Keeneland Barn Notes — April 13

By Amy Owens —-

FRIDAY, APRIL 13

Keeneland’s 16-day Spring Meet runs through Friday, April 27, with racing
Wednesdays through Sundays. Post time for the first race each day is 1:05 pm. ET.
**********

• MAKER’S 46 MILE REACHES MILESTONE RUNNING
• THOROUGHBRED CHARITIES OF AMERICA RECEIVES PLEDGE FROM HEART TO HEART’S OWNERS
• LOCAL ARTIST CREATES MAKER’S 46 MILE TROPHY
• WALSH WATCHING THE WEATHER FOR COOLMORE JENNY WILEY WITH PROCTOR’S LEDGE
• CASSE HIGH ON STONESTREET LEXINGTON STARTER TELEKINESIS
• ENGLISHMAN BESCHIZZA RIDES FIRST KEENELAND WINNERS
• GALLOPING OUT
• INAUGURAL PDJF TELETHON RAISES MORE THAN $217,000
• SPRING MEET SPECIAL EVENTS
• SPRING MEET LEADERS

MAKER’S 46 MILE REACHES MILESTONE RUNNING

Today’s ninth race is the 30th running of the Maker’s 46 Mile (G1), one of the key turf races early in the season. Post time is 5:30 p.m. ET.

Terry Hamilton’s Heart to Heart headlines a field of 10 horses entered in the race. Trained by Brian Lynch, the 10-time graded stakes winner has finished second in the past two runnings of the Maker’s 46 Mile Heart to Heart won the Gulfstream Park Turf (G1) in his most recent start, scoring his first Grade 1 win in his eighth attempt at that level.

Here is additional information about the Maker’s 46 Mile:

Fastest time: The stakes and course record is 1:33.54, set by Perfect Soul (IRE) in 2004.
Record margin of victory: 2¾ lengths, set by Get Stormy in 2011.
The shortest-priced favorite to win was Wise Dan, who captured the race in 2013 and 2014 at 2-5 odds. Wise Dan paid $2.80 both years.
Trainers
Five trainers have two victories in race. Two of them have entries today:
Roger Attfield (Tower of Texas) won with Shudanz (1992) and Perfect Soul (IRE) (2004).
Bill Mott (Ballagh Rocks and Forge [GB]) won with Ganges (1993) and Mr. Sidney (2009).
Other trainers with two wins: Charlie LoPresti (Wise Dan, 2013-2014), Rick Dutrow (Kip Deville, 2007-2008) and Todd Pletcher (Jack Milton, 2015; American Patriot, 2017).
Jockeys
Three riders in today’s race have won the race previously:
Robby Albarado (Nileator): Lasting Approval (1998), Royal Spy (2003).
Jose Lezcano (Tower of Texas): Wise Dan, 2013.
Julien Leparoux (Heart to Heart): Karelian, 2010.
Three jockeys have three wins in the race.
Jerry Bailey: Opening Verse (1991), Ganges (1993), Tejano Run (1996).
Javier Castellano: Get Stormy (2011), Jack Milton (2015), American Patriot (2017).
Edgar Prado: Perfect Soul (IRE) (2004), Artie Schiller (2005), Kip Deville (2017).
Keeneland sales graduates
Six horses entered in this year’s Maker’s 46 Mile are graduates of Keeneland sales: Ballagh Rocks (sold at the 2014 September Yearling Sale for $70,000), Frostmourne (offered at the 2015 September Sale), Hogy (sold as a yearling at the 2010 January Horses of All Ages Sale for $17,000), Next Shares (sold as a 4-year-old at the 2017 November Breeding Stock Sale, $190,000), Om (sold at the 2013 September Sale for $60,000), Tower of Texas (sold as a yearling at the 2012 January Sale for $195,000).
 
THOROUGHBRED CHARITIES OF AMERICA RECEIVES PLEDGE
FROM HEART TO HEART’S OWNERS

A portion of earnings from Heart to Heart’s run in today’s $300,000 Maker’s 46 Mile (G1) has been pledged to Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) by owners Terry and Toby Hamilton.

Heart to Heart, a 7-year-old son of English Channel, is the result of an English Channel season purchased by Darrell Bauder’s Red Hawk Ranch in TCA’s 2010 Stallion Season Auction. A heart-shaped marking inspired the horse’s name; the same shape is also the primary graphic element in TCA’s logo.

“As far as we know, Heart to Heart is the most successful runner produced from a season purchased in our auction,” TCA Executive Director Erin Crady said. “Not only is he the most successful, but there are incredible coincidences in his name, heart-shaped star and our logo. We greatly appreciate Terry’s support of TCA and we will be cheering for Heart to Heart on Friday.”

TCA’s mission is to provide a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers, by supporting qualified repurposing and retirement organizations and by helping the people who care for them. TCA distributes grants to several categories of Thoroughbred-related nonprofits, including rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming and retirement organizations; backstretch and farm employee programs; equine-assisted therapy programs; and research organizations.

Since its inception in 1990, TCA has granted more than $22 million to more than 200 charities. From 2000-2016, more than 95% of TCA’s expenditures were allocated to program services, including direct grants. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).

LOCAL ARTIST CREATES MAKER’S 46 MILE TROPHY

Maker’s Mark, the world-famous bourbon distiller headquartered in Loretto, Kentucky, has sponsored the Maker’s 46 Mile (G1) race since 1997. Formerly known as the Maker’s Mark Mile, the stakes was renamed in 2012 in honor of Maker’s 46 bourbon, the distiller’s first new product in more than 50 years.
Each year Maker’s Mark works with a Kentucky artisan to create a unique trophy for the Maker’s 46 Mile (G1), the $300,000 turf stakes that is today’s ninth race. This year, the artist is Danville resident Stephen Rolfe Powell, one of the world’s foremost glass artists.

Powell is an art professor at Danville’s Centre College, his alma mater. He is featured in the spring issue of Keeneland magazine.

WALSH WATCHING THE WEATHER FOR COOLMORE JENNY WILEY
WITH PROCTOR’S LEDGE

Rain is the forecast for Saturday and that is a major cause of concern for trainer Brendan Walsh, who conditions two-time graded stakes winner Proctor’s Ledge.

Proctor’s Ledge is entered in Saturday’s 30th running of the $350,000 Coolmore Jenny Wiley (G1). But if the rains come, she will be a no-go.

“If we get a significant amount of rain, she won’t run,” said Walsh, who trains the homebred daughter of Ghostzapper for Patricia Moseley. “I walked the course the other day and it is drying out well. I hope the rain misses us.”

In her most recent Keeneland start, Proctor’s Ledge finished eighth as the second choice in the 2017 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Presented by Lane’s End (G1).

“I thought she was just a little bit flat that day,” Walsh said. “It had been a long year and we gave her some time off.”

Proctor’s Ledge returned to the races March 10 in the Hillsborough (G2) at Tampa Bay Downs in which she finished second to Jenny Wiley rival Fourstar Crook but ahead of La Coronel, who had beaten her in all three meetings in 2017.

“She came back great and ran well in the Hillsborough,” Walsh said. “We have been pointing for this race and that is our first goal this year.”

CASSE HIGH ON STONESTREET LEXINGTON STARTER TELEKINESIS

Trainer Mark Casse thinks a lot of Stonestreet Stables’ Telekinesis, who will make the third start of his career in Saturday’s $200,000 Stonestreet Lexington (G3).

“I think he’s a superstar,” Casse said about the 3-year-old son of Ghostzapper, who won his Feb 9 debut at Fair Grounds by 3¼ lengths.

“He broke his maiden really impressively, and then we were kind of between a rock and a hard place in that the 3-year-old allowance races weren’t going at New Orleans, so we had to go to (Oaklawn Park) or stay and run against older horses in New Orleans,” Casse said.

Facing older horses in a March 9 allowance at 1 1/16 miles at Fair Grounds, Telekenis was the 7-10 favorite. He finished third in the race.

