-Alcibiades Stakes G1 Keenland Park, Lexington KY

Another win-and-you’re-in BC entry race at Keenland Park, this one, a Grade 1 with a $650.000 purse.

Unfinished Symphony came out of the gate and under patient handling by Paco Lopez worked out a nice midpack tracking trip. She slowly continued to move up inch by inch and looked a winner the entire time in this man’s opinion. Congrats to Luz International for a brilliant win by a filly obviously blessed with a ton of talent.

Crait, as pointed out by this handicapper during the race preview was well worth a wager today. She came out near the rear of the field but her highly regarded pilot took her magically over to the rail. That ground saving trip made all the difference late as she came screaming into the stretch to just miss a huge payday. High Voltage has another head turner here.

Starlit Venture, coming off her maiden breaker ran a monster today. Rushed up a bit early to get a good spot and just never stopped. Not enough in the tank to best the top two, but a huge effort indeed for Acber Farms. She has a very bright future.

Unplaced horses in order of finish:

4th Dreambits- Opened up much more between calls than the running line suggests. Not only that but turning into the stretch she appeared gone for a minute. Remember also that she is still a maiden! Guessing 2/5 odds if she shows up in a maiden race next for Mb Stables.

5th Face Plant- disappointed a little here but ran ok considering it was her first effort around two turns. Interesting to see her next spot for TwinTowersRacing.

6th Spring Ginger- got hurt today by the bad post but still managed to close ground. Keep on your watch list if she gets a draw next time out for The Sidley Stud.

7th State Title- disappointed us today as our top selection. Got a good position early but then could not re-rally late. Looked like the extra sixteenth of a mile hurt her rather than helping her as expected. She has decent numbers and has been good on both surfaces so it will be interesting to see where Team 7 Illusions places her next.

8th Pointed Out- just got too far back today but did make up some ground late. Toss the effort and go back to the window with good spotting from DJC Racing Stables in her next.

9th Ayita- She just broke her maiden and got too far back today. Look for better spotting in her next for Pan Farms.

10th Easter Island- Showed plenty of early interest but faltered badly when it counted. I am guessing the post draw dictated tactics a little and would imagine a change in her next start for Riggins Racing. Keep on your watch list.

11th Killer Conquistador- Did not appreciate the trip east from Del Mar and as pointed out in the preview might not want this distance. Interesting to see next placement and guessing right now it will be worth a wager with Mb Stables calling the shots.

12th Space Haggis- ridden hard to gain position but could not get closer than sixth. Started to back up quickly thereafter and ran last for TwinTowersRacing.

*Thermal Energy was scratched by Fractious

-Trackman

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES