Biz The Nurse Set for U.S. Debut in Elkhorn

“I looked at his form and could tell he was a pretty nice horse,” Albertrani said. “When we watched him train, it certainly showed.”

Biz The Nurse, highweighted at three on the Italian Free Handicap in 2013 from 11-14 furlongs, made his U.S. debut at Gulfstream on March 7, winning a 1 7/16-mile optional claimer.

“The first time he ran was very promising,” Albertrani said. “He circled the field seven wide that day and that is hard to do there.”

After that, the Dixiana Elkhorn popped up on the radar.

“We thought about the (Grade 2) Pan American, but that was a little quick back,” Albertrani said of the March 28 race, also at Gulfstream. “Timing-wise, this race was perfect.”

Luis Saez will be aboard Biz The Nurse Saturday on a Keeneland course that figures to still be on the soft side after a soggy April.

“He has won on soft ground in the past,” Albertrani said about horse. “Hopefully, he runs a bang-up race and we can look at something like the Man o’ War (a Grade 1 on May 9 at Belmont Park).” 

Trainer Jeffrey C. Lynn earned his first Keeneland victory when 2-1 favorite Meshell captured Thursday’s sixth race. Racing for Andrew Knapczyk and Joel Zawitz, the 3-year-old Elusive Quality filly won the about seven-furlong maiden race by three lengths under Florent Geroux in 1:27.79. …

On Thursday at Keeneland, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders honored its 2014 Kentucky-bred champions. Among them were Keeneland sales graduates Take Charge Brandi (2-year-old filly), Stephanie’s Kitten (female turf horse) and Toast of New York (racing abroad). Also recognized were Keeneland-based Wise Dan (older horse), Keeneland Director Helen Alexander (Hardboot Breeders’ Award) and Keeneland Director G. Watts Humphrey Jr. and his wife, Sally (William T. Young Humanitarian Award). Ken and Sarah Ramsey, the leading owners during Keeneland’s 2014 Spring Meet, were named the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund’s owners of the year. Mike Maker was named KTDF trainer of the year.

On Friday, Bewitch (G3) hopeful Tabreed (GB) worked five furlongs on a fast main track in 1:01 for trainer Christophe Clement. Fractions were :24.60 and :48.40. …. Shakertown (G3) winner Something Extra worked three furlongs in :37.20 in preparation for a possible start in the $150,000, May 1 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G3) at Churchill. Something Extra is trained and co-owned by Gail Cox. … Multiple graded stakes winner Clearly Now, trained by Brian Lynch, worked five furlongs in 1:01. Clearly Now is nominated to the $500,000 Churchill Downs (G2) on May 2. … El Camino Real Derby (G3) winner Metaboss worked five furlongs in 1:01.80 in preparation for a probable start in the $250,000 American Turf (G2) at Churchill on May 2.

$150,000 Bewitch (G3) (Entries taken Tuesday, April 21, race on Friday, April 24) – Anipa (GB), Antonia Autumn, Appealing Cat, Caroline Thomas, Danza Cavallo (FR), Kitten’s Point, Maximova, Meri Shika (FR), Samiam, Stellaris, Super Sky, Tabreed (GB), Tuttipaesi (IRE), White Rose.

The Keeneland Gift Shop Presents Southern Proper trunk show from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Hill. Located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center, The Hill features food trucks, a jumbo television screen, wireless wagering and wagering terminals, race-day programs, a Keeneland Gift Shop kiosk and free shuttles to the track. BETologists also will be available to answer fans’ questions.

Craft Beer Tent. Located on the North Terrace patio, the popular Craft Beer Tent offers a special selection, including Blue Stallion, Country Boy, Fat Tire, Kentucky Ale, Land Shark, Shock Top, Sierra Nevada, Sweetwater and Woodchuck Hard Cider.

Jockey Autograph Signing. Adjacent to the Keeneland Gift Shop from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., fans can meet members of Keeneland’s current jockey colony and several retired riders and get their autographs to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Retired jockeys include Kentucky Derby (G1) winners Chris McCarron, Pat Day, Jean Cruguet, Craig Perret and Mike Manganello, along with three women who participated in Keeneland’s “Ladies of the Turf” event in 2014: Kaye Bell, the first female jockey to record a victory at Keeneland, Suzie Picou-Oldham and Kaoru Chatfield-Tsuchiya. The cost is $15 for a Keeneland hat, $10 for a Keeneland poster and $5 for each additional autographed item, with a limit of three per person.

$200,000-Guaranteed Pick Four Presented by TVG. Pick the winners of the day’s final four races.

It’s my Derby. Keeneland welcomes some of the biggest names in Thoroughbred racing as Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas will host It’s my Derby at the Keeneland Sales Pavilion and be joined by jockeys Pat Day, Angel Cordero Jr., Chris McCarron, Laffit Pincay Jr. and Jorge Velasquez in reliving their Kentucky Derby experiences. Proceeds benefit the Kentucky Derby Museum and Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. It’s my Derby begins immediately after the conclusion of Keeneland’s last race, set for a 5:44 p.m. post time. Tickets range from $15 to $150. Click here for additional information and to purchase tickets. Tickets also may be purchased at Keeneland on April 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. adjacent to the Paddock and at the door.

Sunrise Trackside. Want to experience the sights and sounds of Keeneland many don’t get to see? Sunrise Trackside, sponsored by LEX18 and Dunkin’ Donuts, offers activities for all ages beginning at 7 a.m. Fans can enjoy Breakfast With the Works, a Southern-style breakfast and trackside commentary while horses train on the main track (until 8:30 a.m.); children’s activities in the Kids Club Corner (7-9 a.m.); guided walking tours of Keeneland (8-10:30 a.m.); demonstration in the Paddock by Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (9 a.m.); trackside handicapping seminar (11 a.m.);  and a Q&A session with jockey Rajiv Maragh in the Paddock (12:05 p.m.). Keeneland Bugler Steve Buttleman will be on hand to take photos with fans.

The Keeneland Gift Shop Presents Dorfman Pacific Hats trunk show from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Keeneland Gift Shop Presents Kabana Jewelry trunk show from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Keeneland Gift Shop Presents Southern Proper trunk show from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Hill. Located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center, The Hill features food trucks, a jumbo television screen, wireless wagering and wagering terminals, race-day programs, a Keeneland Gift Shop kiosk and free shuttles to the track. On Saturdays, fans can enjoy live music. BETologists also will be available to answer fans’ questions.

Military Day at the Races Presented by Marathon. During one of Keeneland’s most popular special events, Keeneland will host U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. First Class Cory Remsburg, a decorated soldier honored by President Obama in the 2014 State of the Union Address, and other military dignitaries. All active and inactive members of the military and their families receive free general admission with a military ID. A Military Family Zone in the North Terrace from noon to 4 p.m. will feature free food, live music and children’s activities.