Woodford – Grade II

KEE        Race #2           5 1/2f                  Turf                      Graded Stake

Purse $400.00  For Three Year Olds And Upward.

1. No Prince – Mb Stables (3yo)

Works

• “26Sep26 BEL 5f(T) yld :59.3 H 2/4”
• “16Sep26 PRX 6f(T) fm 1:09.4 H 4/46”

These are excellent turf works, showing both sharpness and stamina. The 5f in 59.3 on yielding turf is especially strong — horses who work well on softer ground often finish strongly at Keeneland.

Track Performance

• Turf record: 13 starts – 4 wins, 6 seconds, 2 thirds – 92 avg fig
• Sprinting: “7Sep26 KD 6½f (G2) – 1st, 98 fig”

He has proven he can sprint at graded level. His turf sprint win at KD is the best single sprint line in the field. The trainer seems to be able to make these horses win over any trip and with the aid of the inside this one is probably favorite to add to his huge pay day in the Simpson.

Verdict:

Elite works + elite turf sprint form = major contender.

2. Exuberant – Mb Stables (5yo)

Works

• “28Sep26 BEL 2f(T) sft :23.3 H 1/1”
• “14Sep26 LA 6f fst 1:10 H 1/116”

The 2f blowout is a classic sharpening move. The 6f in 1:10 is extremely fast — but on dirt. Turf works are limited.

Track Performance

• Turf: 21 starts – 6 wins – 92 avg fig
• Sprinting: “18Feb26 TAM 5f – 2nd by a neck, 93 fig”

He’s honest but not explosive at 5–6f. His best races are longer.

Verdict:

Strong works, but turf sprint form is only moderate. Once again the race engine showed us a sprinter can go a mile and three eighths or vice versa so this step back to his favored sprinting will not matter one bit . An Mb runner in the perfect draw, looks like a classic one two on the cards.

3. Frick – High Voltage (7yo)

Works

• “16Sep26 SAR 5f(T) fm :57.4 H 1/2”
• “7Sep26 SAR 6f(T) fm 1:09.4 H 2/13”

These are top‑class turf works — 57.4 is blistering. He’s clearly razor‑sharp.

Track Performance

• Turf: 37 starts – 10 wins – 96 avg fig
• Sprinting: “27Jun26 AQU 6f – 2nd by a neck, 98 fig”

He is a proven turf sprinter with a long history of running well at 5–6f.

Verdict:

Outstanding works + proven sprint ability = dangerous veteran who will likely run on late.

4. Illusionary Artist – Nakamura (3yo)

Works

• “28Sep26 PRX 6f(T) fm 1:09.3 H 1/66”
• “23Sep26 PRX 6f(T) fm 1:09.2 H 1/72”

These are exceptional turf works, both topping large sets. He is working like a turf sprinter even though most of his form is on dirt.

Track Performance

• Turf: 1 start – 92 fig
• Dirt sprint figs: 97–101

He has only one turf run, but his works suggest he will improve significantly switching back.

Verdict:

Monster turf works; huge upside despite limited turf résumé, but hey this is HRP trips and surface really don’t mean too much at this level if they have proven ability.

5. Agent Zero – Mb Stables (5yo)

Works

• “26Sep26 BEL 5f(T) yld :59.1 H 1/4”
• “18Sep26 BEL 5f(T) fm :57.1 H 1/9”

These are the best turf works in the entire field. The 57.1 is elite and indicates peak condition.

Track Performance

• Turf: 20 starts – 8 wins – 95 avg fig
• Sprinting: “5Sep26 KD 6f (G2) – 99 fig”

He is a graded‑class sprinter with top‑end speed and finishing power.

Verdict:

Works like a turf sprinter runs like a miler. Could make it a clean sweep for the stable

6. Mosquito – Spankys Barn (6yo)

Works

• “21Aug26 DMR 7f(T) fm 1:22.1 H 2/7”
• “8Aug26 DMR 5f(T) fm :57.1 H 1/14”

The 57.1 is superb. The 7f turf work shows stamina — useful for a strong finish at 5½f.

Track Performance

• Turf: 28 starts – 10 wins – 94 avg fig
• Sprinting: “19Apr26 SA 5½f – 1st, 98 fig”

He is a true turf sprint specialist.

Verdict:

Excellent works + proven 5½f ability = live contender. He was massive in the KD Turf Sprint last time and a repeat of that would be good enough.

7. Safe Di – Gdp Inc (6yo)

Works

• “23Sep26 PRX 7f fst 1:22.2 H 1/3”
• “2Sep26 IND 6f fst 1:11.2 b 1/1”

All works are on dirt. No turf works listed.

Track Performance

• Turf: 10 starts – 3 wins – 92 avg fig
• Sprinting: “25Jul26 SAR 5½f – 1st, 95 fig”

He can sprint on turf, but lack of turf works is a negative.

Verdict:

The stables stars took a couple of years off and seem to have come back as good if not better. Dangerous over any trip on any surface he will be right in it at the end.

8. Furious Luka – Night Rider (3yo)

Works

• “4Sep26 KD 5f(T) fm :58.1 h 1/1”
• “13Aug26 SAR 5f fst :59.2 b 8/19”

The KD turf work is excellent — 58.1 is fast and efficient.

Track Performance

• Turf: 11 starts – 4 wins – 94 avg fig
• Sprinting: “16Aug26 SAR 5½f (G3) – 2nd by a head, 97 fig”

He is a high‑quality turf sprinter with tactical speed.

Verdict:

Strong turf work + strong sprint form = major 3yo threat and only has a length to find on Simpson form.

9. Usain Colt – Aer Stables (3yo)

Works

• “24Sep26 WO 6f(T) fm 1:09.3 H 2/15”
• “12Aug26 SAR 6f(t) fm 1:09.4 H 1/1”

These are very good turf works, showing he handles the surface well.

Track Performance

• Turf: 3 starts – 1 win – 95 fig
• Sprinting: Limited; best form at 1 mile.

Verdict:

Excellent works but sprint form is unproven. With this wide gate I wonder whether we see the enigmatic trainer click the gaming buttons and send this one to spoil the party.

Race Summary:

This could easily be an Mb Stables 1.2.3 but there are more chances than that in the field with the likes of Mosquito and Illusionary Artist. Common sense says one of the Mb trio will win though.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES