http://www.kentucky.com/303/index.xml News, sports, and entertainment from Kentucky.com en-us Copyright 2008 Kentucky.com Keeneland 60 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:55:54 EDT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's Workbench webmaster@kentucky.com http://www.kentucky.com/288/story/410109.html http://www.kentucky.com/288/story/410109.html Tue, 20 May 2008 02:03 EDT
I mean, when you talk about flight risks (as suspected in the Curlin ownership situation), Big Brown is a whole lot more certain to disappear. His owners have said so. He won't race at age 4.

Under different circumstances, Horse of the Year Curlin probably would have disappeared into the stud at the end of 2007 and we'd never have seen him win the $6 million Dubai World Cup in March.

But Curlin can't go anywhere except to the next racetrack. With hundreds of former fen-phen users seeking the assets of two of his three owners (Shirley Cunningham and Bill Gallion), the ownership situation is a tad too touchy to do a worthwhile stallion deal.

That's why I'd like to thank the judge. He inadvertently gave the rest of us an extended glimpse of a great horse as he matures and masters the world stage. Last I heard, Curlin was nominated for France's premier race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386352.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386352.html Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:06 EDT
Race 7 saw Gomez disqualified from winning on Accredit. In the same race, Arnold had cause for concern when the colt he trains, Veiled Prophet, tried to climb the rail soon after the start, dislodging jockey Miguel Mena.

Race 8 found Arnold suggesting to Gomez, "mine ran through the fence and you got taken down, so maybe something good will happen here."

Arnold called that one right. Minutes later, Gomez rode Communique to a slight upset victory in the $150,000 Grey Goose Bewitch Stakes for Arnold and the filly's owner, G. Watts Humphrey Jr.

The good moment replaced the bad of the previous race in a heartbeat. That's the short time it took for Communique to catch the leader and win the stakes by half a length.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386393.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386393.html Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:56 EDT
Last week, Patrick spent time at Keeneland and Churchill Downs, met 2004 Derby winner Smarty Jones, and rode horses with Kentucky Riding for Hope. Susan Munro, Patrick's mother, explains the sounds Patrick hears "so he can get a better understanding of what is his world, because he can't see it. It has been amazing to explain everything we have experienced this week."

"Are they racing?" Patrick asked John Greely, his volunteer Make-A-Wish host, before he started cheering at the top of his lungs at Keeneland.

The Make-A-Wish foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.

After the third race, jockey Garrett Gomez met with Greely and Patrick in the jockeys' room, where he gave Patrick his hat and whip. Patrick said Gomez was his hero and decided to bet on the horse Gomez was riding in each race.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386353.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386353.html Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:50 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 9,240; on-track betting, $929,651; total betting including simulcast: $7,046,232

Coming up: Keeneland closes out its spring meet Friday with the running of the $200,000 Grade II Fifth Third Elkhorn Stakes at 12 furlongs on the turf.

Final furlong

The big news on closing day is a record Pick Six carryover: $375,412. This exceeds the previous record on April 13 of $307,049.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386354.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386354.html Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:06 EDT
Mts. 1st 2nd 3rd

Kent Desormeaux 97 20 10 13

John Velazquez 61 13 13 9

Garret Gomez 74 12 13 10]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/385232.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/385232.html Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:04 EDT
"It's not as easy as it once was," agreed Keeneland President and CEO Nick Nicholson. "And I'm not going to criticize the critics. I understand their frustration."

A wide-ranging variety of people have been voicing opinions on Keeneland's betting drop and whether it relates to the mystery of betting Polytrack.

The nation's leading trainer, Todd Pletcher, suggested this week that Keeneland's drop in betting might "reflect that the big bettors don't have confidence in the surface."

Pletcher said he is concerned because "ultimately we all know that that's what generates the purses and we need their confidence in the surface for it to be successful."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/385231.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/385231.html Thu, 24 Apr 2008 06:15 EDT
This day last year: on-track attendance, 9,625; on-track betting, $960,541; total betting including simulcast, $7,448,888.

Coming up: On tap Thursday is the $150,000 Grade III Grey Goose Bewitch Stakes for fillies and mares 4-years-old and up.

Final furlong

Keeneland has a Pick Six carryover of $158,794.31 going into Thurday's races.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/382293.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/382293.html Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
Sterwins, winning the $150,000 Grade III Ben Ali Stakes for Pierce and owner Eugene Melnyk, actually was completing the Pierce weekend exacta: the Ben Ali Stakes Sunday and the Giant's Causeway Stakes with Danceroftherealm on Saturday.

Sterwins paid $28.80, coming from last to win the 11/8-mile race on the Polytrack.

With Shaun Bridgmohan riding, Sterwins blew past the favorite, Go Between, in the stretch to defeat the latter by 31/4 lengths, Sir Whimsey following in third place in the field of six.

It wasn't the biggest race that Melnyk Racing Stables has won, for among the Canadian operation's credits has been the Breeders' Cup Sprint with Speightstown. Yet the Ben Ali was significant because the race revealed a new dimension for Sterwins.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/382284.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/382284.html Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:11 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 20,107; on-track betting, $1,364,030; total betting including simulcast, $9,197,226.

What's coming up

Keeneland is dark Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, 12 fillies and mares will contest the $150,000 Grade III Grey Goose Bewitch at 11/2 miles on turf.

Final furlong]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/381569.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/381569.html Sun, 20 Apr 2008 07:14 EDT
The suit was dark. But not so dark it was a funeral suit, as events turned out.

"They had us buried, but we're not dead yet," Pletcher remarked, in a rare joking mood.

Pletcher has been almost giddy the past two weekends, a heady eight-day stretch capped off with Behindatthebar ($13.60) winning the Lexington on Saturday by a length over Samba Rooster, with Riley Tucker finishing third.

Last weekend, Pletcher put himself directly into the Kentucky Derby picture when he ran 1-2 in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes with Monba and Cowboy Cal. The outcome was remarkable, considering Pletcher started out this season with no serious Derby prospects.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/381549.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/381549.html Sun, 20 Apr 2008 11:58 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 33,821; on-track betting, $2,223,291; total betting including simulcast, $15,037,839.

What's coming up

On tap Sunday is the $150,000 Grade III Ben Ali Stakes for 4-year-olds and up, racing 9 furlongs.

Final furlong]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/380877.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/380877.html Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
Some call it the Last Ditch Derby: the last chance for some to win enough graded stakes earnings to get into the top 20 eligible to run in the Kentucky Derby.

It's been quite an evolution for the Lexington Stakes, a race few took seriously until trainer D. Wayne Lukas launched Derby winner Charismatic in this 11/16-mile event.

Now the race is on every radar screen as horses progress along the Derby campaign trail. Several in Saturday's field of 11 are considered possible entrants in the Derby if they can win sufficient money at Keeneland.

It's their last chance, with no other graded stakes offered for Derby hopefuls prior to the first Saturday in May.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/379938.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/379938.html Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:06 EDT
Sovereign Duty nailed stablemate Sweet Shani at the finish to win by a neck and pay $7.20 in the $160,125 Royal Chase for the Sport of Kings, with Best Attack finishing third.

The tight finish was a thriller, after Sweet Shani had the race to herself throughout 21/2 miles, sometimes leading by 9 lengths.

But the real thriller has been the turnaround for Sovereign Duty, who was washed up at River Downs before trainer Jonathan Sheppard acquired the Kingmambo gelding, a $425,000 Keeneland sales yearling.

What to do with a horse worth nearly half a million dollars who can't win? Sovereign Duty answered that question Thursday, giving Sheppard and jockey Danielle Hodsdon their second consecutive win in this steeplechase.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/379926.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/379926.html Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:59 EDT
You never know who you might see.

In pre-retirement life, they were a judge, a restaurant owner, a corporate executive, a fire captain and even the University of Kentucky police officer who guarded Coach Adolph Rupp.

Now, during Keeneland's April and October racing meets, they work long days for modest wages opening doors and helping people get where they need to be. Some move to Lexington for the privilege. And they seem to enjoy every minute of it.

"We used to come down here for long 3-B weekends," said Albert P. Horrigan, a retired state district court judge from Flint, Mich. "You know -- betting, bourbon and burgoo."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/379921.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/379921.html Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:36 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 9,147; on-track betting, $1,006,158; total betting including simulcast, $7,299,976

What's coming up

Last year's Toyota Blue Grass Stakes winner, Dominican, makes his 2008 debut Friday in an allowance race. He has been away from the races since August.

In the featured $125,000 Grade III Doubledogdare Stakes for fillies and mares, last fall's Spinster Stakes winner, Panty Raid, will make her season's debut. She's 2-for-2 at Keeneland.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378868.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378868.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:43 EDT
The horse shared the trip with hundreds of chickens and ducks, a flight to Miami that turned back twice because of engine fire and other problems. Canonero II got to Churchill Downs, but they didn't want to let him in because no one had heard of him.

"These are different times," said Dante Zanelli Jr., trainer of another South American-raced horse, Tomcito, who's at Keeneland awaiting Saturday's $325,000 Coolmore Lexington Stakes.

Horse travel and communications have changed radically since Canonero II nearly won the Triple Crown in 1971. Modern technology sent Tomcito's classy reputation ahead of him to the United States.

Just how classy he was, no one could be sure. He was Horse of the Year in Peru and defeated older horses last fall to win at the Derby distance of 11/4 miles and the Belmont distance of 11/2 miles. The question was not whether he was a good horse, but how he would stack up against Grade I American horses.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378859.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378859.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
A record Pick Six carryover of $307,049 contributed to a total pool of $1,040,949. The winning numbers in the fourth through ninth races were: 7-1-3-7-9-5.

The Pick Six requires players to correctly pick the winners of six consecutive designated races. The Pick Six had not been hit at Keeneland in the past six days, resulting in the large carryover pool.

As the races unfolded Wednesday, it became apparent that the Pick Six probably would be hit after three favorites and a second choice took the first four races.

Players bet a total of $733,900 into the pool Wednesday. Ten of the 41 winning tickets were sold on-track, according to Keeneland. The rest were at simulcast facilities or online.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378837.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378837.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:50 EDT
Yesterday's figures: On-track attendance, 10,572; on-track betting, $956,243; total betting including simulcast, $7,296,947.

This day last year: On-track attendance, 8,352; on-track betting, $944,347; total betting including simulcast, $7,299,976.

What's coming up: Steeplechase horses will take to the course Thursday for the $150,000 Royal Chase for the Sport of Kings. Preemptive Strike, a 10-year-old, is the 5-2 favorite in a field of seven going 21/2 miles.

Final furlong

In a real head-bobber of a race through the deep stretch, Alwajeeha prevailed over Sweepstake by a head to win the 1-mile Appalachian Stakes in 1:37.37. I Lost My Choo was third, a nose back, in a three-filly photo finish for the $125,000 purse in the Grade II run over the turf.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378804.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378804.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
Lear succeeds William T. "Buddy" Bishop III, who died April 3. He joins Louis Lee Haggin III and William S. Farish as Keeneland trustees.

Lear is chair of the board of the Kentucky law firm of Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC and the longtime legal counsel for Keeneland. He has represented the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, and several Central Kentucky thoroughbred farms.

Lear also is one of Kentucky's leading practitioners in the areas of real estate development law, municipal law and economic development incentives. He has served as a state representative and a prominent Lexington civic leader.

"This is a bittersweet occasion for me," Lear said. "I am truly honored to have been chosen as trustee, but deeply saddened by the events that prompted my election.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/375642.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/375642.html Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
He looked so eager and energetic that he hardly appeared to have raced 11/8 miles Saturday in the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes.

And that was the point that trainer Steve Asmussen's assistant, Scott Blasi, made about Pyro's surprising, disappointing 10th-place finish as the even-money favorite in the race won by Monba. Pyro apparently did not put out much effort in the race because he seemed not to like the Polytrack at Keeneland.

"He just didn't run," Blasi said. Pyro, the last to leave the gate in the field of 12, never got closer than eighth in the early furlongs before dropping back to 10th.

"The good news is, he came out of it in great shape," Blasi said. "His attitude is great.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/375619.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/375619.html Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
You'd have made $45.80 for your $2 Sunday if you bet on Theriot riding Mr. Nightlinger to victory in the $125,000 Shakertown Stakes.

Theriot brought the long shot home a winner by 13/4 lengths over even-money favorite Smart Enough in a 51/2-furlong race on turf where everything stacked up on the side of the favorite.

Theriot, 29, said "we were surprised he won. We were."

He credited the turf, made soft and labeled "good" after intermittent rain and even sleet fell during the cold afternoon. But he could also have credited himself, because Theriot is on a winning roll.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/375606.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/375606.html Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 9,076; on-track betting, $1,058,934; total betting including simulcast, $9,992,454.

What's coming up

Keeneland will be dark Monday and Tuesday.

Ten fillies were entered for the $125,000 Appalachian (G3) at a mile on the Keeneland turf Wednesday.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374867.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374867.html Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
But with which horse -- Monba or Cowboy Cal?

Monba, it turned out. Monba passed Cowboy Cal in the closing yards to win by a neck in 1:49.71, with long shot Kentucky Bear finishing third in this 84th running of Keeneland's premier race.

Pyro, the even-money favorite in the field of 12, finished 10th, beating only Big Truck and Stone Bird. Up at the front, Monba paid $19.60 to win as Pletcher got the Blue Grass victory, setting his stable up with good prospects for the Kentucky Derby.

The Blue Grass outcome changed the Derby outlook markedly, especially because Pletcher had been flying low under the radar on the Derby trail this spring.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374875.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374875.html Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
This day last year: Attendance, 18,056; on-track betting, $2,369,659; total betting including simulcast, $18,668,534.



WHAT'S COMING UP


Sunday's feature is a turf sprint, the 12th running of the $125,000-added Shakertown (GIII).

Smart Enough, who has won 10 of 15 starts on the grass, will carry top weight with 121 pounds in the 51/2-furlong race which drew a field of 12.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374898.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374898.html Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
Turns out, not even a 13-week layoff could take the edge off Rutherienne's nearly flawless form.

In a race that featured four Grade I winners and a Canadian champion, it was the dynamic consistency of Rutherienne that prevailed as she rallied from next-to-last in the final three-eighths of a mile to capture the $200,000 Jenny Wiley on the turf at Keeneland.

The Jenny Wiley was one of two graded stakes races on the undercard of the Grade 1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes.

The 4-year-old Rutherienne was making her first start since capturing the Grade III Frances A. Genter Stakes at Calder last Dec. 29.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374866.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374866.html Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
"Odds are no concern," Baker said. "If you have a good colt, you expect him to run."

So Kentucky Bear ran his way to third place in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes and into the Kentucky Derby. Well, not quite.

The $75,000 Kentucky Bear received Saturday were his first graded stakes earnings.

"We'll take him to Churchill and enter, but I don't think we'll have enough earnings," Baker said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374525.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374525.html Sun, 13 Apr 2008 19:57 EDT
After being without a major contender on the Derby trail for most of the season, the Eclipse Award-winning trainer is again in prime shape to have one of the favorites come the first Saturday in May after his duo of Monba and Cowboy Cal ran first and second, respectively, in the Grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on Saturday.

After breaking alertly from post-position three, Cowboy Cal led the 12-horse field through fractions of :24.96 and :49.01 as his stablemate stalked him between horses down the backstretch.

Monba moved up to Cowboy Cal's flank as the duo hit the final turn, and from there it was a two-horse battle to the wire.