“And after discussion with (Stonestreet owner) Barbara (Banke), she really wanted to try and run in the Lexington,” Casse said. “We made that our goal, and to do that we had to run against older horses.”

Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings paid $470,000 for Telekinesis as a weanling at Keeneland’s 2015 November Breeding Stock Sale.

The colt is the 4-1 second choice on the morning-line behind 5-2 favorite My Boy Jack.

ENGLISHMAN BESCHIZZA RIDES FIRST KEENELAND WINNERS

Jockey Adam Beschizza won at Keeneland for the first time Thursday when he guided two winners: Brook T. Smith Investments’ Shape Shifter in the fifth race and Carol Staley’s Dagney’s Warrior in the ninth race.

“I said when I came to Keeneland that if I won two, I would be happy,” said Beschizza, known as “Biscuit.” “I’m not done yet.”

A native of England, Beschizza is making a name for himself in the U.S. after a decade as a successful jockey in Europe. He closed the 2017-2018 season at Fair Grounds as the meet’s second-leading jockey by wins with 65. He won his first stateside race in November at that track.

Beschizza’s agent is former jockey Liz Morris, who arranges the race riding schedule for another Englishman, Jack Gilligan. A regular on the Kentucky circuit, Gilligan spent the winter for the first time at Fair Grounds, where he rode 28 winners.

GALLOPING OUT

Keeneland racing analyst Tom Leach talked to trainer Brad Cox on Mr Misunderstood in today’s Maker’s 46 Mile (G1) and jockey Joel Rosario, who is riding Off Limits (IRE) in Saturday’s Coolmore Jenny Wiley (G1). …

Guy Pariente’s Canessar (FR), unraced since finishing third in last fall’s Sycamore (G3) here, worked 5 furlongs in 1:02.20 over a firm turf course with Julien Leparoux aboard for trainer Arnaud Delacour. Canessar is an expected starter in next Saturday’s $250,000 Dixiana Elkhorn (G2). …

Blended Citizen, fifth in Saturday’s Toyota Blue Grass (G2), remains at Keeneland with the rest of trainer Doug O’Neill’s Kentucky string. Assistant Jack Sisterson said the Belmont (G1) on June 9 is the next main target for the Jeff Ruby Stakes (G3) winner, who is owned by Greg Hall and SAYJAY Racing.

“There is an allowance race at Churchill, but it is for 3-year-olds and up and the owners want to keep him with 3-year-olds,” Sisterson said, with other immediate possibilities being the $350,000 Peter Pan (G3) at Belmont Park at 1 1/8 miles on May 12 or the $100,000 Sir Barton at Pimlico on May 19 going 1 1/16 miles. …

Trainer Stuart Simon recorded his first Keeneland win with Chiefswood Stable’s Rose’s Vision, who took Thursday’s fourth race. Jose Lezcano rode the 4-year-old Artie Schiller colt to a 1¾-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile allowance race in 1:45.32.

INAUGURAL PDJF TELETHON RAISES MORE THAN $217,000

The first telethon for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), hosted by TVG Network in association with Betfair Exchange and the Jockeys’ Guild, raised $217,730 on April 8 to assist in the care of 59 permanently disabled riders. Callers flooded phone banks in Los Angeles and at Keeneland and were able to donate by talking to several active and retired jockeys as well as PDJF beneficiaries.

“Our intention going in was to raise awareness and funding. We came away with so much more,” PDJF President Nancy LaSala said. “PDJF recipients were seen around the country and truly know they are not forgotten. Horse racing fans responded with their generosity and kindness and, in turn, got to speak to some of the great athletes they so admire. The day was an unqualified success for all, so much so that we are already making plans for our next telethon.”

When the phone lines closed at 7 p.m. ET, the PDJF had banked $215,390. “Late money” rolled in afterward, bringing the total to $217,730 and representing approximately three credit card transactions per minute during the course of the six-hour telethon.

