Keeneland Barn Notes — Wednesday, Oct. 11

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor has not started a horse at Keeneland since Shuruq finished sixth in the 2014 Juddmonte Spinster (G1).

That will change Saturday when he saddles Godolphin’s Mawj (IRE) for the 40^th running of the $600,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) Presented by Dixiana for 3-year-old fillies to be contested over a mile and an eighth over the turf.

“You have to send the right horse to run here,” bin Suroor said Wednesday morning after watching Mawj train on the main track.

In Mawj, he brings the winner of the One Thousand Guineas (G1) to Keeneland as a stepping stone to a possible start in the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita on Nov. 4.

“This is the right place for her,” bin Suroor said. “This was the plan to come here and then go to the Breeders’ Cup. Either the Mile (G1) or the Filly and Mare Turf (G1). I want to see how she runs here and then on to L.A.”

Saturday’s race will be the first for Mawj since she defeated four-time Group 1 winner Tahiyra by a half-length on May 7 in England’s One Thousand Guineas.

“Mawj had a little chest infection before Ascot (in the summer) and she had a break,” bin Suroor said of the five months between starts.

Oisin Murphy, who was aboard Mawj for the first time in the One Thousand Guineas, has the mount here Saturday.

The 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, will take place today through Saturday at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Recently retired racehorses from across the U.S. will participate in the largest Thoroughbred retraining competition in the world in various disciplines, including barrel racing, competitive trail, dressage, jumping, polo, ranch work and freestyle. Keeneland is a major sponsor of the competition.

Of the 404 entrants, the leading earner is Arklow, with a $3,025,996 bankroll accrued during his seven-year career. Trained by Brad Cox for Donegal Racing, who purchased him from Penn Sales, agent, for $160,000 during Book 1 of the 2015 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the 9-year-old son of Arch won the 2019 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) at Belmont Park and was sixth in the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) at Keeneland. He made six starts at Keeneland, scoring his initial career victory here in 2017 and closing his 39-race career with a ninth-place finish in the 2022 Sycamore (G3), a race in which he was second in 2018.

Gelded after he retired from racing, Arklow will be ridden in the Makeover by Gina Gans in the field hunting division, in which he will jump obstacles on the Horse Park’s grass steeplechase course.

Last year’s Makeover featured champion sprinter Whitmore and owner/rider Laura Moquett in the competitive trail division. Whitmore was a fan favorite at Keeneland with four starts in the Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2), including a win in 2017. Whitmore also won the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) here.

The Retired Racehorse Project created the Makeover to showcase the trainability and talent of off-the-track Thoroughbreds. The competition is intended to inspire trainers to become involved in transitioning these horses to second careers. At the same time, the National Symposium educates the people involved in the care, training and sale of these horses to responsible owners.

Dale Ladner’s Alva Starr, 8¾-length winner of the Prioress (G2) at Saratoga in her most recent start, headlines a roster of 21 fillies nominated to the 25^th running of the $350,000 Lexus Raven Run (G2) to be run over 7 furlongs on the main track Oct. 21.

Trained by Brett Brinkman, Alva Starr has won three of five starts but has not raced beyond 6 furlongs.

Two Grade 1-winning fillies that have raced well beyond 6 furlongs are nominated to the race: Wonderland Racing Stables, Todd Cady, Tim Kasparoff Ty Leatherman’s Ceiling Crusher and Katsumi Yoshida’s Defining Purpose.

Doug O’Neill trains Ceiling Crusher, who led all the way to win the $1 million Cotillion (G1), going 1 1/16 miles in her most recent start. Kenny McPeek trains Defining Purpose, winner of this spring’s Central Bank Ashland (G1) at 1 1/16 miles.

Westerberg Limited, Mrs. John Magnier, Jonathan Poulin, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor’s Verifying, runner-up in the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1) in his most recent start and runner-up in this spring’s Toyota Blue Grass (G1), tops a list of 18 3-year-olds nominated to the 15^th running of the $250,000 Perryville (L) going 7 furlongs on the main track Oct. 21.

Trained by Brad Cox, Verifying also has a runner-up finish in the Champagne (G1) on his resume to go with a victory this summer in the Indiana Derby (G3) by a nose over Raise Cain, who also is nominated to the Perryville.

