Soprano (IRE) Hopes To Hit High Note In Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Presented By Dixiana
Frost At Dawn Invades From Europe For Sunday’s Franklin
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Keeneland Release
LEXINGTON, KY.—All-sources wagering on the Oct. 4-6 opening three days of Keeneland’s Fall Meet – known as Fall Stars Weekend – exceeded $49.5 million.
The amount is just shy of the record Fall Stars Weekend handle of $49,966,786 from 2022.
Wagering on Saturday’s 11-race card was $22,356,693, a record for a day during the Fall Meet.
Fall Stars Weekend featured 11 stakes, 10 of which are graded, worth $5.8 million – led by the $1.25 million Coolmore Turf Mile (G1), the richest race in Keeneland history, on Saturday. Five stakes are Grade 1 events, while eight are Breeders’ Cup Challenge races. These “Win and You’re In” races award the winners fees-paid berths into corresponding races for the Nov. 1-2 World Championships at Del Mar.
Wagering on the 10-race opening day card was nearly $15.3 million. Sunday’s wagering figure was $12 million on 10 races.
Soprano (IRE) Hopes To Hit High Note In Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Presented By Dixiana
Highclere Thoroughbred Racing’s Soprano (IRE) has been keeping company with the top 3-year-old fillies in Europe. If the company she keeps translates to North America, the runner, who is trained by George Boughey, looms as a major player in Saturday’s $750,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) Presented by Dixiana.
Third behind four-time Group 1 winner Porta Fortuna (IRE) and two-time Group 1 winner Fallen Angel in the Coolmore America Justify Matron (G1) at Leopardstown in Ireland in her most recent start, Soprano arrived in the U.S. on Friday. She spent two days in quarantine at Churchill Downs before coming to Keeneland Sunday.
“This is the main target,” said Charles Eddery, who was aboard Soprano Wednesday morning. “We felt like she would take to American racing, and she likes warmer weather.”
On Wednesday, Eddery took Soprano through the Paddock before jogging around to the starting gate.
“One thing that is different here is the bell at the gate,” Eddery said. “I wanted to get her used to that, and she did very well.”
Saturday’s race at 1⅛ miles will mark the first time Soprano has raced farther than a mile. Eddery said a good performance might prompt the connections to take a look at the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1) at 1⅜ miles at Del Mar on Nov. 2.
Frost At Dawn Invades From Europe For Sunday’s Franklin
For its first 27 runnings, the Franklin (G2) has not attracted any European-based runners.
That figures to change Sunday when Abdulla Al Mansoori’s Frost At Dawn goes postward in the $350,000 test going 5½ furlongs on the turf.
The attraction for Frost At Dawn is a possible shot at the Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) to be run Nov. 2 at Del Mar.
“We didn’t qualify for the Breeders’ (Cup) in Europe, so we decided to try here,” said Michelle Gross, who is overseeing the 3-year-old filly’s preparation for trainer William Knight.
“She got here Sunday after a couple days in quarantine at Churchill. She’s doing very well and she traveled well.”
Frost At Dawn finished 10th against males in the “Win and You’re In” Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe (G1) at York in England behind standouts Bradsell and Believing “and then she caught soft ground in her last start at Ayr,” Gross said.
Even though the Franklin will be the initial U.S. race for Frost At Dawn, she will be meeting a rival from March from Dubai in Star of Mystery (GB).
Frost At Dawn beat Star of Mystery by 2½ lengths going 5 furlongs at Meydan in the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint (G3) on March 2. Four weeks later in the 6-furlong Al Quoz Sprint (G1), Frost At Dawn weakened late to finish 10th while Star of Mystery was second.
Godolphin’s Star of Mystery has made her past two starts at Saratoga for trainer Charlie Appleby.
Thorpedo Anna (outside) holds off 44-1 longshot Gun Song to win the Cotillion Stakes (G1). Photo credit: Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO
Trainer Kenny McPeek plans to send Thorpedo Anna to Del Mar for the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) on Oct. 27.
“She’s at Saratoga, and on the morning of the 27th she will van down to Newark (New Jersey) for the flight to Del Mar,” McPeek said Wednesday morning.
The leading candidate for the Eclipse Award as champion 3-year-old filly, Thorpedo Anna returned to the work tab Saturday at Saratoga and covered 5 furlongs in 1:00.40 in her first breeze back since winning the Cotillion (G1) at Parx on Sept. 21. The Cotillion was her fourth Grade 1 victory of 2024. …
Chris Durham, who is overseeing trainer Charlie Appleby’s string of Godolphin runners here, said plans are to ship “six or seven” horses to Del Mar on Oct. 28 for the weekend of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
“We fly out on the 28th,” Durham said. “We will do a little bit of work here that Sunday before we go.”
Prospective Fields For Upcoming Stakes
$350,000 LEXUS RAVEN RUN (G2) (Entries taken Saturday; race Saturday, Oct. 19) – Emery (trainer Brad Cox), Legadema (Phil Bauer), Mink’s Palace (Eddie Kenneally), My Mane Squeeze (Mike Maker), V V’s Dream (Kenny McPeek). Possible: Cap Classique (Brittany Russell), Fibber (Chris Hartman).
