Keeneland News: FallStars Weekend Recap

Keeneland Recap – Oct 11th

The Polytrack was fast as always. Turf was listed as yielding. Seven races run on synthetic, and only one wire job as stalkers and closers scored six times. Late runners nabbed all three turf races.

Kent Desormeaux booted home both stakes winners on the day.

Grade 3 Bourbon: Todd Pletcher’s flashy fav Interactif did not disappoint in a good looking off the pace tally. He looms a formidable presence in the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

Grade 1 Spinster: Pace fell apart in this one, and overseas transplant Proviso was the major beneficiary…please hold all tickets! After further review, Mushka was placed first via disqualification after the Proviso caused interference in the stretch. Underlaid fav and dirt specialist Swift Temper failed to handle the synthetic surface. This race will probably not have a major impact on the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic.

FallStars Weekend: A Look Back

Keeneland ran numerous Breeders’ Cup preps in their opening FallStars weekend. Which races were key, and which were duds? I will try to break down the stakes action and the implications for the upcoming 2-day Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.

Fatal Bullet finished 2nd in last year’s BC Sprint, and he was the prominent throughout winner of the Phoenix on opening day. He has now raced 11 times on synthetic ground with 9 wins and a pair of place finishes. With only three starts this year he is a viable pace threat on Cup day. Capt. Candyman Can rallied strongly to just miss, and that was much better than his previous synthetic effort. 3yo gelding has had a long, successful campaign and may have peaked in the Phoenix. Might be overbet in the Sprint. Ez Dreamer ran hard throughout in a solid show finish, and this was his synthetic bow. Brings speed to the party should he opt to ship to SoCal.

58th running of the Alcibiades on opening day went to Negligee. The 2yo filly graduated in a Canadian maiden claimer and was 2nd in a $150k event 2nd time out. She moved to the Terranova barn and passed this 8.5f test with flying colors. She Be Wild tasted defeat for the first time but was hardly disgraced in a clear place finish. I like the fact that she got tested before the Cup. Amen Hallelujah was a wide prominent throughout factor in her 1st start for IEAH/Dutrow. She owns a sprint oriented pedigree and might find the waters tough in the Cup. Beautician finished a troubled 5th and will head to SoCal. Needs clear sailing next time, and she remains eligible for an entry level spot. Since the BC Juvenile Fillies will be contested at Santa Anita, I prefer the horses exiting the Oak Leaf Stakes.

Silver Timber is a sharp NY-bred, and he kept it going in the Woodford. He owns a versatile running style but will be tested over the tricky downhill layout in the BC Turf Sprint. Mr. Nightlinger ran well to finish 2nd, but he flopped in the Cup last year and has lost 6 of his last 7. Do not think the Cup winner came out of this race.

Informed Decision is a major player in the BC Filly & Mare Sprint, and she ran her sythetic record to 6 for 6 with a late running score in the Thoroughbred Club of America. SoCal invader Carlsbad ran a fine race to finish a clear 2nd. The consistent Porte Bonheur finished 3rd.

Diamondrella is headed to the Breeders' Cup after First Lady win

Diamondrella punched her Breeders’ Cup ticket with a sharp off the pace tally in the First Lady. She has won her last seven turf starts and will have to face the gents in the BC Mile. Tizaqueena was a game 2nd, and heavy fav Forever Together was late on the scene for 3rd. The latter will attempt to defend her BC Filly & Mare Turf title on Nov. 6th.

The Breeders’ Futurity was a visually unimpressive race, and Noble’s Promise bested 13 other juveniles from a stalking position. Aikenite was 2nd best for Pletcher. My initial impression is that the West Coast contingent, lead by the undefeated Lookin At Lucky, have no worries on Cup day.

Big day for IEAH Stables. They got Diamondrella home earlier in the day on Saturday, and they struck grade one gold again with Court Vision. The Rick Dutrow trainee handled the soft footing and heads to the Breeders’ Cup Mile with some momentum. Classy colt likes firm ground as well and must be viewed as a contender on Nov 7th. Karelian ran great following a lengthy vacation and almost pulled off the upset. Justenuffhumor seemed to dislike the soft ground.

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