Keeneland Barn Notes — Wednesday, Oct. 16

By Amy Owens —-

Keeneland’s 17-day Fall Meet concludes Saturday, Oct. 26, with racing
Wednesdays through Sundays. Post time for the first race each day is 1:05 pm. ET.

RESTLESS RIDER, ROYAL CHARLOTTE TOP FIELD OF 11
FOR SATURDAY’S LEXUS RAVEN RUN

Three Chimneys Farm and Fern Circle Stables’ Restless Rider and First Row Partners’ Royal Charlotte headline a field of 11 3-year-old fillies entered Wednesday for Saturday’s 21st running of the $250,000 Lexus Raven Run (G2) at 7 furlongs on the main track.

The Lexus Raven Run will go as the ninth race on Saturday’s 10-race program with a 5:30 p.m. ET post time. First post Saturday is 1:05 p.m.

Trained by Kenny McPeek, Restless Rider will be making her first start since the Kentucky Oaks (G1) in which she finished off the board for the first time in eight starts. In her two Keeneland starts, she won last fall’s Darley Alcibiades (G1) and this spring was runner-up in the Central Bank Ashland (G1).

Brian Hernandez Jr., will be aboard Restless Rider, who returns to a sprint distance for the first time since a runner-up finish in the Spinaway (G1) at Saratoga as a 2-year-old. Restless Rider will break from post position six.

Royal Charlotte has won five of six starts for trainer Chad Brown with one of those victories coming in an allowance test here in April. Winner of the Prioress (G2) at 6 furlongs in her most recent start, Royal Charlotte will break from post position one and be ridden by Tyler Gaffalione.

Brown has one other starter in the race in Brereton Jones’ homebred Indian Pride, who broke her maiden at first asking by eight lengths at Saratoga going 6 furlongs on Aug. 28. John Velazquez has the mount on Indian Pride and will break from post position three.

Jones also owns Istan Council, an allowance winner who will start from post seven with Chantal Sutherland aboard.

The field for the Lexus Raven Run, with riders and weights from the rail out, is: Royal Charlotte (Gaffalione, 120 pounds), Bell’s The One (Corey Lanerie, 118), Indian Pride (Velazquez, 118), Oxy Lady (Declan Cannon, 118), Free Cover (Gabriel Saez, 118), Restless Rider (Hernandez Jr., 118), Istan Council (Sutherland, 118), First Star (Drayden Van Dyke, 118), Horologist (Joe Bravo, 118), Needs Supervision (Feargal Lynch, 118), Irish Mischief (Mike Smith, 118).

CARNIVAL COLORS COULD GIVE STIDHAM MILESTONE VICTORY
IN FRIDAY’S PIN OAK VALLEY VIEW

Mike Stidham has been training Thoroughbreds since 1979 and now is on the cusp of achieving a major milestone: 2,000 victories.

“We’ve got plenty of action the next couple of days,” said Stidham, who is at 1,997 wins. “We are here, at Belmont and Laurel Thursday and Friday.

Should the total reach 1,999 by the time the Pin Oak Valley View (G3) runs at Keeneland Friday afternoon, the horse to provide No. 2,000 would be Godolphin’s Carnival Colors (GB).

“She was invited to the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (Presented by Lane’s End-G1) last week, but Godolphin already had Castle Lady (IRE) in the race,” Stidham said of the runner-up last Saturday. “That would have been a huge step up for her.”

Carnival Colors scored her first win in her second start last year at Arlington, winning by 11½ lengths going 1 1/16 miles on the all-weather surface. She followed that with a narrow miss in the Mazarine (G3) at Woodbine late last year.
“After the Mazarine, she had some minor issues and we gave her plenty of time off knowing she would be better as a 3- and 4-year-old,” Stidham said.

Carnival Colors returned to the races in late June at Laurel and has won two of three starts in 2019 with the most recent coming in the Virginia Oaks (L) at Colonial Downs on Aug. 31.

“She ran well in Virginia,” Stidham said of the 1¼-length victory going 1 1/8 miles on firm turf. “The Valley View will be a plenty big step up.”

And should she take that big step up, “I would love to win my 2,000th at Keeneland,” Stidham said.

“IMPROVING” BLOWOUT (GB) EYES FIRST GRADED STAKES WIN
IN PIN OAK VALLEY VIEW

Peter Brant’s Blowout (GB) has been a model of consistency this year, but one thing has eluded the Chad Brown trainee: a graded stakes victory.

That could change Friday when Blowout makes her Keeneland debut in the $150,000 Pin Oak Valley View (G3) for 3-year-old fillies going 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

“I have probably been around her the most of the three we have in the race,” said Whit Beckman, who is in charge of Brown’s Keeneland string. “She is an improving filly and this is a great spot for her as well as the other two.”

In compiling a 7-3-3-1 record, Blowout never has lost by more than a length. In her most recent start, she won the Pebbles (L) at Belmont going a mile under John Velazquez, who will have the mount Friday.

Brown’s other runners are Klaravich Stables’ Catch a Bid and Martin Schwartz’s Turf War.

