Horses Prep for BC at Keeneland

Mullikin and Flavien Prat in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Sprint post parade where they finished third. (Ernie Belmonte/Past The Wire)

“Good Energy,” Mullikin Drills For Breeders’ Cup Sprint

Devaux Sends Out Three Breeders’ Cup Horses For Final Breezes

Keeneland Release

LEXINGTON, Ky.—In preparation for the $2 million Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) on Nov. 1 at Del Mar, WinStar Farm’s Mullikin breezed Friday at Keeneland immediately following the first track harrowing at 7:30 a.m. ET. With Antonio Mata aboard and going solo, Mullikin was clocked in :48.40 for 4 furlongs.

“We were not looking for anything too fancy,” trainer Rodolphe Brisset said. “We did all the bottom work the last three weeks. He showed good energy, and the rider was very happy with him. We got what we need.”

Mullikin, a 5-year-old son of Violence, returns to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint after finishing third as the favorite last year. Overall, he has five wins, including the 2024 Forego (G1) at Saratoga, with six seconds and one third with more than $1.1 million in earnings. 

A 25% ownership in Mullikin will be offered at the second Keeneland Championship Sale on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at Del Mar.

Mullikin leaves Monday for Del Mar on a flight from Cincinnati. He is scheduled to begin his stallion career at WinStar Farm in nearby Versailles in 2026.

The Rood & Riddle Breeders’ Cup Post Position Draw will be Monday, Oct. 27 at 7:15 p.m. Eastern.

Devaux Sends Out Three Breeders’ Cup Horses For Final Breezes

Trainer Cherie DeVaux sent out her three horses pre-entered in Nov. 1 races of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar for 4-furlong works over a fast track at Keeneland Friday morning. All three horses worked in company.

John D. Gunther and Eurowest Bloodstock Service’s Grade 1-placed stakes winner Rebel Red (GB) (Breeders’ Cup Turf) and the 3-year-old maiden Altiplano went in :49.

“He’s a horse that’s not going to really have a flashy work for a half-mile on the dirt,” DeVaux said about the 5-year-old son of Frankel. “It’s more about how he does it and the gallop out, which was quite impressive. Steady, but full in the bridle.”

Rebel Red is coming off a fifth in the Sept. 27 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) at Belmont at The Big A.

“He’s a horse with a lot of tenacity,” DeVaux said, “and he’s just a really cool horse to train. Nothing rattles him. He lost an eye in the beginning of Saratoga two summers ago and then came back at the end of the meet, ran with one eye, then came back to win here at Keeneland. He’s really neat. Whatever you throw at him, and things don’t go his way, he picks himself up and comes right back.”

Lael Stables’ multiple Grade 1 winner She Feels Pretty (Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf) was timed in :48.40 in company with 5-year-old Grade 3 winner Taking Candy.

“They started off quite slow – 25 and 4, first quarter — and came home full of run,” DeVaux said. “Same good energy as she showed last week with a really nice gallop out. She’s just such a treat to train, really special. Fillies like her don’t come around too often so we just enjoy this all while we can.”

She Feels Pretty is a 4-year-old daughter of Karakontie (JPN).

With Axel Concepcion aboard, Vahva (PNC Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint) went a half-mile in :48.40 in company with 2-year-old winner Atropa.

“Worked really well,” DeVaux said. “Right now, we’re just doing all our maintenance work. She looked great. She had a really nice gallop out. Ton of horse, so I’m happy with how she put in her last work.”

Second in Keeneland’s Thoroughbred Club of America (G2) on Oct. 4, Vahva races for Belladonna Racing, Lynne Hudson, Edward Hudson Jr., West Point Thoroughbreds, Twin Brook Stables, W. S. Farish, LBD Stable, Runnels Racing and Manganaro Bloodstock.

The 5-year-old daughter of Gun Runner is cataloged as a racing or broodmare prospect in Book 1 of Keeneland’s November Breeding Stock Sale on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

The Rood & Riddle Breeders’ Cup Post Position Draw will be Monday, Oct. 27 at 7:15 p.m. Eastern.

Closing-Week Special Events

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.

Friday and Saturday (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 for people with admission tickets.

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 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.

Saturday

Halloween Edition of Sunrise Trackside. No ticket is required to attend this free 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 Saddling Paddock. From 8:30 to 9 a.m., fans can pet a horse in the Stakes Winner’s Circle (formerly the Walking Ring), and the John Deere Tractor Break will take place during the renovation period on the main track with a drawing for prizes from John Deere/Meade Tractor. 

The Halloween edition of Sunrise Trackside will include an appearance by the Headless Horseman at 8:30 a.m. in the Saddling Paddock and on the main track after the horses in Race 4 have left the track (post time for Race 4 is 2:36 p.m.).

Teacher Appreciation Day. Teachers, educators and staff along with one guest each  will receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating. Upon having their tickets scanned, this group will be automatically entered to win a giveaway to be drawn at 4 p.m. Through a partnership with Coca-Cola and UPS, educators are invited to visit a tent near the Paddock to sign up for giveaways and receive a complimentary voucher for a Coca-Cola beverage. The Keeneland Shop will offer a 15% discount to any active educator with a valid ID. Click here for more

FALL MEET LEADERS

Through Oct. 23 (15 days of 17-day season)