First Look: Graded stakes at Keeneland, Aqueduct are on tap

This week’s graded-stakes action begins Friday with the rescheduled, Grade 3 Knickerbocker in the Belmont at Aqueduct meet then continues at Keeneland on Saturday and Sunday.

Here is a look at the likely fields.

Friday

Knickerbocker (G3), Aqueduct, 1 1/8 miles (turf), 3-year-olds and up

Pioneering Spirit, winner of the 1 1/16-mile Bernard Baruch two starts back, finished seventh last out in the Joe Hirsch Turf (G1) and cuts back again here. King Cause looks for a repeat win in this race after going 1-for-7 since. Master Piece makes his second start for Rick Dutrow Jr. after finishing seventh in the Arlington Million (G1).

Saturday

Raven Run (G2), Keeneland, 7 furlongs, 3-year-old fillies

Alva Starr has a record of 5: 3-2-0 and led the Prioress (G3) gate to wire last out to win by 8 3/4 lengths. Dazzling Blue, also entered here, was another 2 1/2 lengths back in third as the odds-on favorite. Vahva won the Charles Town Oaks (G3) last out and again will have John Velazquez riding. Lady Radler won her first graded-stakes start in the Sept. 23 Dogwood (G3), and Michael Campbell will have the mount again.

Probables were not available for the Ontario Derby (G3) at Woodbine.

Sunday

Dowager (G3), Keeneland, 1 1/2 miles (turf), fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Vergara got her first win of the year last out in the Ladies Marathon (G3) at Kentucky Downs, also with Joel Rosario aboard. Transient and Personal Best, also entered here, were second and fourth in that event. Be Up tries stakes company for the first time after going 3-for-5 since starting for Michael Maker in March. Romagna Mia makes her second U.S. start after finishing third in the Beverly D. (G1).