Keeneland Barn Notes — Thursday, Oct. 12

By Amy Owens —-

THURSDAY, OCT. 12 – MAKE-A-WISH DAY

Keeneland’s 17-day Fall Meet runs through Saturday, Oct. 28.
Post time for the first race each day is 1 p.m. ET. No racing Mondays and Tuesdays.

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ELUSIVE PRINCESS ARRIVES FOR SATURDAY’S QUEEN ELIZABETH II CHALLENGE CUP PRESENTED BY DIXIANA
KEENELAND INTRODUCES NEW TYPE OF RACE
GALLOPING OUT
THURSDAY WORK TAB
PROSPECTIVE FIELDS FOR UPCOMING STAKES
WEEK 2 SPECIAL EVENTS
FALL MEET LEADERS

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ELUSIVE PRINCESS ARRIVES FOR SATURDAY’S QUEEN ELIZABETH II CHALLENGE CUP PRESENTED BY DIXIANA

Elusive Princess (FR) announced her arrival in North America with authority on Aug. 4 at Saratoga when she romped to a 3¼-length victory as the favorite in the Saratoga Oaks Invitational (G3) as the favorite going 1 3/16 miles.

On Saturday, she will try to make another authoritative statement when she goes to the gate in the 40th running of the $600,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) Presented by Dixiana to be run at 1 1/8 miles over the Keeneland turf course.

“She got here last night and trained this morning,” trainer Arnaud Delacour said of the 3-year-old filly, who came into his barn following her victory at Saratoga. “We picked her up the day after she won at Saratoga and took her to Fair Hill (Training Center in Maryland) and that gave us two months to get ready for here.”

Delacour took over the training of the filly from Jean-Philippe Dubois, who also bred and owned Elusive Princess.

“The ownership (LNJ Foxwoods, NK Racing and Anthony Munafo) did not change and the trainer kept a share (as Ecurie Victoria Dreams),” Delacour said. “I am lucky to get the opportunity. She is an exciting prospect.”

Delacour likes what he has seen from the Martinborough (JPN) filly who is Group 1-placed this year in France.

“She was very impressive at Saratoga and she is very efficient,” Delacour said. “Her last race in Europe (the Group 1 Prix de Diane run at 1 5/16 miles) she showed a big turn of foot and made a big run to finish fifth from far back.”

Turf conditions for the Prix de Diane were labeled good to soft and Elusive Princess caught soft conditions at Saratoga.

“She likes a little bit of cut (softness) in the ground, and I’d like to get that again Saturday,” Delacour said.

Overnight showers Friday into Saturday morning are forecast.

In addition to Elusive Princess, the QE II attracted European invaders Mawj (IRE), Sounds of Heaven (GB) and Elounda Queen (IRE).

“This is not a typical end-of-the-year race in that a lot of horses are coming in fresh,” Delacour said. “Mawj has not run since May (in winning the Group 1 One Thousand Guineas), and Sounds of Heaven hasn’t run since the end of July (in the Group 1 Prix Rothschild). This is a tough race and a solid group.”

Flavien Prat, who has ridden the past two QE II winners in Shantisara (IRE) in 2021 and Gina Romantica last year, retains the mount on Elusive Princess on Saturday.

KEENELAND INTRODUCES NEW TYPE OF RACE

Keeneland introduced a new type of race on Oct. 11: a maiden auction race. Worth $70,000 for 2-year-olds, the event is for non-winners that sold or did not meet their reserve price for $50,000 or less in their most recent auction. Today’s Race 4 has the same condition for fillies.

Both races, run at 7 furlongs, attracted overflow fields.

“A maiden auction race is just a step below a maiden special weight,” Keeneland and Churchill Downs Racing Secretary Ben Huffman said. “People can buy a good prospect for that price at auction, but in a maiden special weight race they might have to face million-dollar purchases and the royally bred homebreds.

“Maiden special weight races in Kentucky are just so tough,” he added. “The maiden auction races give those horses some class relief with lesser competition, and owners do not have to risk having their horse claimed.”

Wednesday’s race with a field limit of 12 horses drew 19 entries. Four of those were placed on the “also eligible” list and three were excluded.

With no scratches, a dozen entrants were in the race with Calumet Farm’s Khanate cruising to a 10½-length victory for trainer Todd Pletcher. Bred in Kentucky by Mongolian Stable, Khanate sold to Calumet for $35,000 at Keeneland’s 2022 September Yearling Sale. He was consigned by Conley Bloodstock (Carolyn Conley), agent.

Runner-up Mr. Faversham was a $50,000 purchase at the same sale. Bradley Thoroughbreds, agent, bought him from consignor and breeder Machmer Hall. Cherie DeVaux trains Mr. Faversham for owners Belmar Racing and Breeding and David Ingordo.

“These races are very popular with the horseman,” Huffman said. “We are looking forward to offering more in the future.”

GALLOPING OUT

Trained John Ortiz said WSS Racing’s Brightwork will be headed to Santa Anita at the end of the month for the $2 million NetJets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) on Nov. 3.

Undefeated in her first four races, Brightwork finished fifth in the Darley Alcibiades (G1) here on Oct. 6. …

Jockey Tyler Heard posted his first Keeneland victory Wednesday afternoon when he guided Selima Holdings, Allen Greathouse and Mark Arnold’s Intermittent Fast to a 6½-length win in the fifth race as the favorite in a field of nine.