“Catch a Bid was getting ready to run here last fall, but she had a minor issue and went to the farm,” Beckman said. Catch a Bid was off the work tab for five months before rejoining the barn in March at Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida. She did not make her debut until June 6.

“Everything has been good with her since she came back,” Beckman said of the filly, who has won two of three starts including a victory in her most recent outing in the Riskaverse (L) at Saratoga in August. Irad Ortiz Jr. has the mount.
Turf War has made three starts for Brown this year since coming to the U.S. from France. Joel Rosario was aboard in her most recent start, a victory in the Christiecat (L) at Belmont on Sept. 6, and will be riding her again Friday.

“It was real soft that day in the Christiecat,” Beckman said. “I know for sure it wasn’t firm.”

GALLOPING OUT
Slam Dunk Racing’s Maxim Rate, who arrived from California Tuesday, on Wednesday morning toured the Keeneland training track in preparation for Friday’s Pin Oak Valley View (G3).
“This is a lot better spot for her than the race last week,” said Carlos Santamaria, assistant to trainer Simon Callaghan, referring to Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Presented by Lane’s End (G1) to which she was invited. “That would have been a little tough for her.”

UPCOMING STAKES PROBABLES

$125,000 Rood & Riddle Dowager (G3) (Entries taken Thursday; race Sunday) – Elysea’s World (IRE) (Richard Baltas), Gentle Ruler (Ian Wilkes), Get Explicit (Barbara Minshall), Lafta (Patrick Biancone), Lemoona (Richard Baltas), Sea Dream (BRZ) (Paulo Lobo), Simply Breathless (GB) (Neil Drysdale), Vevina (Phil D’Amato), Violet Blue (James Toner). Possible: Pamina (Michael Dickinson), Pantsonfire (IRE) (Baltas).
$200,000 Hagyard Fayette (G2) (Entries taken Wednesday, Oct. 23; race Saturday, Oct 26) – Bal Harbour (trainer Todd Pletcher), Core Beliefs (Peter Eurton), Mocito Rojo (Shane Wilson), Tom’s d’Etat (Al Stall Jr.).

BREEDERS’ CUP POSSIBLE CONTENDERS STABLED AT KEENELAND

Keeneland is home to several contenders for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita on Nov. 1-2.
Pre-entry deadline for the Breeders’ Cup is noon on Monday, Oct. 21. Pre-entries will be announced Wednesday, Oct. 23.
Here are the trainers and their possible Breeders’ Cup runners:

Trainer (Barn) Horse BC Race Last Race Latest Work
Rusty Arnold (60) Leinster Turf Sprint (G1) 2nd 10/5 Woodford (G2) at KEE
Totally Boss Turf Sprint Won 9/7 Runhappy Turf Sprint (G3) at KD 10/13: 4f in :48.80 (dirt)
Ignacio Correas IV (41, 70) Blue Prize (ARG) Distaff (G1) Won 10/6 Juddmonte Spinster (G1) at KEE
Walk In Marrakesh (IRE) Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) 2nd 9/15 Natalma (G1) at WO 10/13: 4f in :52 (turf)
Eddie Kenneally (72) Abscond Juvenile Fillies Turf Won 9/15 Natalma at WO 10/10: 4f in :49 (dirt)
Kieran McLaughlin (33) Dawn the Destroyer Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) 2nd 10/5 Thoroughbred Club of America (G2) at KEE
Todd Pletcher (6) Sweet Melania Juvenile Fillies Turf Won 10/9 JPMorgan Chase Jessamine (G2) at KEE
Jack Sisterson (Calumet Farm barn on Rice Road) Bandua TVG Mile (G1) 8th 10/5 Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) at KEE
Lexitonian Sprint (G1) 3rd 10/4 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2) at KEE
Brendan Walsh (24) Maxfield TVG Juvenile (G1) Won 10/5 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at KEE
Vitalogy (GB) Juvenile Turf (G1) 2nd 10/6 Dixiana Bourbon (G3) at KEE
Wesley Ward (47, 68) Cambria Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2) Won 9/7 Kentucky Downs Juvenile Sprint at KD 10/13: 5f in 1:03.60 (turf)
Four Wheel Drive Juvenile Turf Sprint Won 10/6 Futurity (G3) at BEL
Kimari Juvenile Turf Sprint Won 10/6 Indian Summer at KEE