“There are many important causes in horse racing, but none any more important than the PDJF – helping those courageous athletes who have contributed so much to the sport and need critical assistance,” said TVG CEO Kip Levin. “The generosity of so many individuals and industry organizations during the telethon is a fitting reflection of the worthiness of the cause. We are extremely proud to have been associated with Sunday’s event.”

Some major donations of note: HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Arabian Festival presented the PDJF with a check for $50,000 at Santa Anita Park on Saturday. During telethon hours, Al Basti Equiworld donated $20,000 and Kenny Troutt, owner of WinStar Farm near Keeneland, and WinStar CEO W. Elliott Walden called in another $20,000 in celebration of Justify’s victory in Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby (G1).

The PDJF would like to expressly thank the racing fans across the country who responded to the telethon with enthusiasm and generosity.

“We are so grateful to everyone who gave,” said PDJF Ambassador Ramon Dominguez, who worked the phones from the TVG studios in Los Angeles. “The horse racing community truly pulled together and supported the disabled riders who need our help. I want to especially thank the jockeys who were on the phones talking to and building relationships with their fans.”

The PDJF also thanks TVG Network and Keeneland Association and their staffs for providing space for the telethon.

At Keeneland, current and retired jockeys who participated in the telethon included Robby Albarado, Gary Birzer, Joe Bravo, Javier Castellano, Pat Day, James Graham, Sandy Hawley, Corey Lanerie, Julien Leparoux, Chris McCarron, Corey Nakatani, Jose Ortiz, Mike Smith and Shane Sellers.

During the afternoon races, Keeneland presented a check to the PDJF for $6,795. Funds were raised during the day’s Jockey Autograph Signing.

SPRING MEET SPECIAL EVENTS

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. On Saturdays during Sunrise Trackside, free guided tours begin every 20 minutes from the Paddock and Walking Ring from 7:30-10 a.m.
Saturday, April 14
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.); Paddock demonstration (9 a.m.) with Our Mims Retirement Haven; and a Q&A session with jockey Jose Ortiz in the Paddock (12:05 p.m.).

The Keeneland Shop’s Milliners Corner presents Christine A. Moore Millinery, Formé Millinery and Maui Jim adjacent to the Walking Ring.
The Keeneland Shop hosts noted golf landscape artist Lee Wybranski, who created Keeneland’s 2018 Commemorative Spring Print, and will sign the print from 1-3 p.m. adjacent to Milliners Corner.
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 Spring Challenge This handicapping tournament has a $400 buy-in with a live bankroll of $250 and $150 prize fund fee.
Budweiser Clydesdales. The full hitch will make an on-track appearance.
$300,000 All-Stakes Pick 4 Presented by TVG. Features races 7-10: Ben Ali (G3), Giant’s Causeway (L), Stonestreet Lexington (G3), Coolmore Jenny Wiley (G1).
Sunday, April 15
The Keeneland Shop’s Milliners Corner presents Christine A. Moore Millinery, Formé Millinery and Maui Jim adjacent to the Walking Ring.
Kids Club Family Day. The Keeneland Kids Club is our Official Kids Club for fans 12 and younger. Members and their families are invited to enjoy a special day at the races with free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating. Children’s activities will take place in the North Terrace from noon to 3 p.m.
Grade One Gamble. The nationally prominent Grade One Gamble has a $3,000 buy-in and as many as six spots in the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge and 10 spots in the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship up for grabs.
 
SPRING MEET LEADERS
Through April 12 (5 days of 16-day season)
Jockey Starts Wins 2nd 3rd Purses

Jose Ortiz 36 7 6 6 $1,050,794
Florent Geroux 26 6 5 3 $515,633
Corey Lanerie 32 5 3 1 $362,162
Joel Rosario 12 4 4 2 $203,800
Gabriel Saez 14 4 1 1 $152,428

Trainer Starts Wins 2nd 3rd Purses

Chad Brown 12 6 2 1 $1,000,190
Wesley Ward 14 6 3 1 $342,890
Brad Cox 10 3 1 1 $433,444
Bret Calhoun 6 3 0 2 $319,620
Larry Jones 6 3 1 0 $95,800

###