Luck of the Kitten Favored in Transylvania

The Transylvania initially was scheduled for April 3, the opening day of the Spring Meet, but was one of four races canceled that afternoon because of inclement weather.

The Transylvania will go as the eighth race on Wednesday’s nine-race program with a 4:42 p.m. ET post time. First post Wednesday is 1:05 p.m.

Trained by Wesley Ward, Luck of the Kitten will be making his 2015 debut in the race. Mike Smith has the mount Wednesday and will break from post position one.

Luck of the Kitten was entered for the April 3 race as was Paul Pompa Jr.’s Night Prowler and four other horses that will come back Wednesday.

Trained by Chad Brown, Night Prowler won the Dania Beach (G3) at Gulfstream Park in January and was fifth as the favorite in his most recent start in the Palm Beach (G3). Javier Castellano has the mount and will break from post two.

The field for the Transylvania, from the inside out, is as follows: Luck of the Kitten (Smith, 123 pounds), Night Prowler (Castellano, 118), Majestico (James Graham, 118), Tuba (Florent Geroux, 118), Saham (Paco Lopez, 118), Top of the Page (Corey Lanerie, 118) and A Lot (John Velazquez, 118)

Trainer Rusty Arnold said the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) would not be an option for Sweet Success even if she wins Sunday’s Adena Springs Beaumont (G2).

“If she had won at Turfway (in the Grade 3 Bourbonette Oaks), we might have tried it, but it is a little bit too close,” Arnold said of the filly, who is owned by G. Watts Humphrey Jr. and W.S. Farish.

Sweet Success picked up 20 points toward the Kentucky Oaks with her runner-up finish in the Bourbonette. A win in the Adena Springs Beaumont would add 10 points to her total and put her 17th on the Oaks leaderboard. The Oaks is limited to the top 14 point getters that pass the entry box.

“We hope to go to the Black-Eyed Susan if she wins Sunday,” Arnold said. The Grade 2, $250,000 Black-Eyed Susan at 1 1/8 miles is May 15 at Pimlico. …

The Godolphin Racing-Kiaran McLaughlin daily win streak reached five Friday when Dancing House won the sixth race under Joel Rosario. McLaughlin has one starter entered today in Farhaan in the Ben Ali (G3). Farhaan races for Shadwell Stable.

The victory increased Rosario’s North American win total to 1,994. Rosario has eight mounts today. …

Apprentice Rolando Aragon earned his first Keeneland victory when he rode My Regency Lady to win Friday’s first race. Owned by Lou Dunn Diekemper Trust, My Regency Lady won the 1 1/16-mile maiden claiming race by a half-length. She is a 4-year-old daughter of Suave.

Trainer Bill Mott said Besilu Stables’ Crown Queen, winner of the 2014 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) Presented by Lane’s End at Keeneland, is at Payson Park in Florida and “probably won’t be ready until the second half of the year.” A Keeneland sales graduate, the half-sister to multiple champion Royal Delta won all four of her races last year. …

Several horses and horsemen with connections to Keeneland racing and sales received 2014 Sovereign Awards as champions of Canada, presented Friday night at Woodbine. Mark Casse, the leading trainer here during the 2014 Spring Meet, and John C. Oxley, the leading owner of the same meet, received Sovereigns as outstanding trainer and owner, respectively. Keeneland sales were represented by graduates Conquest Typhoon (champion 2-year-old male) and Conquest Harlanate (champion 2-year-old filly). Horse of the Year Lexie Lou trained at Keeneland during the year.

$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. 

The Hill. Located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center, The Hill features food trucks, a jumbo television screen, wireless wagering and wagering terminals, race-day programs, a Keeneland Gift Shop kiosk and free shuttles to the track. On Saturdays, fans can enjoy live music. BETologists also will be available to answer fans’ questions.

Keeneland’s inaugural Kids Club Day gives all Kids Club members and their families free general admission with their Kids Club badge at any pass gate. Children’s activities, including face painting and crafts, in the North Terrace from noon to 4 p.m. The Keeneland Kids Club is the free Official Kids Club for Keeneland fans 12 and under. Members of the Kids Club will receive a personalized membership pass, birthday card from Buckles, discounts, invitations to exclusive Kids Club events and more.