Keeneland Stakes Runners Exit Races Well
Connections for Adena Springs Beaumont (G2) winner Miss Ella and Appalachian (G3) Presented by Japan Racing Association winner Lady Eli reported that the two 3-year-old fillies came out of their respective races in good order.
Jack Swain III’s Miss Ella remained undefeated in two starts with her 2 ½-length Beaumont victory.
“She came out of the race fine,” said Dave Rock, assistant to trainer Graham Motion. “As did Miss Temple City (who was second to Lady Eli in the Appalachian). Their next starts are to be determined.”
Baldo Hernandez, assistant to trainer Chad Brown, said all was well with Lady Eli, who ran her undefeated streak to four with her 2 ½-length victory.
After the race Sunday, Brown had indicated the $200,000 Wonder Again at Belmont Park on May 31 as a possible target for Lady Eli.
Trainer Larry Jones said that Beaumont runner-up Divine Dawn came out of the race well.
“She was stuck on the inside but otherwise had a good trip,” Jones said. “She just wasn’t fast enough. Graham (Motion) got me. I have to battle him all summer at Delaware Park and I was hoping to get away with one here at Keeneland.”
Jones, who has two Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) contenders in his barn with I’m a Chatterbox and Lovely Maria, said the $200,000 Eight Belles (G3) at Churchill Downs going seven furlongs on May 1 remains an option.
GALLOPING OUT
Qatar Racing’s Peace and War, winner of last fall’s Darley Alcibiades (G1) here but last in her 2015 debut in the Central Bank Ashland (G1), worked five furlongs in 1:03 in company over a fast track before the Monday morning renovation break.
“I wanted something nice and easy and that was perfect,” trainer Olly Stevens said. “We are going to stay here for a while and she may work on the turf. She worked well on it at Lingfield and we are keeping an eye on the Edgewood.”
The $150,000 Edgewood (G3), a 1 1/16-mile turf race, is slated to be run May 1 at Churchill Downs. …
Trainer James Toner said that Recepta, the 1¾-length winner of Sunday’s ninth race, would be headed to the $150,000 Beaugay (G3) at Belmont Park on May 9 for her next start. Third in the Appalachian (G3) here last year, Recepta was making her first start in more than nine months in the Sunday grass allowance test. …
Juddmonte Farms’ Fame and Power, third in Saturday’s Coolmore Lexington (G3) and Kaleem Shah’s Fantastic Style, third in Sunday’s Beaumont, left Keeneland early Monday morning for Churchill Downs where they will reunite with Bob Baffert’s barn. …
When trainer Angel Montano Sr. saddled the winner of Sunday’s first race, Magical Moment, he added to a unique accomplishment here. Montano first won a race at Keeneland during the 1972 Fall Meet. …
Trainer Dean Ward recorded his first Keeneland victory when Lance Sullenberger’s Wilhelmina took the third race by 1½ lengths. Didiel Osorio rode Wilhelmina, a 36-1 longshot, to win the six-furlong claiming race.
UPCOMING STAKES PROBABLES
$100,000 HILLIARD LYONS DOUBLEDOGDARE (G3) (Entries taken Tuesday, race on Friday, April 17) – Blue Violet, Deceptive Vision, Flashy American, Handmade, Pretty Fancy, Tiz Windy.
$250,000 DIXIANA ELKHORN (G2) (Entries taken Wednesday, race on Saturday, April 18) – Aldous Snow, Biz The Nurse (IRE), Cozy Kitten, Dynamic Sky, Holiday Star, Java’s War, My Afleet, Reflecting, Unitarian.
$150,000 BEWITCH (G3) (Entries taken Tuesday, April 21, race on Friday, April 24) – Caroline Thomas, Danza Cavallo (FR), Meri Shika (FR), Samiam, Super Sky.
Source: Keeneland Association