Wise Dan, Groupie Doll and Heavy Rains: Photos

On Saturday, heavy rains moved into Keeneland as lady luck left and two of the heavy favorites of the day fell. But despite the rain and losses, I had a wonderful time; if anything, the rains allowed me to take some interesting photos.

Champion sprinter Groupie Doll was happy to pose for photographs--she knew what cameras meant! She was defending her title in the Thoroughbred Club of America (Gr. II) sprint stakes.

Groupie Doll pauses to touch her nose to her handler.

Groupie Doll

Gypsy Robin was a talented challenger...

...as was Judy the Beauty.

Groupie Doll, Rajiv Maragh up.

The fillies and mares in the Thoroughbred Club of America stakes walk to the starting gate as the sky threatened to release the first of the torrential rains. Groupie Doll ended up finishing 3rd, behind Gypsy Robin and winner Judy the Beauty.

Winding Way, a full sister to Kauai Katie, was entered in the First Lady Stakes (Gr. I). Her blaze suggested the origins of her name.

Daisy Devine is a personal favorite!

Say (IRE), a stunning daughter of Galileo, was perfectly behaved while being saddled.

Then the sky upened up and the first of the day's heavy rains came down. Here, Better Lucky and her handler hurry for cover.

The fillies and mares prepare to leave the saddling paddock in the rain.

Despite her name, Dayatthespa was initially reluctant to leave the shelter of her saddling stall.

The rains were so heavy that I could barely see the start of the First Lady.

Better Lucky wins the First Lady, with Dayatthespa a close 2nd and Daisy Devine 3rd.

 It was then announced that the feature race of the day, the Shadwell Turf Mile, was off the turf. It was clear that Keeneland's polytrack was also drenched, as displayed by the field of the Dixiana Breeder's Futurity (Gr. II), which was won by We Miss Artie.

Silver Max was ready to make history in the Shadwell Turf Mile (Gr. I).

Charlie LoPresti-trained Turallure was as handsome as ever in the rain.

Jockey John Velazquez arrives for another LoPresti trainee, Wise Dan.

LoPresti paid careful attention to his star horse; this included stretching out his forelegs as Velazquez looked on.

Riders up for the Shadwell!

Silver Max, Robby Albarado up.

Wise Dan, John Velazquez up.

The start of the Shadwell.

Wise Dan attempts to claim a good position in the race. He ended up being bumped and going wide around both turns.

Wise Dan in the middle of his powerful stretch drive. He came close but was unable to catch the front-running Silver Max.

Wise Dan being walked back to his barn by his disappointed handlers.