THURSDAY WORK TAB

Mellon Patch, Inc.’s Lady Radler, winner of the Dogwood (G3) at Churchill Downs in her most recent outing, worked a half-mile in :48.40 for trainer Michael Campbell for an expected start in the $350,000 Lexus Raven Run (G2) to be run Oct. 21.

PROSPECTIVE FIELDS FOR UPCOMING STAKES

$350,000 Lexus Raven Run (G2), 3-year-old fillies, 7 furlongs on the main track (Entries taken Saturday; race is Saturday, Oct. 21) – Alva Starr (trainer Brett Brinkman), Lady Radler (Michael Campbell), Lily Poo (Michael McCarthy), Nom de Plume (Paulo Lobo), Simply Stated (Todd Beattie), Vahva (Cherie DeVaux). Possible: Apple Picker (Brittany Russell.).

$250,000 Perryville (L), 3-year-olds, 7 furlongs on the main track (Entries taken Saturday; race is Saturday, Oct. 21) – Dr. Venkman (Mark Glatt), Verifying (Brad Cox). Possibles: Loyal Company (Brendan Walsh), Major Blue (D. Wayne Lukas), Post Time (Russell).

$300,000 Rood & Riddle Dowager (G3), 3-year-old and up fillies and mares, 1½ miles on the turf (Entries taken Sunday; race is Sunday, Oct. 22) – Be Up (Mike Maker), Henrietta Topham (Geoff Mulcahy), Loved Reiko (Rusty Arnold), Personal Best (Shug McGaughey), Romagna Mia (GB) (Graham Motion), Transient (GB) (Saffie Joseph Jr.), Vergara (Motion). Possible: Lovely Princess (Kenny McPeek).

WEEK 2 SPECIAL EVENTS

Year-round

Official Keeneland Tours. Visit keeneland.com/tours for availability and to purchase.

Now through Dec. 8

Keeneland Library Presents the Exhibit The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers. This fascinating exhibit highlights the lives and careers of 80 African Americans working in the Thoroughbred industry from the mid-1800s to the present. Located on Keeneland’s campus, Keeneland Library is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To reach the Library, enter Keeneland at Gate 1 on Keeneland Blvd. and take the first right on Entertainment Ct. The Library is to the left of the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center. The exhibit is free.

Friday, Oct. 13

College Scholarship Day Presented By Lane’s End. Keeneland welcomes current full-time college students to enjoy a day of racing, prizes, scholarship giveaways, behind-the-scenes racing experiences, reserved seating and more. By registering, students will receive free general admission and have the opportunity to win prizes and scholarships. A total of 10 scholarships worth $2,000 apiece from Keeneland and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and two scholarships worth $10,000 each from Lane’s End will be awarded. Activities will take place in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register at https://www.keeneland.com/racing/college-scholarship-day

Fall $400 Challenge. Keeneland’s live bankroll handicapping tournament has a $400 buy-in. Players will wager a live bankroll of $250 on any or all races at Keeneland with no minimums per race. One Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge berth and as many as four National Horseplayers Championship spots are up for grabs. Click here to register. Players may register the day of the contest.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday

The Hill. No ticket or reservation is required for Keeneland’s free official tailgating area, which offers a unique way to experience the races. Watch and wager on Keeneland’s live races shown on a jumbo TV screen. Have a question about handicapping? BETologists, Keeneland’s wagering experts, are there to answer questions. Meanwhile, enjoy food trucks along with live music presented by The Burl and take complimentary shuttles to the track. The Hill is located adjacent to the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center and is accessible via Gate 4. Amenities are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For additional details, visit Keeneland.com/tailgating.

Saturday, Oct. 14

Sunrise Trackside. This free morning program is geared toward families with a unique view of Thoroughbreds during training hours. Coffee and light breakfast offerings will be available at The Starting Gate concession stand while watching racehorses train. Children’s activities, which will take place from 8-10 a.m. underneath the Grandstand, will include a visit with Keeneland mascot Buckles, face painting, games, jockey silks photos and more. From 8:30-9 a.m., families can pet a horse in the Paddock and visit the track apron to watch the John Deere Tractor Break as tractors groom the track. Guests can learn more about the workings of Keeneland by joining a complimentary mini tour. Visit the Tours Podium located near the Paddock for more information. This event is open to the public and does not require a ticket to attend. On Oct. 21, Keeneland will spotlight Cheryl White’s historic career as a jockey during Sunrise Trackside. A special Halloween edition of the event will take place Oct. 28.

The Keeneland Shop presents a book signing by John Paul Miller, author of False Riches. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

$3,500 Fall BCBC/NHC Challenge. Registration is open for in-person and remote participation in this live-money contest that Keeneland is holding in cooperation with XpressBet, NYRA Bets, 4NJ Bets, HPI and TVG. Click here for details and to register. The entry fee is $3,500, with $2,500 going to the live bankroll and $1,000 to the prize fund. Players must wager a minimum of $400 in at least five races at Keeneland and wager a minimum total of $2,500. Prizes include cash and as many as six Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge berths and 10 NHC spots (based on number of entries).

Sunday, Oct. 15

Kids Club Family Day Presented by Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The Keeneland Kids Club is the Official Kids Club for Keeneland fans 12 and younger. Members and their families are invited to a special day at the races by receiving free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating when they present their membership cards at the admission gates. Children’s activities in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. include face painting, a sweet treat and activities with local community partners such as Amplify Horse Racing, Eckert’s Orchard, Explorium of Lexington, LexArts and LexLive. Sign up for the Keeneland Kids Club at keeneland.com/kidsclub.