Cecil Makes Rare Trek to Keeneland
Ben Cecil has been an infrequent visitor to Keeneland from his Southern California base with only five starters here, the most recent in 2008.
That figure will increase by two on Saturday when Cecil sends out Shumoos in the 12th running of the $300,000 Madison Stakes (G1) and Quiet Oasis (IRE) for the 25th running of the $300,000 Jenny Wiley Stakes (G1).
Shumoos will make her third start since coming off a 14-month layoff after finishing second against males in the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint at Churchill Downs.
“I have had her since the Breeders’ Cup,” Cecil said. “She had a hairline fracture and then after that it was one thing after another. She was very impressive in her first start back (a 2½-length victory going six furlongs).”
In her most recent start, Shumoos finished third in the Las Flores Stakes (G3) at 6½ furlongs.
“I don’t think she likes to be on the lead, and I think we will try something different tomorrow,” Cecil said.
Quiet Oasis also is on the comeback trail.
“She was third in the Santa Ana (G2) in her first start in eight months,” Cecil said of the two-time graded stakes winner.
The Jenny Wiley field of nine includes six other graded stakes winners, three of them Grade 1 victors.
“They don’t just give away Grade 1s,” Cecil said referring to the depth of the race.