Throughout the Fall Meet, special events and activities will continue Keeneland’s historic mission to support the Central Kentucky community and the Thoroughbred industry. They include:
Year-round
Official Keeneland Tours: Click here for description, availability and to purchase tickets.
Wednesday, Oct. 9
WINS-Day Challenge Presented by Malone’s. This is an inexpensive way for beginner handicappers to give contests a try. Enter for $10 at Wagering Central on the first floor Grandstand and place a mythical $2 win and place wager – no actual money required – on the final six Keeneland races of the day. First 200 participants will receive a free Daily Racing Form and an appetizer card from Malone’s.
Thursday, Oct. 10
Make-A-Wish Day. This is the 17th consecutive year Keeneland has hosted the event, the culmination of a rewarding experience for a special group of 10 children. Local Thoroughbred farms and organizations team up with Keeneland to grant wishes for these children, who with their families are treated to a VIP experience, complete with presenting a trophy after each race, meeting jockeys and experiencing the excitement of a day at the races. Fans can participate in a silent auction located near the Paddock. Fans may donate to Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting)
The Hill. No ticket or reservation is required for tailgating on The Hill, located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center and accessible via Gate 1 (at Man o’ War Blvd.) or Gate 4 (off Van Meter Road on the east side of Keeneland). Fans can watch the racing action via a jumbo TV and place their bets in a wagering tent while they enjoy live music presented by The Burl, food trucks and handicapping assistance from BETologists. Complimentary shuttles to the track are offered.
The Hill is open from 8 a.m. to 60 minutes after the final race. Amenities are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For fans who want to elevate their experience, Keeneland again is partnering with RevelXP to offer tailgate packages for groups of any size. RevelXP will organize tailgates by furnishing a designated tent, catering, amenities and more.Click here for more details.
Friday, Oct. 11
Fall $400 Challenge. Registration is open for Keeneland’s live bankroll handicapping tournament, which 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 (BCBC) berth and as many as four National Horseplayers Championship spots are up for grabs. Click here for more information. The Challenge is only available for players who are at Keeneland. Participants may register the day of the contest.
Big Blue Day. In celebration of Homecoming Weekend at the University of Kentucky, Keeneland will become the center of Big Blue Nation. Fans will enjoy a pep rally and appearances throughout the day by such UK royalty as singer/song-writer Hannah Ellis, who will sing the National Anthem, along with basketball superstar Jack “Goose” Givens, football standout Nate Northington and others. Keep your eye on Keeneland Bugler Steve Buttleman, who is known to lead fans in the UK fight song, “On! On! U of K.” Givens and Northington will participate in book signings on the North Terrace, and other special activities will be announced. UK hosts Vanderbilt in football the following day.
Saturday, Oct. 12
Sunrise Trackside. No ticket is required to attend this free Saturday morning program from 8-10 a.m., which is geared toward families and offers a unique view of Thoroughbreds during training hours. Fans can enjoy a light breakfast for purchase at the Starting Gate concession stand while watching racehorses train. Children’s activities on the first floor Grandstand will include a visit with Keeneland mascot Buckles, face painting and games. Mini tours will be available at the Tours podium near the Paddock. From 8:30 to 9 a.m., fans can pet a horse in the Walking Ring, and the John Deere Tractor Break will take place during the renovation period on the main tract with a drawing for prizes from John Deere/Meade Tractor.
On Oct. 26, a special Halloween edition of Sunrise Trackside with a costume contest and an appearance by the Headless Horseman will take place.
$3,500 Fall BCBC/NHC Challenge. Registration is open for in-person and remote participation in this live-money contest that Keeneland is holding in cooperation with TwinSpires, XpressBet, NYRA Bets, 4NJ Bets, HPI and TVG. Click here for details and to register. 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 races at Keeneland and wager a minimum total of $2,500. Prices include cash and as many as six BCBC berths and 10 NHC spots (based on number of entries).
Sunday, Oct. 13
Keeneland 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. Kids Club members and their families are invited to a special day at the races and will receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating when they present their membership cards at admission entrances. Children’s activities in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will include face painting, a sweet treat and activities with local community partners such as Amplify Horse Racing, Kentucky Children’s Hospital, LexArts and Eckert’s Orchard. Sign up for the Kids Club at Keeneland.com/kidsclub.
FALL MEET LEADERS
Through Oct. 6 (3 days of 17-day season)
Jockey
Starts
Wins
2nd
3rd
Purses
Tyler Gaffalione
27
5
6
1
$1,442,519
Jose Ortiz
20
4
2
1
$1,167,227
Luis Saez
28
4
5
5
$777,680
Trainer
Starts
Wins
2nd
3rd
Purses
Brad Cox
11
4
0
1
$1,030,866
Cherie DeVaux
8
3
1
1
$401,445
Chad Brown, Joe Sharp and Brendan Walsh have 2 wins each.