Although Monba appeared ready to sail past Cowboy Cal on the outside, the latter proved game in the stretch as he stubbornly held a half-length advantage. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374131.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374131.html Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
Saturday may tell us for sure. It's Toyota Blue Grass Stakes day at Keeneland. A robust field of 12 head to the post. Pletcher trains two of the 12. Cowboy Cal and Monba. Both long shots. And that tells you how Pletcher's spring has been.

Frustrating?

"We prefer to win every single race, every prep race, every Grade I race," joked the nation's most successful trainer Friday, tucked inside the office of his Keeneland barn, his computer in front of him, the rain beating down on the roof overhead.

Or was he joking? Pletcher has won four consecutive Eclipse awards. His earnings are astronomical. Yet he's never won the Kentucky Derby, going 0-for-19 in the sport's most important race. Five of those entrants came last year, tying a Derby record. Yet, Circular Quay's sixth-place showing was the best of the quintet.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374140.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374140.html Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
But after Thursday's announcement that the sheikh was involved in acquiring North America's oldest thoroughbred auction house, Lexington-based Fasig-Tipton Co., some think his most significant impact is yet to come.

The day after Fasig-Tipton said it reached an agreement to be acquired by Dubai-based Synergy Investments Ltd., members of the auction community were trying to digest what, if any, major changes might be on the horizon.

Synergy Investments is headed by Abdulla Al Habbai, a close associate of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed.

Next to Fasig-Tipton itself, the company with the potential to be most affected by the deal is in-town rival Keeneland.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374136.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374136.html Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:28 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance: 17,016; on-track betting: $1,996,216; total betting including simulcast: $11,534,034.

What's coming up: Pyro leads the field in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, the final major Kentucky Derby prep, on Saturday. Pyro is the even-money favorite in the morning line in the Grade I, $750,000 race.

Final furlong: In winning the fifth race from last to first, Lady Carlock set a record of 1:58.57 for the Haggin turf course of 91/2 furlongs. Robby Albarado rode the winner, who passed 11 challengers, including runner-up Viva La Flag, at the end. Joyful Chaos held the previous record of 1:58.69.

.. Jockey Jamie Theriot won the daily double with Lil Tree in the first race and South Beach Luv in the second. He also won the fourth race with Funmaker and the sixth with Papa.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374148.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374148.html Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
Velasquez interrupted him:

"He said, 'Rick, look, Will you relax? I know this course. I know this horse. Just relax.' "

Did you?

"I relaxed," Dutrow said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/373058.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/373058.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:04 EDT
What might be the finish in the Kentucky Oaks if the 3-year-old fillies hook up again at Churchill Downs on May 2?

It might be a stretch (at 11/8 miles), but that could be their next stop after the $250,000 Stonerside over the Beard Course of 7 furlongs and 184 feet.

Ariege and Golden Doc A were ahead of only one filly through the first half-mile. But entering the stretch, they were running third (Ariege) and fourth.

Golden Doc A was forced much wider than Ariege before her stretch run and came up a length short as the 2-1 favorite. Ariege was 3-1.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/373028.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/373028.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:03 EDT
As did a racehorse named Big Truck.

You probably have been wondering as this season's Derby trail has progressed: Why would anyone name a colt Big Truck?

It's like this, according to Fein: The sire's name is Hook and Ladder. The logic is simple. So is everything else connected with this colt.

"We're regular people just having some fun," said Fein, who owns the colt but shares the joy of owning him with a whole lot of friends.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/373057.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/373057.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:37 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance: 7,683; on-track betting: $966,417; total betting including simulcast: $8,082,211.

What's coming up: Friday's feature is the $300,000 Grade I Maker's Mark Mile on the turf. Defending Breeders' Cup Mile champ Kip Deville won this race last year and has been off for 51/2 months. Kip Deville is the 5-2 morning line favorite for trainer Rick Dutrow and jockey Cornelio Velasquez.

Final furlong: Medjool, a Toyota Blue Grass Stakes entrant, had his first work over the Polytrack Thursday. He arrived from Southern California on Wednesday.

Stone Bird, another Blue Grass horse, also was a late arrival. The colt from Marylou Whitney Stables came from Oaklawn Park where he didn't have enough earnings to enter the Arkansas Derby.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371879.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371879.html Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:57 EDT
We refer to Kentucky Bear, at 50-1. Don't let the odds scare you. The jockey and trainer are amused at the morning-line number assigned to the Bear in a field of 12 drawn for Saturday and led by even-money favorite Pyro.

"He looks like a bargain at 50-1. He's a bargain at 10-1," said Reade Baker, who trains Kentucky Bear for Bear Stables Ltd. of Danny Dion.

Jockey Jamie Theriot worked Kentucky Bear for the first time recently and got off the colt saying, "Wow!" Theriot is over the moon about the Bear.

"Fifty-to-one is way over too much for him," Theriot exclaimed.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371899.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371899.html Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:07 EDT
Well, almost like found money.

Ventura, with Garrett Gomez riding hard, still had to work for her victory, coming from fourth at the top of the stretch to put away Street Sounds and Dawn After Dawn to win the Grade II stakes by a length.

But for a filly who hadn't previously raced on Keeneland's surface, she made it all look easy.

"I thought she'd be 5-1 or 6-1 because she'd never run on this track," said Bobby Frankel, who trains the 4-year-old daughter of Chester House for Juddmonte Farms.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371897.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371897.html Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:48 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 6,470; on-track betting, $872,712; total betting including simulcast, $7,204,370.

What's coming up: Thursday's featured stakes is the $250,000 Grade II Stonerside Beaumont for 3-year-old fillies. It's at 7 furlongs and 184 feet. On Friday, the feature is the $300,000 Grade I Maker's Mark Mile on the turf. And on Saturday, it's the $750,000 Grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, along with the $400,000 Grade II Commonwealth Stakes and the $200,000 Grade II Jenny Wiley Stakes.

Final furlong: On Saturday, Keeneland will partner with Oaklawn Park on a Premier Pick 4 that comprises the Blue Grass and Commonwealth Stakes from Keeneland and the Arkansas Derby and Instant Racing from Oaklawn.

.. TVG will broadcast live with the Blue Grass Stakes from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. A tape-delayed broadcast will be shown on ESPN's NTRA Racing to the Kentucky Derby from 5:30 to 7 p.m.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371900.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371900.html Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:07 EDT
Don Gato, a bay son of legendary sire Storm Cat, sold for $800,000 to Azerbaijan-based owner Mammed Mirza Gusseynov in the final session of Keeneland's April auction which was using a two-day format for the first time. In addition to boasting one of the most desirable pedigrees in the catalog, Don Gato flashed the kind of raw potential buyers usually salivate over.

Don Gato, a half-brother to 2005 Kentucky Oaks winner Summerly, drilled an eighth of a mile in a solid 10.20 during Monday's preview show despite running very green down the lane. That bit of inexperience combined with a declining ceiling at the top end of the market, might have kept the striking colt from hitting the seven-figure mark his connections hoped he would attain.

"It is a lot of money but ... it's kind of mixed emotions," said Tom VanMeter, who bred Don Gato in partnership with Michael Lowenbaum and Rand E. Dankner. "I really think he's well bought and I just offered to stay in with the guy so we'll see. (The colt) is very young and very green and wasn't pushed this winter at all. He wasn't professional at what he did and I think that was pretty obvious in his work."

Out of the winning Mr. Prospector mare Here I Go, Don Gato might prove to be a spectacular bargain in light of recent reports that Storm Cat's fertility has been on the decline.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/368776.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/368776.html Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:46 EDT
Sunday's figures: On-track attendance, 16,692; on-track betting, $1,148,543; total betting including simulcast, $8,198,528.

This day last year: There are no comparative figures because the track was closed for Easter.

What's coming up: Racing resumes Wednesday, with the $200,000 Grade II Vinery Madison the featured race, for fillies and mares 3 years old and up.

Final Furlong: Post time Wednesday will change from 1:15 to 1:10 p.m. for the remainder of the meet.

.. Michelle Nihei, trainer of Crack the Cognac, winner of the third race Sunday, has a Ph.D. in neuroscience. She left Johns Hopkins University after 41/2 years to work in racing. People in the sport know her best as a former assistant trainer for Todd Pletcher.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/368073.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/368073.html Sun, 06 Apr 2008 06:54 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 12,937; on-track betting, $1,323,556; total betting including simulcast, $13,305,371.

What's coming up: The featured race Sunday is the $100,000-added Lafayette Stakes for 3-year-olds at 7 furlongs on the Polytrack.

Final furlong: Jockey Rajiv Maragh flew to Keeneland specifically to ride Little Belle, the $34.20 upset winner Saturday in the Ashland Stakes. If people didn't know his name before then, they will now.

"I cracked a joke in the racing office when we entered," said assistant trainer Neal McLaughlin, of Maragh. "We were having trouble spelling his name. I said, it's soon to be a household name in Kentucky. Maybe after the Kentucky Oaks it will be."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/367323.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/367323.html Sat, 05 Apr 2008 02:07 EDT
Boss Lafitte was a $21.20 winner of the $150,000 Grade III Central Bank Transylvania Stakes by half a length over Riley Tucker after rains forced Keeneland to move the race off the turf and onto the Polytrack.

Boss Lafitte stole the thunder -- and plunder in the form of a $93,000 winner's purse -- from the favorite, Prussian, who led for three-quarters of a mile then faded to fourth. Budge Man, a bigger long shot than the winner, was third in the field of eight 3-year-olds racing 11/16 miles in 1:44.43.

Prussian was making his first start of the season. Jockey Kent Desormeaux remarked, "This was a good start."

Boss Lafitte is a proven turf horse and also a winner on a sloppy dirt track who apparently sees no difference when asked to run on the Polytrack. That says a lot for this son of Dynaformer -- and for the sire.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/367301.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/367301.html Sun, 06 Apr 2008 06:55 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 16,587; on-track betting, $1,617,982; total betting including simulcast, $10,974,146.

What's coming up: Saturday, 3-year-old fillies prepping for the Kentucky Oaks will race in the $500,000 Grade I Spinster Stakes. Top choices are Country Star and Proud Spell.

Final furlong: Jockey Robby Albarado got asked the inevitable question Friday at Keeneland: how was it to win the $6 million Dubai World Cup last Saturday on Curlin?

Said Albarado: "It was an amazing feeling, to do that way across the world, and Sheikh Mohammed is a breath of fresh air for horse racing. He's an unbelievable man. He's got a great passion for racing, and it seems like he's from Keeneland."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/366142.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/366142.html Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:07 EDT
Fans arriving at Keeneland on Friday for the opening of the spring meet can only hope the horses they back will run with hurrying hoofs -- straight down the Polytrack in this modern day of synthetic race courses and new ways to bet.

The two new wagers at Keeneland are the Super High Five and The Makers Mark Mile/Toyota Blue Grass Stakes Double. You can "high five" your way to a winning bet by picking the first five finishers of the last race in exact order, with a $1 minimum wager.

The other bet is self-explanatory and features two of Keeneland's premier races, the $300,000 Grade I Maker's Mark Mile for 4-year-olds and up on the turf April 11, and the $750,000 Grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes for 3-year-olds at 11/8 miles April 12. You have to pick the winners of both races to cash in.

Top Kentucky Derby contender Pyro, winner of the Risen Star Stakes and Louisiana Derby this winter, is the expected favorite in the Blue Grass.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/366138.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/366138.html Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:07 EDT
First post 1:15 p.m.

(Horses listed in post position order with saddle-cloth number)

1$17,000, claiming ($10,000), 4-year-olds and up, 6 furlongs

No. Horse Jockey Wt. Odds]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/364938.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/364938.html Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:04 EDT
Or so you'd think, listening to people who've worked with this 3-year-old filly. They say she walks on air, not Polytrack. Her aura defies commonplace descriptions like, "some kinda horse."

So if she's much more than "some kinda horse," what is Country Star? That's one of the principal questions that will come up on this opening weekend of the Keeneland meet.

Racing begins Friday; Country Star will race Saturday in the $500,000, Grade I Ashland Stakes against six other 3-year-old fillies. The weekend kicks off Friday with the $150,000, Grade III Transylvania Stakes for 3-year-olds on turf, and winds up Sunday with the $100,000-added Lafayette Stakes for 3-year-olds at 7 furlongs.

This won't be Keeneland's weekend for Kentucky Derby prep racing -- that's set for April 12 with the $750,000, Grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. Pyro will be a heavy favorite.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/361303.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/361303.html Sun, 30 Mar 2008 02:04 EDT
The cheering I would have expected. This was a major-league horse race of worldwide interest, after all. People were betting, most of them on Curlin, so naturally they would have cheered him to the wire.

But applause is something you would not expect to hear at a simulcast facility, where people go to bet more than to appreciate the horse. Applause is something that fans usually reserve for live racing, for an outstanding performance in a stakes race.

The unexpected applause at a simulcast made Saturday a special afternoon, for it was indicative of the respect Curlin has won from everyone who follows racing. People knew they had witnessed something special. Something they might not see again for a long time.

Truly, Curlin is a horse for the ages. He is proving it more with each start he makes. Racing fans are fortunate to have him still on the track this year, at age 4.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/285854.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/285854.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:37 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/285680.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/285680.html Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:21 EST
As the seven-day auction ended Sunday, that initial reluctance to declare the sale a rousing triumph proved to be sensible restraint rather than pessimism.

After running well ahead of its record pace during the first 48 hours, the Keeneland January sale eased up a bit as gross receipts declined steadily over the next five days.

While the overall gross was up 15 percent over 2007 numbers through the first two sessions, the strength at the top wasn't enough to compensate for the dropoff in quality that followed.

A total of 1,493 horses sold for $70,446,000, down from the record $72,868,200 generated from 1,862 lots one year ago. The average, however, increased 20.6 percent from $39,134 in 2007, while the record median of $17,000 rose 13.3 percent from $15,000 posted last year.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/281943.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/281943.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:37 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/280899.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/280899.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:37 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/82743.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/82743.html Tue, 29 May 2007 12:00 EDT
Attendance: 17,654

On-track betting: $1,651,477

Total betting: $10,706,008.

THIS DAY LAST YEAR]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/423595.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/423595.html Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:45 EDT
Keeneland will offer a record $5.4 million in stakes purses . one of the richest stakes programs in North America . for its 2008 fall race meeting, to be held October 3-25.

Fifteen of the 19 stakes scheduled for the fall are graded, including three whose graded status was recently elevated by the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. The $400,000 First Lady, for older fillies and mares at one mile on the turf, earned Grade I status; while the Woodford Reserve Bourbon, for 2-year-olds at 11.16 miles on the turf, and Bryan Station, for 3-year-olds at one mile on the turf, were promoted from listed to Grade III status.

Purses for the Woodford Reserve Bourbon and Woodford Stakes, for 3-year-olds and up at 5. furlongs on the turf, were each increased $50,000 to $200,000 and $150,000, respectively.

.Keeneland's fall meet is unlike any other in the world; competitive racing in such a beautiful environment,. said Director of Racing Rogers Beasley. .We are very excited to be able to offer our horsemen and fans so many great racing opportunities.. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/391063.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/391063.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:51 EDT
The on-track attendance represents a 13 percent increase over last spring's total of 215,030 and fell just behind the record total of 244,145 set during the 2006 spring meet. Average daily attendance of 15,225 rose six percent from 14,335 in 2007, and ranks third-highest behind 2006 (16,276) and 2004 (15,522). Attendance totaled 20,000 or more on four of the 16 spring race dates between April 4-25.

