KEENELAND Barn Notes — Wednesday, Oct. 1

By Amy Owens —-

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 1

DARLEY ALCIBIADES RESULT COULD PROLONG
FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR AT PERCY’S BAR

On Friday, the place known as Percy’s Bar on Keeneland’s second floor mezzanine could be the happening place around 5:30 p.m. depending on the outcome of the $650,000 Darley Alcibiades (G1).

Should Hat Creek Racing’s Percy’s Bar win the Darley Alcibiades, happy hour might be extended.

“Win, lose or draw, it is a good place to drown your sorrows or celebrate,” said Ben Colebrook, who trains Percy’s Bar. She is one of the leading players coming into the Darley Alcibiades, a “Win and You’re In” race for the NetJets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Del Mar on Oct. 31. “I’ve got one in the last race so ‘Percy’s’ may be shut down for the day.”

So far, Percy’s Bar has given Colebrook plenty to celebrate with daylight victories in her debut here in April and in the Debutante (L) at Churchill Downs in June. She comes into the Darley Alcibiades off a runner-up finish to Friday rival Tommy Jo in the Spinaway (G1) at Saratoga on Aug. 30.

“She didn’t have the best of trips in the Spinaway,” Colebrook said of the 7-furlong test. “She got shuffled back and was boxed in, and her race is better than it looks on paper. She was the second- best filly that day.”

Luan Machado, who has been aboard Percy’s Bar for all her races, has the call Friday and will exit post 1.

HOWARD WOLOWITZ COULD ADD TO D’ANGELO’S BREEDERS’ CUP ARSENAL IN SATURDAY’S COOLMORE TURF MILE

A lot can happen in the racing game in five years. Trainer Jose D’Angelo is proof of that.

In 2020, D’Angelo had been in the country one year and had 17 horses in his stable. One of those happened to be Jesus’ Team, who would be D’Angelo’s first runner at Keeneland.

Jesus’ Team did well, running second at 62-1 odds to Knicks Go in the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1).

“He put me on the map; everything started with him,” D’Angelo said of Jesus’ Team, who also ran second in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) and third in the Preakness (G1) and the Jim Dandy (G2). “He made all the big dances and always ran big. He showed up every time.”

Fast forward to this week at Keeneland, where D’Angelo has two Breeders’ Cup hopefuls in his barn and “after Saturday, hopefully three,” he said.

Gold Square’s Howard Wolowitz will take on a strong field when he goes postward in the $1.25 million Coolmore Turf Mile (G1). Emisael Jaramillo will be aboard for the fourth time in the colt’s career.

“He looks like a horse that wants to stretch out,” D’Angelo said of Howard Wolowitz, who came off a six-month layoff to run second in the Mint Kentucky Turf Sprint (G2) at Kentucky Downs on Aug. 30.

The Coolmore Turf Mile will mark the two-turn debut for Howard Wolowitz. The race is a “Win and You’re In” challenge race for the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) and a chance to earn a return trip to Del Mar, where Howard Wolowitz finished ninth in last year’s Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1).

D’Angelo’s other Breeders’ Cup hopefuls are Leon King Stable Corp.’s Bentornato, runner-up in last year’s Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), and Morplay Racing and Qatar Racing’s Shisospicy, winner of the FanDuel Limestone (L) here in the spring and most recently the AGS Music City (G2) at Kentucky Downs.

“They will both work here this weekend,” D’Angelo said. “The plan now is for their final works here the 24th or 25th and then go to Del Mar on the 27th.”

BOTTI TARGETS TRANSATLANTIC GLORY
STARTING WITH GREAT GENERATION (IRE) IN SATURDAY’S FIRST LADY

Information provided by Great British Racing International

Leading European trainer Marco Botti, who is based at Newmarket in England, has a busy weekend ahead. At Keeneland on Saturday, his multiple Group 3 winner Great Generation (IRE) lines up in the $800,000 First Lady (G1) in her North American debut to become his first starter at the track. On Sunday, Botti’s Group 1 winner Giavellotto is to run in the prestigious Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) at Longchamp in Paris, France.

Botti spoke to Great British Racing International (GBRI) about Great Generation.

“She’s been training very well at home,” Botti said. “She traveled on Wednesday and is settling fine. The race looks strong — as you would expect for a Grade 1 — and it is the first time she will run over the mile, but with two bends we hope she will go well. She has a good turn of foot and likes fast ground, so we are hopeful.

“Those international races are very important for us and for the owners as it gives them the opportunity to travel with their horses, and we have been fairly successful,” Botti added. “Our owners are usually keen to take those opportunities, and so we are always looking for the right horses to go abroad.”

Great Generation, a 4-year-old filly by the Danehill stallion Holy Roman Emperor, was purchased privately by prominent South African owner-breeder Mrs. Gaynor Rupert in December 2024. Rupert, who owns leading South African farm Drakenstein Stud, also has set up a breeding farm in Britain at Cayton Park Stud.

Lucie Botti, an integral part of her husband’s training operation, is with the filly at Keeneland.

“She settled in beautifully here at Keeneland and has shown her usual professionalism in everything we have asked of her,” Lucie Botti said. “Over the years we’ve been fortunate to enjoy success in the U.S with Grade 1 wins and several consistent black-type performances. To bring a filly of her quality here is very exciting.”

Julien Leparoux will ride Great Generation in the First Lady, starting from post 11 in the field of 12.

BRACKET BUSTER BACK AT KEENELAND AFTER OKLAHOMA DERBY SCORE

BBN Racing’s Bracket Buster returned to Keeneland Monday afternoon following his 3¼-length victory Sunday evening in the Oklahoma Derby (G3) at Remington Park.

Sunday’s triumph was the first graded stakes victory for Bracket Buster, who was runner-up here this spring in the Stonestreet Lexington (G3) and then second to Sovereignty in the DraftKings Travers (G1).

Trainer Vicki Oliver said the closing-day $350,000 Hagyard Fayette (G3) “is a possibility. He’ll either run there or get a break. We’ll see how he is.”

GALLOPING OUT

Sam Sangster’s Diego Velazquez (IRE), who looms as one of the favorites for Saturday’s $1.25 million Coolmore Turf Mile (G1), arrived at Keeneland Tuesday afternoon after clearing quarantine at Churchill Downs. He was on the main track here Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., galloping once around. …

Resolute Racing’s Woodshauna (FR), one of two 3-year-olds in the Coolmore Turf Mile, got a feel for the turf course Wednesday morning with a strong gallop.

OPENING 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.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (weather permitting)

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 Keeneland 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 for those with track admission tickets.

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 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. 4

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 Stakes Winner’s Circle (formerly 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.

On Oct. 25, a special Halloween edition of Sunrise Trackside will include an appearance by the Headless Horseman in the Paddock.

Check out these additional events

Milliners Corner near The Keeneland Shop (by Grandstand South entrance) will feature Christine A. Moore Millinery all weekend.