Big stakes and solid fields taking shape for Keeneland’s opening weekend

March 27, 2021

Keeneland’s 15-day Spring Meet opens Friday, April 2 and runs through Friday, April 23. The first two days of the season will feature nine stakes worth a total of $2.5 million.

According to Stakes Coordinator Tiffany Bourque, here are the prospective field for the races.

April 2 races. Entries taken Monday, March 29.

$150,000 BEAUMONT (G3) PRESENTED BY KEENELAND SELECT – Amalfi Princess (Mike Maker), Cilla (Brett Brinkman), Farsighted (Rusty Arnold), Joyful Cadence (John Ortiz), Lady Traveler (Dale Romans), Slumber Party (Kelly Breen). Possible: My Girl Red (Keith Desormeaux).

$150,000 KENTUCKY UTILITIES TRANSYLVANIA (G3) – Breadman (John Terranova), Earls Rock (IRE) (Phil D’Amato), Fire At Will (Mike Maker), Scarlett Sky (Shug McGaughey).

$100,000 PALISADES TURF SPRINT – Bodenheimer (Valorie Lund), Lock Up (D. Wayne Lukas). Possible: Chicks Dig Scars (Travis Murphy), Field Day (Brad Cox), Smokin’ Jay (Kelsey Danner).

April 3 races. Entries taken Tuesday, March 30.

Keeneland will livestream the post position draws for the Toyota Blue Grass (G2) and Central Bank Ashland (G1) at Keeneland.com beginning at 11 a.m. ET.

$800,000 TOYOTA BLUE GRASS (G2) – Essential Quality (trainer Brad Cox), Hidden Stash (Vicki Oliver), Highly Motivated (Chad Brown), Sittin On Go (Dale Romans). Possible: Keepmeinmind (Robertino Diodoro).

$400,000 CENTRAL BANK ASHLAND (G1) – Alwayz Late (Bill Mott), Army Wife (Mike Maker), Javanica (Eoin Harty), Moon Swag (Brendan Walsh), Pass the Champagne (George Weaver), Simply Ravishing (Kenny McPeek), Will’s Secret (Dallas Stewart). Possible: Mia Martina (Graham Motion).

$300,000 MADISON (G1) – Bell’s the One (Neil Pessin), Fair Maiden (Eoin Harty), Kimari (Wesley Ward), Sanenus (CHI) (Michael McCarthy), Sconsin (Greg Foley). Possible: Unique Factor (Peter Miller).

$200,000 SHAKERTOWN (G2) – American Butterfly (D. Wayne Lukas), Bad Beat Brian (Mike Maker), Bound for Nowhere (Wesley Ward), High Crime (Darrin Miller), Hollis (John Ortiz), Imprimis (Joe Orseno), Johnny Unleashed (Eric Foster), Just Might (Michelle Lovell), Smart Remark (Vicki Oliver), The Critical Way (Jose Delgado).

$200,000 APPALACHIAN (G2) PRESENTED BY JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION – Gift List (GB) (Brian Lynch), Jouster (Todd Pletcher), Oyster Box (Graham Motion), Plum Ali (Christophe Clement). Possible: Navratilova (Rusty Arnold), Saranya (Brad Cox).

$200,000 COMMONWEALTH (G3) – Attachment Rate (Dale Romans), Hidden Scroll (Brad Cox), Mucho (John Ortiz), Special Reserve (Mike Maker).

Keeneland is closed Easter Sunday, April 4.

Keeneland Press Release

Photo: Keeneland Media Guide

Congrats to @jonathanstettin who had the Rainbow pick 6 twice today!!!!!!!! twitter.com/jonathanstetti…

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