All-sources wagering (on-track and off-track wagering and whole-card simulcasting conducted at Keeneland) totaled $150,471,818, the second-highest spring meet handle and five percent off last spring's record of $158,368,309. Average daily all-sources handle was $9,404,489, down 10.9 percent from last year's record $10,557,887.

On-track wagering, which includes incoming simulcasts, totaled $25,973,789 for 16 days. Last year's handle was $25,859,224 for 15 days.

Keeneland realized several wagering records surrounding the April 12 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, when 12 horses, the largest field since 1983, went postward.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/387417.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/387417.html Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:06 EDT
Trainer Shug McGaughey was remembering that race, the Frizette Stakes in New York, when Dancing Forever's mother fractured a hind leg, much as Barbaro had in the Preakness two years ago.

Unlike Barbaro, Dancinginmydreams survived. She spent 13 months at New Bolton veterinary hospital, the same surgery center near Philadelphia where Barbaro lived until his death caused by laminitis eight months following his accident.

And as McGaughey recalled Friday at Keeneland, Barbaro's trainer, Michael Matz, used to drive to New Bolton to check on Dancinginmydreams because his farm is close by the center.

The mare's hind pastern had been so badly fractured, McGaughey said, that the surgeon told him it looked as if a shotgun shell had been shot into the bone.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/387416.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/387416.html Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:06 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 17,654; on-track betting, $1,651,477; total betting including simulcast, $10,706,009.

Final furlong

With a record $375,412 carryover in the Pick Six, the total pool Friday was $1,741,475. Because the meet was ending, a mandatory payoff went to ticket holders with five winners. Those winning tickets were worth $25,970 each.

.. Kent Desormeaux ended the meet as the leading rider, something he hadn't thought would happen when the meet began.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386352.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386352.html Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:06 EDT
Race 7 saw Gomez disqualified from winning on Accredit. In the same race, Arnold had cause for concern when the colt he trains, Veiled Prophet, tried to climb the rail soon after the start, dislodging jockey Miguel Mena.

Race 8 found Arnold suggesting to Gomez, "mine ran through the fence and you got taken down, so maybe something good will happen here."

Arnold called that one right. Minutes later, Gomez rode Communique to a slight upset victory in the $150,000 Grey Goose Bewitch Stakes for Arnold and the filly's owner, G. Watts Humphrey Jr.

The good moment replaced the bad of the previous race in a heartbeat. That's the short time it took for Communique to catch the leader and win the stakes by half a length.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386393.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386393.html Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:56 EDT
Last week, Patrick spent time at Keeneland and Churchill Downs, met 2004 Derby winner Smarty Jones, and rode horses with Kentucky Riding for Hope. Susan Munro, Patrick's mother, explains the sounds Patrick hears "so he can get a better understanding of what is his world, because he can't see it. It has been amazing to explain everything we have experienced this week."

"Are they racing?" Patrick asked John Greely, his volunteer Make-A-Wish host, before he started cheering at the top of his lungs at Keeneland.

The Make-A-Wish foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.

After the third race, jockey Garrett Gomez met with Greely and Patrick in the jockeys' room, where he gave Patrick his hat and whip. Patrick said Gomez was his hero and decided to bet on the horse Gomez was riding in each race.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386353.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386353.html Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:50 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 9,240; on-track betting, $929,651; total betting including simulcast: $7,046,232

Coming up: Keeneland closes out its spring meet Friday with the running of the $200,000 Grade II Fifth Third Elkhorn Stakes at 12 furlongs on the turf.

Final furlong

The big news on closing day is a record Pick Six carryover: $375,412. This exceeds the previous record on April 13 of $307,049.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386354.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/386354.html Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:06 EDT
Mts. 1st 2nd 3rd

Kent Desormeaux 97 20 10 13

John Velazquez 61 13 13 9

Garret Gomez 74 12 13 10]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/385232.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/385232.html Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:04 EDT
"It's not as easy as it once was," agreed Keeneland President and CEO Nick Nicholson. "And I'm not going to criticize the critics. I understand their frustration."

A wide-ranging variety of people have been voicing opinions on Keeneland's betting drop and whether it relates to the mystery of betting Polytrack.

The nation's leading trainer, Todd Pletcher, suggested this week that Keeneland's drop in betting might "reflect that the big bettors don't have confidence in the surface."

Pletcher said he is concerned because "ultimately we all know that that's what generates the purses and we need their confidence in the surface for it to be successful."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/385231.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/385231.html Thu, 24 Apr 2008 06:15 EDT
This day last year: on-track attendance, 9,625; on-track betting, $960,541; total betting including simulcast, $7,448,888.

Coming up: On tap Thursday is the $150,000 Grade III Grey Goose Bewitch Stakes for fillies and mares 4-years-old and up.

Final furlong

Keeneland has a Pick Six carryover of $158,794.31 going into Thurday's races.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/382293.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/382293.html Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
Sterwins, winning the $150,000 Grade III Ben Ali Stakes for Pierce and owner Eugene Melnyk, actually was completing the Pierce weekend exacta: the Ben Ali Stakes Sunday and the Giant's Causeway Stakes with Danceroftherealm on Saturday.

Sterwins paid $28.80, coming from last to win the 11/8-mile race on the Polytrack.

With Shaun Bridgmohan riding, Sterwins blew past the favorite, Go Between, in the stretch to defeat the latter by 31/4 lengths, Sir Whimsey following in third place in the field of six.

It wasn't the biggest race that Melnyk Racing Stables has won, for among the Canadian operation's credits has been the Breeders' Cup Sprint with Speightstown. Yet the Ben Ali was significant because the race revealed a new dimension for Sterwins.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/382284.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/382284.html Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:11 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 20,107; on-track betting, $1,364,030; total betting including simulcast, $9,197,226.

What's coming up

Keeneland is dark Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, 12 fillies and mares will contest the $150,000 Grade III Grey Goose Bewitch at 11/2 miles on turf.

Final furlong]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/381569.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/381569.html Sun, 20 Apr 2008 07:14 EDT
The suit was dark. But not so dark it was a funeral suit, as events turned out.

"They had us buried, but we're not dead yet," Pletcher remarked, in a rare joking mood.

Pletcher has been almost giddy the past two weekends, a heady eight-day stretch capped off with Behindatthebar ($13.60) winning the Lexington on Saturday by a length over Samba Rooster, with Riley Tucker finishing third.

Last weekend, Pletcher put himself directly into the Kentucky Derby picture when he ran 1-2 in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes with Monba and Cowboy Cal. The outcome was remarkable, considering Pletcher started out this season with no serious Derby prospects.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/381549.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/381549.html Sun, 20 Apr 2008 11:58 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 33,821; on-track betting, $2,223,291; total betting including simulcast, $15,037,839.

What's coming up

On tap Sunday is the $150,000 Grade III Ben Ali Stakes for 4-year-olds and up, racing 9 furlongs.

Final furlong]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/380877.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/380877.html Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
Some call it the Last Ditch Derby: the last chance for some to win enough graded stakes earnings to get into the top 20 eligible to run in the Kentucky Derby.

It's been quite an evolution for the Lexington Stakes, a race few took seriously until trainer D. Wayne Lukas launched Derby winner Charismatic in this 11/16-mile event.

Now the race is on every radar screen as horses progress along the Derby campaign trail. Several in Saturday's field of 11 are considered possible entrants in the Derby if they can win sufficient money at Keeneland.

It's their last chance, with no other graded stakes offered for Derby hopefuls prior to the first Saturday in May.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/379938.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/379938.html Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:06 EDT
Sovereign Duty nailed stablemate Sweet Shani at the finish to win by a neck and pay $7.20 in the $160,125 Royal Chase for the Sport of Kings, with Best Attack finishing third.

The tight finish was a thriller, after Sweet Shani had the race to herself throughout 21/2 miles, sometimes leading by 9 lengths.

