Power Alert Ready to Rumble

There have been very few, if any, Australian-bred horses to compete in a graded stakes event at Keeneland, so in that regard the appearance of Power Alert (AUS) in Saturday’s $125,000 Shakertown (G3) rates high on the uniqueness scale.

The 5-year-old started 13 times in Australia before coming to this country late last summer.

“My brother Michael was the one who found him in his hometown of Wagga Wagga and was able to obtain him for us,” trainer Brian Lynch said. “We got him late in the summer and gave him a little time off before getting him started in the fall here at Keeneland to get him ready for Gulfstream Park.”

Racing for the partnership of James Covello, AJ Suited Racing Stable and Brian Lynch, Power Alert won an allowance test in his debut Dec. 21 and in his most recent start won the Silks Run on March 14 at Gulfstream.

“He has been worth the commute,” Lynch said.

On Saturday, Power Alert will face 12 rivals and break from post position 10 under Julien Leparoux, who has been aboard for both victories. And, Power Alert also may be facing a soft turf course from steady rain the past two days.

“The boys back home say he does not like soft turf,” Lynch said. “That will be the question.”

Lynch also trains Grand Arch for Susan and Jim Hill. The 6-year-old gelding worked six furlongs in 1:17 on Sunday for his first recorded work since running in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) at Santa Anita.

“He has been over at Margaux Farm (in nearby Midway),” Lynch said of Grand Arch, who finished second to Wise Dan in last fall’s Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) here. “He is nominated to the Maker’s 46 Mile (G1) next week.”

UPCOMING STAKES PROBABLES

$300,000 Maker’s 46 Mile (G1) (Entries taken Tuesday, race Friday, April 10) – Grand Arch, Home Run Kitten, Jack Milton, Karibu Gardens, Legendary (GB), Long On Value, Sayaad, Za Approval. Possible: Summer Front.

$300,000 Jenny Wiley (G1) (Entries taken Wednesday, race Saturday, April 11) – Ball Dancing, Eden Prairie, Emotional Kitten, Filimbi, Hard Not to Like, I’m Already Sexy, Personal Diary.

$250,000 Coolmore Lexington (G3) (Entries taken Wednesday, race Saturday, April 11) – Divining Rod, Henry Jones, Tiznow R J.

$150,000 Ben Ali (G3) (Entries taken Wednesday, race Saturday, April 11) – Farhaan, Golden Ticket, Java’s War, Mail, Majestic Harbor, Neck ‘n Neck.

$100,000 Giant’s Causeway (Entries taken Wednesday, race Saturday, April 11) – Ageless, Believe in Charlie, Free as a Bird, Gal About Town, Jewel of a Cat, Katie’s Eyes.

$250,000 Adena Springs Beaumont (Entries taken Thursday, race Sunday, April 12) – Delightful Joy, Taylor S, Zeven.

$125,000 Appalachian (G3) Presented By Japan Racing Association (Entries taken Thursday, race Sunday, April 12) – Lady Eli, Tiger Ride.

SPRING MEET FIRST FOR KEENELAND HOSPITALITY

Keeneland has begun a new era in its food service and hospitality with the introduction of Keeneland Hospitality. Bryan O’Shields, an award-winning hospitality professional with experience at leading resorts and world-renowned entertainment companies, is the new Managing Director of Keeneland Hospitality and will oversee all of the dining options at Keeneland

With today’s start of the Spring Meet, Keeneland Hospitality is introducing several new and enhanced services for patrons. Concessions open when the gates open each day. Additional and faster terminals enable the wait staff to serve patrons more quickly. The popular Sports Bar now accepts credit cards. New menus have been printed. Patrons in dining rooms will see other enhancements.

On Feb. 1, Keeneland acquired Turf Catering’s Keeneland division. Turf Catering had been Keeneland’s exclusive food and beverage company since the track opened in 1936.

Keeneland Hospitality, which comprises former Turf Catering employees, continues to feature the signature recipes for bread pudding, corned beef and burgoo that are fan favorites. Keeneland Hospitality will offer new menu items during the Spring Meet.

Turf Catering has been owned by the Wolken family since 1929. Its relationship with Keeneland dates to the track’s opening in 1936. Three generations of the Wolken family were involved with Turf Catering at Keeneland, beginning with Joe Wolken, Joe’s son Larry and grandsons Mike and Brad. 

Source: Keeneland Association