Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring, Hello Keeneland!

The Blue Grass Stakes (Gr. I) was run a week earlier than usual this year, and due to the timing--and possibly Kentucky's unusually brutal winter this year--the flowering trees and the yellow forsythia hedges were not fully bloomed in celebration of Keeneland's premier spring race. Nevertheless it was clear that winter was (finally) over.

Torrential rains like I had never before seen in Kentucky shut down opening day on Friday, but to the pleasant surprise of many (including my leather boots), the track was fast and dry on Saturday thanks to beautiful, clear weather.

Majestic Harbor, winner of the 2014 Gold Cup at Santa Anita (Gr. I) wins an allowance under Corey Lanerie.

Stopchargingmaria in the paddock prior to the Madison Stakes (Gr. I).

Princess Violet, Junior Alvarado up, wins the Madison over Stopchargingmaria and John Velazquez.

Junior Alvarado is all smiles as he returns to the winner's circle after winning the Madison aboard Princess Violet.

Kobe's Back, Gary Stevens up, wins the Commonwealth Stakes (Gr. III).

Trainer/owner Gail Cox walks Something Extra, Shaun Bridgmohan up, in the walking ring prior to the Shakertown Stakes (Gr. III).

Something Extra wins the Shakertown over Channel Marker (Francisco Torres up).

Shaun Bridgmohan smiles as Gail Cox walks her horse into the winner's circle.

Trainer Larry Jones walks Lovely Maria, Kerwin Clark up, in the walking ring prior to the Central Bank Ashland Stakes (Gr. I).

Fillies leap at the start of the Ashland.

(Above & below) Lovely Maria wins the Ashland over Angela Renee and John Velazquez.

(Above & below) Kerwin Clark weeps tears of joy after winning the Ashland aboard Lovely Maria; it is his first Grade I victory in 40 years of riding.

Lovely Maria shows that she is indeed lovely as she leaves the winner's circle after winning the Ashland.

I've never been so intrigued by a horse's right knee before. Gorgeous Bird sports some flashy markings in the paddock prior to the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (Gr. I).

(Above & below) Carpe Diem, John Velazquez up, commands an easy stalking position at the start of the Blue Grass.

Carpe Diem and John Velazquez pull away to an easy win in the Blue Grass.

Trainer Todd Pletcher and John Velazquez are all smiles after Carpe Diem's easy victory in the Blue Grass Stakes.