Keeneland Notebook

KEENELAND NOTEBOOK

APRIL 10, 20110

by Frank Cotolo

Spring racing at Keeneland is in full motion. This report will cover April 2

through April 8, the first four programs of the 15-day meet.

With horses coming from all over the country and from dirt and artificial

surfaces, the 38 events on both Keeneland turf and Polytrack were kind to horses

arriving to perform on either type. In fact, there were 27-percent winners going

wire to wire and 40 percent won being close to the pace. Oddly enough, the usual

tactic on Polytrack was not as successful as speed, with only 33 percent won by

closing from a decent position behind a leader.

Perhaps that is why the public only chose 29 percent of the winners in the

first four programs? Not much of a theory this early in the meet, even though it

is short. There is barely enough time to trace a major pattern before the

majority of horses embark for the Churchill Downs meet.

One horse that came from behind and won was HITCH YOUR WAGON (Wagon Limit),

from the Horses-to-Watch list at Fair Grounds. He liked Polytrack but the public

shied from him, setting off a win price of $44.20.

Trainers

Keeneland's trainer community includes some local favorites like Wayne

Catalano and Shug McGaughey. Each of those two had a winner in a long list of

second-placers. Six conditioners doubled. Merrill Scherer, off a good meet at

Fair Grounds, had two, as did Tom Proctor, Kiaran McLaughlin, Bill Mott, Wesley

Ward and Steve Asmussen. One of Asmussen's was a first-time starter; Ward also

had one.

Stakes

Continuing with the $3-million-plus stakes in this brief meet, this weekend includes the Maker's Mark Mile-Blue Grass

Double. Players will go

after the winners in both Grade 1 races on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

That means being correct with a race on the turf and another on Polytrack.

Also on Saturday, the $250,000 Commonwealth S. (G2) tests three-year-olds

and up at seven panels; the Jenny Wiley S. (G2) is for four-and-up fillies and

mares at 1 1/16 miles; and three-year-olds and up go in the Shakertown S. (G3) at 5

1/2 furlongs.

HORSES TO WATCH

Friday (4/2)

4TH -- CONDITION RED (Red Bullet) likes Polytrack, coming from Turfway, and

was a sharp third at 30-1 with a good late move.

5TH -- WICKED RAVNINA (Wild and Wicked) was anxious early, extremely wide

dueling and left with nothing late.

Saturday (4/3)

3RD -- TRIBECKY (Saint Liam) finished third at 7-1 with good stamina after

getting the lead and being caught.

4TH -- PISCES POEM (Vision and Verse) was great to the front ones until

challenged late and his two moves cost him in the end.

Wednesday (4/7)

3RD -- COMMANDER JOHN (Pine Bluff), another from Turfway, was game from post

10 to get the lead to the half before losing a duel. Races much like his

Preakness-winning sire, though I don't recall him ever being 67-1.

6TH -- SPECTACULAR KID (Mizzen Mast) had a giant lead at the half, racing far

better than his 19-1 status; held on tight to the stretch.

Thursday (4/8)

6TH -- MOBILIZER (Motivator) was an impressive first-time starter in

this route, getting third at 41-1.