Dutch Connection Gets Feel of Keeneland Turf Friday
Susan Roy and Cheveley Park Stud’s Dutch Connection (GB), the morning-line favorite for Saturday’s $1 million Shadwell Turf Mile (G1), got his first feel of the Keeneland turf course Friday morning with an easy gallop once around the oval.
Jockey Jim Crowley was aboard the 3-year-old son of Dutch Art (GB), who quickened his tempo through the stretch.
Crowley arrived in Lexington Thursday night from Europe along with trainer Charles Hills. Saturday’s Shadwell will mark the first Keeneland venture for both men.
“I have been here before but never to run a horse,” said Hills, whose brother George lives in Lexington.
In Dutch Connection, Hills has a runner in top form with a Group 3 win on his resume this summer followed by runner-up finishes in the Prix Jean Prat (G1) and the Qatar Lennox Stakes (G2). Crowley, 37, has been aboard for all three of those races.
“This was a nice opportunity for a Grade 1,” Hills said in explaining his choice to travel to Lexington. “We had looked at the field and it looked appealing. We’re hoping for fast ground, which is a concern at home. I hope we don’t get too much rain.”
The Shadwell Turf Mile is a “Win and You’re In” race for the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) to be run here Oct. 31.
Hills, who has started horses at Arlington, Hollywood and Santa Anita in his previous U.S. excursions, struck Breeders’ Cup gold with his first runner when Chriselliam (IRE) won the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) at Santa Anita.
Dutch Connection arrived at Keeneland last Sunday. A victory Saturday may prolong his stay.
“That would be a discussion with the owners,” Hills said of whether the colt would remain here for the Breeders’ Cup or return home and then come back this month.
Friday morning marked the first venture on the track for Crowley.
“It looks like a nice gallop here,” Crowley said as he took in the view that overlooked the training track from the Quarantine Barn. “I’ve ridden at Santa Anita and Woodbine only (in North America).”
Crowley has ridden one horse in the Breeders’ Cup, finishing 12th on Lord Shanakill in the 2009 Turf Sprint at Santa Anita.
RIVELLI LIKES HIS KEENELAND RUNNERS
Fresh off his second consecutive training title at Arlington, trainer Larry Rivelli is at Keeneland – pun intended – cocked and loaded. Topped by Vince Foglia’s Patricia’s Hope and Richard Ravin’s colt Cocked and Loaded, the Chicago-based trainer has just over a dozen horses here with as many as three possible chances to make the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Oct. 30-31.
“We have the stock, and a lot of these horses are coming into their own,” Rivelli said. “We love to come here, but I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think we could win races.”
Winner of the Iroquois (G3) at Churchill, Cocked and Loaded will not race at Keeneland until the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).
“He’s doing great,” Rivelli said about the son of Colonel John. “He’s been here a few days and keeps getting better and better. I’m really excited to see him run on the big day.”
Rivelli also has Patricia’s Hope’s Moms Choice aiming toward the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1). The daughter of Kitten’s Joy, second in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Fillies in her most recent race, is pointed at the JPMorgan Chase Jessamine (G3) here on Wednesday.
“She worked (three furlongs) today and really is doing well,” he said. “She kind of got lost on that track at Kentucky Downs. The filly who beat her was good, of course, but you haven’t seen the best of Moms Choice. She’s improving and I really like her. She’s exciting.”
Rivelli has stated that the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) is not likely but not completely ruled out for the swift Richies Sweetheart, whom he co-owns with Ravin and Foglia. Bred by Rivelli and Ravin, the daughter of Bring the Heat exits a sharp gate-to-wire win in the Turf Amazon at Parx and is being aimed toward the $100,000 Buffalo Trace Franklin County (Listed) on Oct. 9. E. T. Baird retains the mount.
“She’s on top of her game right now,” he said. “I breezed her at Arlington before coming to Keeneland and will likely blow her out before the race. She came out of her win in great shape.”
So far in 2015, the multiple graded stakes-winning Rivelli is striking at an impressive 31 percent. His 97 wins rank him 24thin the nation.
Source: Keeneland Association