But the real thriller has been the turnaround for Sovereign Duty, who was washed up at River Downs before trainer Jonathan Sheppard acquired the Kingmambo gelding, a $425,000 Keeneland sales yearling.

What to do with a horse worth nearly half a million dollars who can't win? Sovereign Duty answered that question Thursday, giving Sheppard and jockey Danielle Hodsdon their second consecutive win in this steeplechase.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/379926.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/379926.html Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:59 EDT
You never know who you might see.

In pre-retirement life, they were a judge, a restaurant owner, a corporate executive, a fire captain and even the University of Kentucky police officer who guarded Coach Adolph Rupp.

Now, during Keeneland's April and October racing meets, they work long days for modest wages opening doors and helping people get where they need to be. Some move to Lexington for the privilege. And they seem to enjoy every minute of it.

"We used to come down here for long 3-B weekends," said Albert P. Horrigan, a retired state district court judge from Flint, Mich. "You know -- betting, bourbon and burgoo."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/379921.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/379921.html Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:36 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 9,147; on-track betting, $1,006,158; total betting including simulcast, $7,299,976

What's coming up

Last year's Toyota Blue Grass Stakes winner, Dominican, makes his 2008 debut Friday in an allowance race. He has been away from the races since August.

In the featured $125,000 Grade III Doubledogdare Stakes for fillies and mares, last fall's Spinster Stakes winner, Panty Raid, will make her season's debut. She's 2-for-2 at Keeneland.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378868.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378868.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:43 EDT
The horse shared the trip with hundreds of chickens and ducks, a flight to Miami that turned back twice because of engine fire and other problems. Canonero II got to Churchill Downs, but they didn't want to let him in because no one had heard of him.

"These are different times," said Dante Zanelli Jr., trainer of another South American-raced horse, Tomcito, who's at Keeneland awaiting Saturday's $325,000 Coolmore Lexington Stakes.

Horse travel and communications have changed radically since Canonero II nearly won the Triple Crown in 1971. Modern technology sent Tomcito's classy reputation ahead of him to the United States.

Just how classy he was, no one could be sure. He was Horse of the Year in Peru and defeated older horses last fall to win at the Derby distance of 11/4 miles and the Belmont distance of 11/2 miles. The question was not whether he was a good horse, but how he would stack up against Grade I American horses.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378859.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378859.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
A record Pick Six carryover of $307,049 contributed to a total pool of $1,040,949. The winning numbers in the fourth through ninth races were: 7-1-3-7-9-5.

The Pick Six requires players to correctly pick the winners of six consecutive designated races. The Pick Six had not been hit at Keeneland in the past six days, resulting in the large carryover pool.

As the races unfolded Wednesday, it became apparent that the Pick Six probably would be hit after three favorites and a second choice took the first four races.

Players bet a total of $733,900 into the pool Wednesday. Ten of the 41 winning tickets were sold on-track, according to Keeneland. The rest were at simulcast facilities or online.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378837.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378837.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:50 EDT
Yesterday's figures: On-track attendance, 10,572; on-track betting, $956,243; total betting including simulcast, $7,296,947.

This day last year: On-track attendance, 8,352; on-track betting, $944,347; total betting including simulcast, $7,299,976.

What's coming up: Steeplechase horses will take to the course Thursday for the $150,000 Royal Chase for the Sport of Kings. Preemptive Strike, a 10-year-old, is the 5-2 favorite in a field of seven going 21/2 miles.

Final furlong

In a real head-bobber of a race through the deep stretch, Alwajeeha prevailed over Sweepstake by a head to win the 1-mile Appalachian Stakes in 1:37.37. I Lost My Choo was third, a nose back, in a three-filly photo finish for the $125,000 purse in the Grade II run over the turf.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378804.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/378804.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
Lear succeeds William T. "Buddy" Bishop III, who died April 3. He joins Louis Lee Haggin III and William S. Farish as Keeneland trustees.

Lear is chair of the board of the Kentucky law firm of Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC and the longtime legal counsel for Keeneland. He has represented the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, and several Central Kentucky thoroughbred farms.

Lear also is one of Kentucky's leading practitioners in the areas of real estate development law, municipal law and economic development incentives. He has served as a state representative and a prominent Lexington civic leader.

"This is a bittersweet occasion for me," Lear said. "I am truly honored to have been chosen as trustee, but deeply saddened by the events that prompted my election.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/375642.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/375642.html Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
He looked so eager and energetic that he hardly appeared to have raced 11/8 miles Saturday in the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes.

And that was the point that trainer Steve Asmussen's assistant, Scott Blasi, made about Pyro's surprising, disappointing 10th-place finish as the even-money favorite in the race won by Monba. Pyro apparently did not put out much effort in the race because he seemed not to like the Polytrack at Keeneland.

"He just didn't run," Blasi said. Pyro, the last to leave the gate in the field of 12, never got closer than eighth in the early furlongs before dropping back to 10th.

"The good news is, he came out of it in great shape," Blasi said. "His attitude is great.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/375619.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/375619.html Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
You'd have made $45.80 for your $2 Sunday if you bet on Theriot riding Mr. Nightlinger to victory in the $125,000 Shakertown Stakes.

Theriot brought the long shot home a winner by 13/4 lengths over even-money favorite Smart Enough in a 51/2-furlong race on turf where everything stacked up on the side of the favorite.

Theriot, 29, said "we were surprised he won. We were."

He credited the turf, made soft and labeled "good" after intermittent rain and even sleet fell during the cold afternoon. But he could also have credited himself, because Theriot is on a winning roll.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/375606.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/375606.html Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 9,076; on-track betting, $1,058,934; total betting including simulcast, $9,992,454.

What's coming up

Keeneland will be dark Monday and Tuesday.

Ten fillies were entered for the $125,000 Appalachian (G3) at a mile on the Keeneland turf Wednesday.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374867.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374867.html Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
But with which horse -- Monba or Cowboy Cal?

Monba, it turned out. Monba passed Cowboy Cal in the closing yards to win by a neck in 1:49.71, with long shot Kentucky Bear finishing third in this 84th running of Keeneland's premier race.

Pyro, the even-money favorite in the field of 12, finished 10th, beating only Big Truck and Stone Bird. Up at the front, Monba paid $19.60 to win as Pletcher got the Blue Grass victory, setting his stable up with good prospects for the Kentucky Derby.

The Blue Grass outcome changed the Derby outlook markedly, especially because Pletcher had been flying low under the radar on the Derby trail this spring.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374875.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374875.html Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
This day last year: Attendance, 18,056; on-track betting, $2,369,659; total betting including simulcast, $18,668,534.



WHAT'S COMING UP


Sunday's feature is a turf sprint, the 12th running of the $125,000-added Shakertown (GIII).

Smart Enough, who has won 10 of 15 starts on the grass, will carry top weight with 121 pounds in the 51/2-furlong race which drew a field of 12.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374898.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374898.html Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
Turns out, not even a 13-week layoff could take the edge off Rutherienne's nearly flawless form.

In a race that featured four Grade I winners and a Canadian champion, it was the dynamic consistency of Rutherienne that prevailed as she rallied from next-to-last in the final three-eighths of a mile to capture the $200,000 Jenny Wiley on the turf at Keeneland.

The Jenny Wiley was one of two graded stakes races on the undercard of the Grade 1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes.

The 4-year-old Rutherienne was making her first start since capturing the Grade III Frances A. Genter Stakes at Calder last Dec. 29.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374866.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374866.html Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
"Odds are no concern," Baker said. "If you have a good colt, you expect him to run."

So Kentucky Bear ran his way to third place in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes and into the Kentucky Derby. Well, not quite.

The $75,000 Kentucky Bear received Saturday were his first graded stakes earnings.