Also nominated for Cox is Qatar Racing’s Everso Mischievous, winner of the recent 7-furlong Harrods Creek at Churchill Downs.

The $300,000 Rood & Riddle Dowager (G3) attracted a roster of 22 fillies and mares for the 32^nd running of the 1½-mile grass marathon to be run on Oct. 22.

Chief among the nominees are the top three finishers from the recent Aristocrat Ladies Marathon Stakes (G3) at Kentucky Downs going 1 5/16 miles: Gary Broad’s Vergara, e Five Racing Thoroughbreds’ Transient (GB) and Wertheimer and Frere’s Sinfiltre.

Also nominated is Godolphin’s Eternal Hope (IRE), winner of the Jockey Club Oaks Invitational (G3) as the favorite going 1 3/8 miles.

Master of The Seas (IRE), runner-up by a nose in Saturday’s Coolmore Turf Mile (G1), will remain at Keeneland for another week, according to traveling lad Chris Connett. He said Breeders’ Cup plans for the Charlie Appleby trainee were to be determined. …

Trainer Jeremiah O’Dwyer said that Sibelius, fifth as the third choice in last Friday’s Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2), likely would ship back to Florida and possibly aim for a repeat victory in the Mr. Prospector (G3) at the end of the year.

$350,000 Lexus Raven Run (G2), 3-year-old fillies, 7 furlongs on the main track (Entries taken Saturday; race is Saturday, Oct. 21) – Alva Starr (trainer Brett Brinkman), Lady Radler (Michael Campbell), Lily Poo (Michael McCarthy), Nom de Plume (Paulo Lobo), Simpley (Todd Beattie), Vahva (Cherie DeVaux).

$250,000 Perryville (L), 3-year-olds, 7 furlongs on the main track (Entries taken Saturday; race is Saturday, Oct. 21) – Dr. Venkman (Mark Glatt), Verifying (Brad Cox). Possible: Loyal Company (Brendan Walsh).

$300,000 Rood & Riddle Dowager (G3), 3-year-old and up fillies and mares, 1½ miles on the turf (Entries taken Sunday; race is Sunday, Oct. 22) – Be Up (Mike Maker), Henrietta Topham (Geoff Mulcahy), Romagna Mia (GB) (Graham Motion), Transient (GB) (Saffie Joseph Jr.), Vergara (Motion). Possible: Lovely Princess (Kenny McPeek).

Sunday was a day of firsts at Keeneland as three jockeys and two trainers recorded notable victories.

In Race 1, apprentice rider Matilda Burnham and trainer Bonnie Pittman each earned their first Keeneland victories when Rene Salgado’s Navy Soul won a 1 1/16-mile race by a half-length.

In Race 3, trainer Yoni Orantes recorded his first career victory in his 13^th start when his Arella Star scored a front-running victory in a 6½-furlong race. She and jockey Luis Saez won at odds of 9-1 for Orantes, a former assistant to Ian Wilkes, who sent out his first starter in July 2022.

In Race 8, Cristian Torres scored his first Keeneland victory when he rode J. Kirk and Judy Robison’s Committee of One, trained by Steve Asmussen, to nose out favored Amidst Waves to capture the Indian Summer (L) Presented by Keeneland Select.

In Race 10, Francisco Arrieta earned his first Keeneland stakes victory – and tallied the first Grade 2 win of his career – when he rode 27-1 longshot Can Group to a nose triumph in the Castle & Key Bourbon. Mark Casse trains the winner for D.J. Stable and Cash Is King.

“This is beautiful,” Arrieta said after the performance. “I never thought I’d be riding at Keeneland and here I am and winning a Grade 2 – it’s amazing.”

Burnham described the thrill of winning at Keeneland.

WEEK 2 SPECIAL EVENTS 

Now through Dec. 8 

Keeneland Library Presents the Exhibit The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers. This fascinating exhibit highlights the lives and careers of 80 African Americans working in the Thoroughbred industry from the mid-1800s to the present. Located on Keeneland’s campus, Keeneland Library is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To reach the Library, enter Keeneland at Gate 1 on Keeneland Blvd. and take the first right on Entertainment Ct. The Library is to the left of the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center. The exhibit is free.

