Keertana Looks Tough in Bewitch
Keertana, a 2-time graded turf marathon winner, takes on nine others in Thursday's Grade 3 Grey Goose Bewitch Stakes at Keeneland.
Tom Proctor trainee Keertana has earned more than $824,000 in her 24-race career and has thrived in long distance turf events. She finished powefully to take an eleven furlong graded affair at Saratoga last summer and finished a close-up 3rd in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf to end her 2010 campaign. She won her first two outings this year including a graded marathon at Gulfstream on Feb 20. She rallied for the show at nine panels when last seen at Tampa Bay in March and the fresh mare reunites with winning pilot Jose Lezcano. She is the 5-2 morning line favorite in this twelve furlong tussle.
La Luna De Miel could offer a challenge for Graham Motion. The 4-year-old filly won both of her starts at Gulfstream this year and can clearly run all day. She projects a tactical trip under John Velazquez.
Endless Expanse also ran well in both Florida turf starts and was a length behind La Luna De Miel as the beaten Orchid (G3) favorite. She easily captured her US bow and was returning in 21-days so she may have regressed a bit last time. Julien Leparoux strings along.
Zapparition is an interesting rebound threat at 10-1. She failed to fire in the Orchid (G3) but was only a 1/2 length behind Keertana at Gulfstream in February. Robby Albarado hops aboard for trainer Dale Romans.
Persuading figures to show the way from the rail in her longest race to date. Silver La Belle, Irish transplant Honimiere, Super Espresso, Silk Route, and My Baby Baby complete the 10-horse field.
The $150,000 twelve furlong Bewitch Stakes goes as the 8th race on April 28 with a scheduled post time of 4:52pm ET.