"We'll take him to Churchill and enter, but I don't think we'll have enough earnings," Baker said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374525.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374525.html Sun, 13 Apr 2008 19:57 EDT
After being without a major contender on the Derby trail for most of the season, the Eclipse Award-winning trainer is again in prime shape to have one of the favorites come the first Saturday in May after his duo of Monba and Cowboy Cal ran first and second, respectively, in the Grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on Saturday.

After breaking alertly from post-position three, Cowboy Cal led the 12-horse field through fractions of :24.96 and :49.01 as his stablemate stalked him between horses down the backstretch.

Monba moved up to Cowboy Cal's flank as the duo hit the final turn, and from there it was a two-horse battle to the wire.

Although Monba appeared ready to sail past Cowboy Cal on the outside, the latter proved game in the stretch as he stubbornly held a half-length advantage. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374131.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374131.html Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
Saturday may tell us for sure. It's Toyota Blue Grass Stakes day at Keeneland. A robust field of 12 head to the post. Pletcher trains two of the 12. Cowboy Cal and Monba. Both long shots. And that tells you how Pletcher's spring has been.

Frustrating?

"We prefer to win every single race, every prep race, every Grade I race," joked the nation's most successful trainer Friday, tucked inside the office of his Keeneland barn, his computer in front of him, the rain beating down on the roof overhead.

Or was he joking? Pletcher has won four consecutive Eclipse awards. His earnings are astronomical. Yet he's never won the Kentucky Derby, going 0-for-19 in the sport's most important race. Five of those entrants came last year, tying a Derby record. Yet, Circular Quay's sixth-place showing was the best of the quintet.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374140.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374140.html Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
But after Thursday's announcement that the sheikh was involved in acquiring North America's oldest thoroughbred auction house, Lexington-based Fasig-Tipton Co., some think his most significant impact is yet to come.

The day after Fasig-Tipton said it reached an agreement to be acquired by Dubai-based Synergy Investments Ltd., members of the auction community were trying to digest what, if any, major changes might be on the horizon.

Synergy Investments is headed by Abdulla Al Habbai, a close associate of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed.

Next to Fasig-Tipton itself, the company with the potential to be most affected by the deal is in-town rival Keeneland.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374136.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374136.html Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:28 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance: 17,016; on-track betting: $1,996,216; total betting including simulcast: $11,534,034.

What's coming up: Pyro leads the field in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, the final major Kentucky Derby prep, on Saturday. Pyro is the even-money favorite in the morning line in the Grade I, $750,000 race.

Final furlong: In winning the fifth race from last to first, Lady Carlock set a record of 1:58.57 for the Haggin turf course of 91/2 furlongs. Robby Albarado rode the winner, who passed 11 challengers, including runner-up Viva La Flag, at the end. Joyful Chaos held the previous record of 1:58.69.

.. Jockey Jamie Theriot won the daily double with Lil Tree in the first race and South Beach Luv in the second. He also won the fourth race with Funmaker and the sixth with Papa.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374148.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/374148.html Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:05 EDT
Velasquez interrupted him:

"He said, 'Rick, look, Will you relax? I know this course. I know this horse. Just relax.' "

Did you?

"I relaxed," Dutrow said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/373058.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/373058.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:04 EDT
What might be the finish in the Kentucky Oaks if the 3-year-old fillies hook up again at Churchill Downs on May 2?

It might be a stretch (at 11/8 miles), but that could be their next stop after the $250,000 Stonerside over the Beard Course of 7 furlongs and 184 feet.

Ariege and Golden Doc A were ahead of only one filly through the first half-mile. But entering the stretch, they were running third (Ariege) and fourth.

Golden Doc A was forced much wider than Ariege before her stretch run and came up a length short as the 2-1 favorite. Ariege was 3-1.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/373028.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/373028.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:03 EDT
As did a racehorse named Big Truck.

You probably have been wondering as this season's Derby trail has progressed: Why would anyone name a colt Big Truck?

It's like this, according to Fein: The sire's name is Hook and Ladder. The logic is simple. So is everything else connected with this colt.

"We're regular people just having some fun," said Fein, who owns the colt but shares the joy of owning him with a whole lot of friends.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/373057.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/373057.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:37 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance: 7,683; on-track betting: $966,417; total betting including simulcast: $8,082,211.

What's coming up: Friday's feature is the $300,000 Grade I Maker's Mark Mile on the turf. Defending Breeders' Cup Mile champ Kip Deville won this race last year and has been off for 51/2 months. Kip Deville is the 5-2 morning line favorite for trainer Rick Dutrow and jockey Cornelio Velasquez.

Final furlong: Medjool, a Toyota Blue Grass Stakes entrant, had his first work over the Polytrack Thursday. He arrived from Southern California on Wednesday.

Stone Bird, another Blue Grass horse, also was a late arrival. The colt from Marylou Whitney Stables came from Oaklawn Park where he didn't have enough earnings to enter the Arkansas Derby.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371879.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371879.html Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:57 EDT
We refer to Kentucky Bear, at 50-1. Don't let the odds scare you. The jockey and trainer are amused at the morning-line number assigned to the Bear in a field of 12 drawn for Saturday and led by even-money favorite Pyro.

"He looks like a bargain at 50-1. He's a bargain at 10-1," said Reade Baker, who trains Kentucky Bear for Bear Stables Ltd. of Danny Dion.

Jockey Jamie Theriot worked Kentucky Bear for the first time recently and got off the colt saying, "Wow!" Theriot is over the moon about the Bear.

"Fifty-to-one is way over too much for him," Theriot exclaimed.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371899.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371899.html Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:07 EDT
Well, almost like found money.

Ventura, with Garrett Gomez riding hard, still had to work for her victory, coming from fourth at the top of the stretch to put away Street Sounds and Dawn After Dawn to win the Grade II stakes by a length.

But for a filly who hadn't previously raced on Keeneland's surface, she made it all look easy.

"I thought she'd be 5-1 or 6-1 because she'd never run on this track," said Bobby Frankel, who trains the 4-year-old daughter of Chester House for Juddmonte Farms.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371897.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371897.html Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:48 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 6,470; on-track betting, $872,712; total betting including simulcast, $7,204,370.

What's coming up: Thursday's featured stakes is the $250,000 Grade II Stonerside Beaumont for 3-year-old fillies. It's at 7 furlongs and 184 feet. On Friday, the feature is the $300,000 Grade I Maker's Mark Mile on the turf. And on Saturday, it's the $750,000 Grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, along with the $400,000 Grade II Commonwealth Stakes and the $200,000 Grade II Jenny Wiley Stakes.

Final furlong: On Saturday, Keeneland will partner with Oaklawn Park on a Premier Pick 4 that comprises the Blue Grass and Commonwealth Stakes from Keeneland and the Arkansas Derby and Instant Racing from Oaklawn.

.. TVG will broadcast live with the Blue Grass Stakes from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. A tape-delayed broadcast will be shown on ESPN's NTRA Racing to the Kentucky Derby from 5:30 to 7 p.m.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371900.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/371900.html Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:07 EDT
Don Gato, a bay son of legendary sire Storm Cat, sold for $800,000 to Azerbaijan-based owner Mammed Mirza Gusseynov in the final session of Keeneland's April auction which was using a two-day format for the first time. In addition to boasting one of the most desirable pedigrees in the catalog, Don Gato flashed the kind of raw potential buyers usually salivate over.

Don Gato, a half-brother to 2005 Kentucky Oaks winner Summerly, drilled an eighth of a mile in a solid 10.20 during Monday's preview show despite running very green down the lane. That bit of inexperience combined with a declining ceiling at the top end of the market, might have kept the striking colt from hitting the seven-figure mark his connections hoped he would attain.

"It is a lot of money but ... it's kind of mixed emotions," said Tom VanMeter, who bred Don Gato in partnership with Michael Lowenbaum and Rand E. Dankner. "I really think he's well bought and I just offered to stay in with the guy so we'll see. (The colt) is very young and very green and wasn't pushed this winter at all. He wasn't professional at what he did and I think that was pretty obvious in his work."

