Keeneland Notebook

KEENELAND NOTEBOOK

OCTOBER 30, 2009

by Frank Cotolo

The second full week at Keeneland brought another 47 races to Polytrack and

the turf course, both playing very strongly to horses coming from behind at all

distances. The public has been doing well and did better the second week than it

did the first week, striking with 32-percent winners, regardless of surface,

distance or class. That was a hike from week two. Meanwhile, the meet average is

27 percent.

From Polytrack to Polytrack is definitely the edge for winning horses so far.

This past week another 11 winners raced last at Arlington, followed by nine at

Turfway. The next best was Presque Isle.

Horses from this meet have already returned to race. That is a quick turn

around but, nonetheless, 20 horses returned from Keeneland's opening weekend.

Five won, with four coming in either second or third. So far, 31 of the 124

races this meet have been from Arlington, which is a startling 25-percent clip.

Trainers

Ken McPeek, who had two first-time starter victories last week, came through

with another one this week, along with two other winners. McPeek was, again, the

best conditioner of the week with three wins. Bill Mott, Chris Block, Eddie

Kenneally and Kiaran McLaughlin all scored with a pair each.

To date, McLaughlin joins Bret Calhoun with the early knock-out win

percentage of 43, as both men have sent out seven starters and had three wins.

Tied with a 24-percent average to date is Michael Maker, Hugh Robertson and Tom

Proctor.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (10/21)

1ST -- DONIPHON (Olmodavor) was very wide to the top, starting from the 10

post, but led strongly before failing in the stretch to keep up.

3RD -- ZEPHYR ICE (Military) is an Arlington shipper who raced well, saving

ground and putting in an impressive rally.

9TH -- NEWPORT (More Than Ready) was coming from a turf race to Polytrack and

had a troubled trip. Blocked and forced to steady, he still had some left in the

stretch.

Thursday (10/22)

3RD -- MOUNTAIN JUSTICE (Afleet Alex) made a fine debut, flashing speed that

should sustain a threat next out.

5TH -- GIBSONSFASTRICK (Gibson County) came here to make his turf debut after

racing on Churchill's dirt and needed this one.

9TH -- MORT'S LEGACY (E. Dubai) is a McPeek student who should do better in

its second outing, having shown talent in this debut.

Friday (10/23)

4TH -- ELECTRIC ALPHABET (Alphabet Soup) was three wide chasing some speedy

critters early, holding well until tiring.

6TH -- UP IN LIGHTS (Smart Strike) raced down the middle of the track

gallantly and then made a five-wide charge.

10TH -- COULEE (Vicar) is a good bet back next time, winning this one

smartly, going very wide and sweeping.

Saturday (10/24)

1ST -- SOMEOTHERTIME (Bernstein) had a good first-time outing with a speed

duel that thwarted furthering position. Kenneally student can crack the maiden

status soon.

3RD -- GESTE (Coronado's Quest) dueled bravely through three calls and could

not be faulted for tiring thereafter.