Mystic Lake, Emery renew rivalry in Madison

Keeneland's Friday card has been pushed to Monday and Saturday's racing will take place on Tuesday due to the weekends forecast of severe weather. 

A days-long wet weather system forecast to affect central Kentucky this weekend could wreak havoc on Keeneland's signature program of the spring meet on Saturday, in particular the two stakes scheduled for the turf.

The highlight of the Blue Grass Day undercard is the $650,000 Madison (G1) for older filly and mare sprinters going seven furlongs. Mystic Lake, a five-time stakes winner last season, eked out a season-opening victory in the Jan. 25 Inside Information (G2) at Gulfstream by a neck over even-money favorite Emery. The latter is 2-for-2 over the Keeneland strip, including a two-length score in the Raven Run (G2) in October.

Raven Run runner-up My Mane Squeeze has not started since that race, and fared best at Churchill Downs last season where she captured the Eight Belles (G2) and Dogwood (G3). Syclla is another Churchill-loving entrant who won as far as nine furlongs last term but also fared well in sprints, finishing second in the Ballerina H. (G1) and fourth in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1).

The male counterpart to the Madison, the $350,000 Commonwealth (G3), attracted a field of 12, including 2023 Commonwealth winner Here Mi Song. Hoist the Gold has performed well over the Keeneland main track in the past, including a victory in the 2023 Phoenix (G2). The speed-heavy field also includes Grade 1 veteran Nutella Fella, Grade 1-placed Epic Ride, and the swift allowance winners Montalcino and Watchatalkinabout.

The $400,000 Shakertown (G2) is scheduled for 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf, but that could be victimized by adverse course conditions. Arzak is back to defend his title in the Shakertown, with Run Carson, Our Shot, Rogue Lightning, and Coppola among others of interest. If switched to the main track, Valentine Candy's appeal widens.

The $500,000 Appalachian (G2) for three-year-old fillies, scheduled for one mile on the turf, has attracted Grade 3 scorer Vixen, Florida Oaks (G3) one-two Nitrogen and Lush Lips, and stakes winner Totally Justified and Fionn.