Out of the winning Mr. Prospector mare Here I Go, Don Gato might prove to be a spectacular bargain in light of recent reports that Storm Cat's fertility has been on the decline.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/368776.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/368776.html Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:46 EDT
Sunday's figures: On-track attendance, 16,692; on-track betting, $1,148,543; total betting including simulcast, $8,198,528.

This day last year: There are no comparative figures because the track was closed for Easter.

What's coming up: Racing resumes Wednesday, with the $200,000 Grade II Vinery Madison the featured race, for fillies and mares 3 years old and up.

Final Furlong: Post time Wednesday will change from 1:15 to 1:10 p.m. for the remainder of the meet.

.. Michelle Nihei, trainer of Crack the Cognac, winner of the third race Sunday, has a Ph.D. in neuroscience. She left Johns Hopkins University after 41/2 years to work in racing. People in the sport know her best as a former assistant trainer for Todd Pletcher.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/368073.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/368073.html Sun, 06 Apr 2008 06:54 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 12,937; on-track betting, $1,323,556; total betting including simulcast, $13,305,371.

What's coming up: The featured race Sunday is the $100,000-added Lafayette Stakes for 3-year-olds at 7 furlongs on the Polytrack.

Final furlong: Jockey Rajiv Maragh flew to Keeneland specifically to ride Little Belle, the $34.20 upset winner Saturday in the Ashland Stakes. If people didn't know his name before then, they will now.

"I cracked a joke in the racing office when we entered," said assistant trainer Neal McLaughlin, of Maragh. "We were having trouble spelling his name. I said, it's soon to be a household name in Kentucky. Maybe after the Kentucky Oaks it will be."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/367323.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/367323.html Sat, 05 Apr 2008 02:07 EDT
Boss Lafitte was a $21.20 winner of the $150,000 Grade III Central Bank Transylvania Stakes by half a length over Riley Tucker after rains forced Keeneland to move the race off the turf and onto the Polytrack.

Boss Lafitte stole the thunder -- and plunder in the form of a $93,000 winner's purse -- from the favorite, Prussian, who led for three-quarters of a mile then faded to fourth. Budge Man, a bigger long shot than the winner, was third in the field of eight 3-year-olds racing 11/16 miles in 1:44.43.

Prussian was making his first start of the season. Jockey Kent Desormeaux remarked, "This was a good start."

Boss Lafitte is a proven turf horse and also a winner on a sloppy dirt track who apparently sees no difference when asked to run on the Polytrack. That says a lot for this son of Dynaformer -- and for the sire.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/367301.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/367301.html Sun, 06 Apr 2008 06:55 EDT
This day last year: On-track attendance, 16,587; on-track betting, $1,617,982; total betting including simulcast, $10,974,146.

What's coming up: Saturday, 3-year-old fillies prepping for the Kentucky Oaks will race in the $500,000 Grade I Spinster Stakes. Top choices are Country Star and Proud Spell.

Final furlong: Jockey Robby Albarado got asked the inevitable question Friday at Keeneland: how was it to win the $6 million Dubai World Cup last Saturday on Curlin?

Said Albarado: "It was an amazing feeling, to do that way across the world, and Sheikh Mohammed is a breath of fresh air for horse racing. He's an unbelievable man. He's got a great passion for racing, and it seems like he's from Keeneland."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/366142.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/366142.html Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:07 EDT
Fans arriving at Keeneland on Friday for the opening of the spring meet can only hope the horses they back will run with hurrying hoofs -- straight down the Polytrack in this modern day of synthetic race courses and new ways to bet.

The two new wagers at Keeneland are the Super High Five and The Makers Mark Mile/Toyota Blue Grass Stakes Double. You can "high five" your way to a winning bet by picking the first five finishers of the last race in exact order, with a $1 minimum wager.

The other bet is self-explanatory and features two of Keeneland's premier races, the $300,000 Grade I Maker's Mark Mile for 4-year-olds and up on the turf April 11, and the $750,000 Grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes for 3-year-olds at 11/8 miles April 12. You have to pick the winners of both races to cash in.

Top Kentucky Derby contender Pyro, winner of the Risen Star Stakes and Louisiana Derby this winter, is the expected favorite in the Blue Grass.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/366138.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/366138.html Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:07 EDT
First post 1:15 p.m.

(Horses listed in post position order with saddle-cloth number)

1$17,000, claiming ($10,000), 4-year-olds and up, 6 furlongs

No. Horse Jockey Wt. Odds]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/364938.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/364938.html Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:04 EDT
Or so you'd think, listening to people who've worked with this 3-year-old filly. They say she walks on air, not Polytrack. Her aura defies commonplace descriptions like, "some kinda horse."

So if she's much more than "some kinda horse," what is Country Star? That's one of the principal questions that will come up on this opening weekend of the Keeneland meet.

Racing begins Friday; Country Star will race Saturday in the $500,000, Grade I Ashland Stakes against six other 3-year-old fillies. The weekend kicks off Friday with the $150,000, Grade III Transylvania Stakes for 3-year-olds on turf, and winds up Sunday with the $100,000-added Lafayette Stakes for 3-year-olds at 7 furlongs.

This won't be Keeneland's weekend for Kentucky Derby prep racing -- that's set for April 12 with the $750,000, Grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. Pyro will be a heavy favorite.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/361303.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/361303.html Sun, 30 Mar 2008 02:04 EDT
The cheering I would have expected. This was a major-league horse race of worldwide interest, after all. People were betting, most of them on Curlin, so naturally they would have cheered him to the wire.

But applause is something you would not expect to hear at a simulcast facility, where people go to bet more than to appreciate the horse. Applause is something that fans usually reserve for live racing, for an outstanding performance in a stakes race.

The unexpected applause at a simulcast made Saturday a special afternoon, for it was indicative of the respect Curlin has won from everyone who follows racing. People knew they had witnessed something special. Something they might not see again for a long time.

Truly, Curlin is a horse for the ages. He is proving it more with each start he makes. Racing fans are fortunate to have him still on the track this year, at age 4.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/285854.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/285854.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:37 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/285680.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/285680.html Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:21 EST
As the seven-day auction ended Sunday, that initial reluctance to declare the sale a rousing triumph proved to be sensible restraint rather than pessimism.

After running well ahead of its record pace during the first 48 hours, the Keeneland January sale eased up a bit as gross receipts declined steadily over the next five days.

While the overall gross was up 15 percent over 2007 numbers through the first two sessions, the strength at the top wasn't enough to compensate for the dropoff in quality that followed.

A total of 1,493 horses sold for $70,446,000, down from the record $72,868,200 generated from 1,862 lots one year ago. The average, however, increased 20.6 percent from $39,134 in 2007, while the record median of $17,000 rose 13.3 percent from $15,000 posted last year.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/281943.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/281943.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:37 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/280899.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/280899.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:37 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/82743.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/82743.html Tue, 29 May 2007 12:00 EDT
Attendance: 17,654

On-track betting: $1,651,477

Total betting: $10,706,008.

THIS DAY LAST YEAR]]> http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/82741.html http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/82741.html Tue, 29 May 2007 11:59 EDT
Trainer Michael Matz made the decision despite a strong gallop by Chelokee yesterday at Keeneland.

The trainer who saddled Barbaro to win last year's Kentucky Derby, said Chelokee would work over Keeneland's Polytrack surface today or Sunday and then board a van on Sunday for a trip home to Maryland.

Chelokee might not have qualified for the Derby because of insufficient earnings in graded-stakes races, but Matz was also concerned about some minor setbacks that had affected Chelokee's training.

"I think we've basically kind of given up running in the Derby," Matz said. "As much as I'd like to go, I don't think he's going to be the way I came into the Derby (with Barbaro) last year."]]>