Keeneland Barn Notes — Thursday, Oct. 10

Posted On 11 Oct 2024

By Amy Owens —-

THURSDAY, OCT. 10

Keeneland’s 17-day Fall Meet runs through Saturday, Oct. 26.
First post is 1 p.m. ET. No racing Mondays and Tuesdays.

Click here for Keeneland’s 2024 Media Guide and Media Guide Fall Supplement.

Click here for the Fall Meet stakes schedule, which includes links
to lists of nominees and their past performances.

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BLINKERS ON FOR SHE FEELS PRETTY IN SATURDAY’S
QUEEN ELIZABETH II CHALLENGE CUP PRESENTED BY DIXIANA
BUCHU BRINGS “HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE” TO QUEEN ELIZABETH II CHALLENGE CUP PRESENTED BY DIXIANA
GALLOPING OUT
PROSPECTIVE FIELDS FOR UPCOMING STAKES
FALL MEET SECOND WEEK SPECIAL EVENTS
FALL MEET LEADERS

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BLINKERS ON FOR SHE FEELS PRETTY IN SATURDAY’S
QUEEN ELIZABETH II CHALLENGE CUP PRESENTED BY DIXIANA

Because Lael Stables’ She Feels Pretty is less than a length away from a perfect campaign in 2024, her connections hope an equipment change will lead to success in Saturday’s $750,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) Presented by Dixiana.

Third as the favorite in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) at Santa Anita, She Feels Pretty opened her campaign in May with a 5¾-length victory in the Hilltop at Pimlico during Preakness Weekend.

“That was a great place to get started back and she was much the best that day,” said David Carroll, assistant to trainer Cherie DeVaux. “We just gave her the time to mature after the Breeders’ Cup.”

In her next two races, She Feels Pretty was caught late in the stretch and finished third beaten three-quarters of a length in the Belmont Oaks Invitational (G1) and then was beaten a neck by QE II rival Grayosh in the Lake Placid (G2).

“We just feel like she has been waiting on horses,” Carroll said. “We like what we have seen from her in the morning (with blinkers) and hopefully it will translate to the afternoon.”

BUCHU BRINGS “HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE”

TO QUEEN ELIZABETH II CHALLENGE CUP PRESENTED BY DIXIANA

Rigney Racing’s homebred Buchu has not spent a lot of time at Keeneland, but when she does, she makes the most of it.

“We are going to do the same thing we’ve done the past two times and that is ship over the morning of the race,” trainer Phil Bauer said Thursday morning from his main base at Churchill Downs. “I know we don’t train there, but it is almost like a home-field advantage for her and it works well.”

Buchu will come to Keeneland Saturday for the $750,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) Presented by Dixiana in her bid to remain undefeated at the track. She won the Jessamine (G2) Presented by Keeneland November last fall and opened her 2024 campaign with a victory in the Appalachian (G2) Presented by Japan Racing Association.

Saturday’s race will mark the first start for Buchu since the Del Mar Oaks (G1) on Aug. 17 in which she finished fourth in a field of eight.

“We felt like the East Coast horses were maybe a little better (than the West Coast horses),” Bauer said. “In the nominations, it looked like there was plenty of speed and then there was not. She was a victim of circumstance, something we couldn’t control.”

Buchu received a little time off after returning from Del Mar and has had three works since.

“She’s doing well, and we freshened her after Del Mar,” Bauer said. “(The Queen Elizabeth II) was our target all year. It’s a lofty goal, but she’s not that far off (from the top fillies). Maybe we could pick up the pieces with some early speed in there.”

GALLOPING OUT

Siena Farm and WinStar Farm’s Mullikin, undefeated in four races this year including the Forego (G1) and the John A. Nerud (G2), worked 5 furlongs in :59.60 Thursday morning over a fast track as he continued preparations for an expected start in the Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) at Del Mar on Nov. 1.

Trainer Rodolphe Brisset said Mullikin would ship to California Oct. 28.

PROSPECTIVE FIELDS FOR UPCOMING STAKES

$350,000 LEXUS RAVEN RUN (G2) (Entries taken Saturday; race Saturday, Oct. 19) – Emery (trainer Brad Cox), Haulin Ice (Saffie Joseph Jr.) Legadema (Phil Bauer), Mink’s Palace (Eddie Kenneally), My Mane Squeeze (Mike Maker), V V’s Dream (Kenny McPeek). Possible: Cap Classique (Brittany Russell), Fibber (Chris Hartman).