FALL MEET SPECIAL EVENTS

All Year
Official Keeneland Tours – A variety of guided walking tours showcase Keeneland’s racing and sales operations. Click here for more information.
Through March 2020
The Keeneland Library Presents “A Day in the Life: Volume I” – This new exhibit features the work of early Turf photographer John C. Hemment. The Keeneland Library is home to the largest known surviving body of work of Hemment, a photographer during the late 19th and early 20th century. A virtual counterpart of the Hemment exhibit is at keenelandlibrary.omeka.net/exhibits. Celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, the Library is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.
Wednesday, Oct. 16
WINS-Day Challenge Sponsored by Malone’s – Handicappers of all levels can test their skills through this contest, which has a guaranteed $2,500 pool. The entry fee is $10. First 200 participants receive a card for a free Malone’s appetizer.
East Gate Shop special offer – The satellite location of The Keeneland Shop is offering a $5 off hat purchase on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the Fall Meet (offer not available at The Keeneland Shop and Milliners Corner or at satellite locations at Wagering Central and the finish line). Located on the first floor of the Saddling Paddock Chalet – in a corner near the East Gate Grandstand entrance – the East Gate Shop is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. until 30 minutes after the final race. (Re-entry to the track is available through the East Gate entrance.)
The East Gate Shop, which has a selection of hats, T-shirts and other Keeneland souvenir items, has personalization and engraving options so purchases can be customized. A complimentary bag check enables fans to leave their purchases there during the races and pick them up when they leave.
Thursday, Oct. 17
Budweiser Clydesdales at Keeneland. A single Clydesdale will be available for photo opportunities at the East Gate entrance from noon to 1 p.m.
East Gate Shop special offer – The satellite location of The Keeneland Shop is offering a $5 off hat purchase on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the Fall Meet (offer not available at The Keeneland Shop and Milliners Corner or at satellite locations at Wagering Central and the finish line). Located on the first floor of the Saddling Paddock Chalet – in a corner near the East Gate Grandstand entrance – the East Gate Shop is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. until 30 minutes after the final race. (Re-entry to the track is available through the East Gate entrance.)
The East Gate Shop, which has a selection of hats, T-shirts and other Keeneland souvenir items, has personalization and engraving options so purchases can be customized. A complimentary bag check enables fans to leave their purchases there during the races and pick them up when they leave.
Friday, Oct. 18
College Scholarship Day – Full-time college students will receive free general admission and the chance to win a total of 18 college scholarships worth $70,000: ten $2,000 scholarships from Keeneland and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, two $10,000 Runhappy Scholarships and six $5,000 scholarships from Claiborne Farm, Glen Hill Farm, Hinkle Farms, Paramount Sales, Solis/Litt Bloodstock and Taylor Made Farm. At Keeneland’s College Zone on the North Terrace, students will enjoy music, free food, prize drawings and more. Click here to pre-register before 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Budweiser Clydesdales at Keeneland. A single Clydesdale will be available for photo opportunities at the East Gate entrance from noon to 1 p.m.
The Hill – Keeneland’s official tailgate lot features a jumbo screen to watch live racing and football, wagering booths, live music, local food trucks and free shuttles to the Grandstand.
$200,000-guaranteed Friday Pick Four Presented by TVG.

The Keeneland Shop presents a trunk show with Frederique.

Saturday, Oct. 19

Sunrise Trackside – Families, out-of-town guests, longtime Keeneland fans and others will enjoy spending a morning at the track before the races begin. Watch racehorses train over the track and enjoy Breakfast With the Works and trackside commentary (7-8:30 a.m.); children’s activities in the Kids Club Corner (7:30-9:30 a.m.); free guided tours of the grounds (7:30-10 a.m.) and a demonstration by New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program in the Paddock (9 a.m.).

The Hill – Keeneland’s official tailgate lot features a jumbo screen to watch live racing and football, wagering booths, live music, local food trucks and free shuttles to the Grandstand.
The Keeneland Shop presents a trunk show with Frederique.

Budweiser Clydesdales at Keeneland. The famous hitch will appear between races weather permitting.
$300,000 Guaranteed Pick 4 Presented by TVG
Sunday, Oct. 20
Heroes Day Presented by City BBQ – Keeneland will recognize the men and women who serve our community. All military (active duty and veterans), first responders – law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs – and their families will receive free general admission, access to reserved Grandstand seating, free lunch and be able to take part in children’s activities. The day will include a flag unfurling on the main track between races and recognition of local heroes in the Winner’s Circle.

Budweiser Clydesdales at Keeneland. A single Clydesdale will be available for photo opportunities at the East Gate entrance from noon to 1 p.m.
The Keeneland Shop presents Milliners Corner with Dorfman.
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Library Lecture Series – The Keeneland Library, which is celebrating its 80th birthday, will present Brien Bouyea, who will discuss his new book, The Travers: 150 Years of Saratoga’s Greatest Race, which he co-wrote with Michael Veitch. The event, which begins at 6:30 p.m., is free and open to the public. 

FALL MEET LEADERS

Jockey Starts Wins 2nd 3rd Purses
Javier Castellano 42 12 7 6 $1,194,322
Jose Ortiz 57 10 9 7 $1,271,473
Julien Leparoux 44 7 6 6 $523,313
Florent Geroux 44 6 8 3 $465,168
Corey Lanerie 48 6 7 5 $325,224

Trainer Starts Wins 2nd 3rd Purses

Chad Brown 19 6 2 1 $846,865
Brad Cox 24 4 3 3 $495,832
Brendan Walsh 18 4 3 1 $491,885
Mike Maker 24 3 5 4 $255,750
Mark Casse 21 3 4 2 $515,869
Peter Miller 6 3 1 0 $248,572
Graham Motion 11 3 0 0 $147,127

Owner Wins
Alex G. Campbell Jr. 2
Godolphin (Mohammed Al Maktoum et al) 2
Ten Broeck Farm (David Mowat) 2

###