainer. He has 10 remaining entrants with runners in three races today, one race Thursday, four races Friday and two races Saturday. On Saturday’s closing day, he could add to his record stakes wins record when he sends out Hit Show in the Hagyard Fayette (G2) and Mitty’s Griddy in the Bowman Mill.

(Cox has two more wins than Rodolphe Brisset, who sends out his final starter Saturday, and four more victories than Brendan Walsh, who has runners in two races Wednesday, three races Thursday, three races Friday and one race Saturday.)

The Cox strategy includes performing well at Keeneland.

“We point for this meet every year and we always have a very good Keeneland Fall Meet,” Blake Cox said. “When we are able to give horses time off before this meet, they are fresher and it is easier to win with fresh horses.”

GAFFALIONE, COX, GODOLPHIN TOP STANDINGS
FOR LEADING HORSEMEN AS FALL MEET NEARS FINISH

With four days remaining in Keeneland’s 17-day Fall Meet, jockey Tyler Gaffalione, trainer Brad Cox and owner Godolphin lead their respective categories.

Gaffalione has 20 victories, including four stakes wins: the Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) on Carl Spackler (IRE), the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) on East Avenue, the Lexus Raven Run (G2) on Emery and the Sycamore (G3) on Highway Robber.

He is bidding for his fifth Fall Meet title and eighth title overall.

Gaffalione begins today’s 14th day of the season with five more wins than Luis Saez in second. He is named on horses in seven races today, seven races Thursday, eight races Friday and nine races Saturday.

Saez is named on horses in seven races both today and tomorrow and 10 races Friday and Saturday.

Jose Ortiz begins today with 13 wins. He is named on horses in eight races today, five Thursday, seven Friday and nine Saturday.

On the verge of his fifth consecutive Fall Meet title and sixth title overall, Cox has 11 victories including a Keeneland meet record five stakes.

He has runners in three races today, one race Thursday, four races Friday and two races Saturday.

Cox has two more wins than Rodolphe Brisset, who sends out his final starter Saturday, and four more than Brendan Walsh, who has runners in two races Wednesday, three Thursday, three Friday and one Saturday.

Godolphin, which has four wins to lead owners, is aiming for its third Fall Meet title in the past four years and its sixth fifth title overall.

Godolphin’s victories include the aforementioned Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity and the Darley Alcibiades. For the remainder of the Fall Meet, Godolphin has one entrant Thursday and one Friday.

GALLOPING OUT

Final Furlong Farm and Madaket Stables’ Honor D Lady, expected to make her next start in the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Del Mar, worked 5 furlongs in :59.40 over a fast track here this morning. Fifth in the Oct. 6 Juddmonte Spinster (G1), she is trained by Saffie Joseph Jr.

FINAL WEEKEND SPECIAL EVENTS

Throughout the Fall Meet, special events and activities will continue Keeneland’s historic mission to support the Central Kentucky community and the Thoroughbred industry. They include:

Year-round

Official Keeneland Tours: Click here for description, availability and to purchase tickets.

Wednesday, Oct. 23

WINS-Day Challenge Presented by Malone’s. This is an inexpensive way for beginner handicappers to give contests a try. Enter for $10 at Wagering Central on the first floor Grandstand and place a mythical $2 win and place wager – no actual money required – on the final six Keeneland races of the day. First 200 participants will receive a free Daily Racing Form and an appetizer card from Malone’s.

Friday and Saturday

The Hill. No ticket or reservation is required for tailgating on The Hill, located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center and accessible via Gate 1 (at Man o’ War Blvd.) or Gate 4 (off Van Meter Road on the east side of Keeneland). Fans can watch the racing action via a jumbo TV and place their bets in a wagering tent while they enjoy live music presented by The Burl, food trucks and handicapping assistance from BETologists. Complimentary shuttles to the track are offered.

The Hill is open from 8 a.m. to 60 minutes after the final race. Amenities are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For fans who want to elevate their experience, Keeneland again is partnering with RevelXP to offer tailgate packages for groups of any size. RevelXP will organize tailgates by furnishing a designated tent, catering, amenities and more. Click here for more details.

Saturday, Oct. 26

Halloween Edition of Sunrise Trackside. No ticket is required to attend this free Saturday morning program from 8-10 a.m., which is geared toward families and offers a unique view of Thoroughbreds during training hours. Fans can enjoy a light breakfast for purchase at the Starting Gate concession stand while watching racehorses train. Children’s activities on the first floor Grandstand will include a visit with Keeneland mascot Buckles, face painting and games. Mini tours will be available at the Tours podium near the Paddock. From 8:30 to 9 a.m., fans can pet a horse in the Walking Ring, and the John Deere Tractor Break will take place during the renovation period on the main track with a drawing for prizes from John Deere/Meade Tractor.

This Saturday’s special edition of Sunrise Trackside will include a Halloween costume contest and an appearance by the Headless Horseman at 10 a.m.

Teacher Appreciation Day. Teachers, educators and staff along with one quest each will receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating. Upon having their ticket scanned, this group will be automatically entered to win one of five giveaways to be drawn at 4 p.m. Through a partnership with Coca-Cola and UPS, educators are invited to visit a tent near the Paddock to sign up for giveaways and receive a complimentary voucher for a Coca-Cola beverage. The Keeneland Shop will offer a 15% discount to any active educator with a valid ID. Click here for more information and to reserve complimentary tickets.