$300,000 PERRYVILLE (G3) (Entries taken Saturday; race Saturday, Oct. 19) – Book’em Danno (Derek Ryan), Epic Ride (John Ennis), Illuminate (Todd Pletcher), Justifreak (Kenneally), Locked (Pletcher), Patriot Spirit (Michael Campbell), West Saratoga (Larry Demeritte).

$300,000 ROOD & RIDDLE DOWAGER (G3) (Entries taken Sunday; race Sunday, Oct. 20) – Anatolian (Maker), Chop Chop (Cox), Forever After All (Brendan Walsh), Let’sbefrankbaby (AUS) (Mark Casse). Possible: Neecie Marie (Butch Reid), Surprisingly (Pletcher).

FALL MEET SECOND WEEK 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.

Thursday, Oct. 10

Make-A-Wish Day. This is the 17th consecutive year Keeneland has hosted the event, the culmination of a rewarding experience for a special group of 10 children. Local Thoroughbred farms and organizations team up with Keeneland to grant wishes for these children, who with their families are treated to a VIP experience, complete with presenting a trophy after each race, meeting jockeys and experiencing the excitement of a day at the races. Fans can participate in a silent auction located near the Paddock. Fans may donate to Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana.

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 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.

Friday, Oct. 11

Fall $400 Challenge. Registration is open for Keeneland’s live bankroll handicapping tournament, which 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 (BCBC) berth and as many as four National Horseplayers Championship spots are up for grabs. Click here for more information. The Challenge is only available for players who are at Keeneland. Participants may register the day of the contest.

Big Blue Day. In celebration of Homecoming Weekend at the University of Kentucky, Keeneland will become the center of Big Blue Nation. Fans will enjoy a pep rally and appearances throughout the day by such UK royalty as singer/song-writer Hannah Ellis, who will sing the National Anthem, along with basketball superstar Jack “Goose” Givens, football standout Nate Northington and others. Keep your eye on Keeneland Bugler Steve Buttleman, who will lead fans in the UK fight song, “On! On! U of K.” Givens and Northington will participate in book signings on the North Terrace from 1-4 p.m., and other special activities are scheduled. UK hosts Vanderbilt in football the following day.

Saturday, Oct. 12

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 tract with a drawing for prizes from John Deere/Meade Tractor.

On Oct. 26, a special Halloween edition of Sunrise Trackside with a costume contest and an appearance by the Headless Horseman will take place.

Book signing with Tom Hammond, who wrote Races, Games, and Olympic Dreams: A Sportscaster’s Life with Mark Story will take place at Milliners Corner (near The Keeneland Shop) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hammond, who received the 2023 Special Eclipse Award for Career Excellence, spent 10 years as an announcer at Keeneland Sales early in his storied career.

In Races, Games, and Olympic Dreams: A Sportscaster’s Life, Hammond and Story, sports columnist for the Lexington Herald Leader, reveal how a Kentucky native who began reading horse racing results on Lexington radio went on to become one of the nation’s top broadcasters. Hammond most prominently was the longtime host of NBC Sports’ coverage of the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup World Championships, highlighted by American Pharoah’s historic 2015 “Grand Slam” during which he won the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland.

As part of the NBC Sports broadcast team, Hammond covered 13 Olympic Games, anchoring track and field, gymnastics, figure skating and speed skating, among others. He was a play-by-play announcer on NFL games and was the lead voice for Notre Dame football on NBC.

$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 TwinSpires, 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. Prices include cash and as many as six BCBC berths and 10 NHC spots (based on number of entries).

Sunday, Oct. 13

Keeneland 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. Kids Club members and their families are invited to a special day at the races and will receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating when they present their membership cards at admission entrances. Children’s activities in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will include face painting, a sweet treat and activities with local community partners such as Amplify Horse Racing, Kentucky Children’s Hospital, LexArts and Eckert’s Orchard. Sign up for the Kids Club at Keeneland.com/kidsclub.

FALL MEET LEADERS

Through Oct. 9 (4 days of 17-day season)

Jockey

Starts

Wins

2nd

3rd

Purses

Tyler Gaffalione

$1,442,519

Jose Ortiz

$1,239,362

Luis Saez

$830,594

Trainer

Starts