Wednesday, Oct. 11

WINS-Day Challenge Presented By Malone’s. Participating in the WINS-Day Challenge is an inexpensive way for beginning handicappers to test their skills. Enter the contest for $10 at Wagering Central (located on the first floor of the Grandstand) and place a mythical $2 win and place wager – that means no actual money is required – on the day’s final six races. The entire pool is paid out to the top 10 players, including first place (50% of pool and $200 Malone’s gift card), second place (25% of pool and $100 Malone’s gift card) and third place (10% of pool and $50 Malone’s gift card).

Thursday, Oct. 12

Make-A-Wish Day. For the 16th year, local Thoroughbred farms and organizations are teaming up with Keeneland to grant wishes for many deserving children. At Keeneland, Make-A-Wish children and their families will be treated to a VIP experience, presenting a trophy after each race, meeting jockeys and experiencing all the excitement of a day at the races. Fans are encouraged to cheer on the children and support Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana by donating to the Wishing Well near the Paddock or online by clicking here.

Friday, Oct. 13

College Scholarship Day Presented By Lane’s End. Keeneland welcomes current full-time college students to enjoy a day of racing, prizes, scholarship giveaways, behind-the-scenes racing experiences, reserved seating and more. By registering, students will receive free general admission and have the opportunity to win prizes and scholarships. A total of 10 scholarships worth $2,000 apiece from Keeneland and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and two scholarships worth $10,000 each from Lane’s End will be awarded. Activities will occur in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fall $400 Challenge. Keeneland’s live bankroll handicapping tournament has a $400 buy-in. Players will wager a live bankroll of $250 on any or all races at Keeneland with no minimums per race. One Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge berth and as many as four National Horseplayers Championship spots are up for grabs.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday

The Hill. Keeneland’s free official tailgating area requires no ticket or reservation, which offers a unique way to experience the races. Watch and wager on Keeneland’s live races on a jumbo TV screen. Have a question about handicapping? BETologists, Keeneland’s wagering experts, are there to answer questions. Meanwhile, enjoy food trucks and live music presented by The Burl and take complimentary shuttles to the track. The Hill is adjacent to the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center and accessible via Gate 4. Amenities are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14 

Sunrise Trackside. This free morning program is geared toward families with a unique view of Thoroughbreds during training hours. Coffee and light breakfast offerings will be available at The Starting Gate concession stand while watching racehorses train. Children’s activities, which will take place from 8-10 a.m. underneath the Grandstand, will include a visit with Keeneland mascot Buckles, face painting, games, jockey silks photos and more. From 8:30-9 a.m., families can pet a horse in the Paddock and visit the track apron to watch the John Deere Tractor Break as tractors groom the track. Guests can learn more about the workings of Keeneland by joining a complimentary mini-tour. Visit the Tours Podium located near the Paddock for more information. This event is open to the public and does not require a ticket. A special Halloween edition of Sunrise Trackside will take place Oct. 28.

$3,500 Fall BCBC/NHC Challenge. Registration is open for in-person and remote participation in Keeneland’s live-money contest in cooperation with XpressBet, NYRA Bets, 4NJ Bets, HPI and TVG. The entry fee is $3,500, with $2,500 going to the live bankroll and $1,000 to the prize fund. Players must wager a minimum of $400 in at least five Keeneland races and a minimum of $2,500. Prizes include cash, as many as six Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge berths, and 10 NHC spots (based on the number of entries).

Sunday, Oct. 15

Kids Club Family Day Presented by Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The Keeneland Kids Club is the Official Kids Club for Keeneland fans 12 and younger. Members and their families are invited to a special day at the races. They receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating when they present their membership cards at the admission gates. Children’s activities in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. include face painting, a sweet treat and activities with local community partners such as Amplify Horse Racing, Eckert’s Orchard, Explorium of Lexington, LexArts and LexLive. Sign up for the Keeneland Kids Club at keeneland.com/kidsclub.

FALL MEET LEADERS

Through Oct. 8 (3 days of the 17-day season)