Big-name stables clash in Dowager Stakes

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The 10th and last graded turf stakes of the Keeneland fall meet looks like the preceding ones: deep and competitive, with some of the top stables from the East Coast being well represented.

The Grade 3, $125,000 Dowager Stakes brings another eventful week to a close with its 25th running Sunday, and it would surprise no one that Christophe Clement, Graham Motion, and Kiaran McLaughlin have top contenders. Clement will send out the uncoupled duo of Notte d’Oro and Paige among 13 fillies and mares in the 1 1/2-mile turf race, while Motion counters with Rachel Wall and McLaughlin with Robillard.

In addition, California-based John Sadler has entered Elektrum, the winner of the Grade 2 John C. Mabee in 2015.

There’s no lack of speed in the Dowager, as Daring Duchess, Belle de Nuit, and Robillard all have shown the ability to go a long way out top. There also are plenty of stayers in this three-turn race, as Elektrum, Freethinker, and Oakley Girl will be looking for a pace meltdown when the real running begins.

The Dowager is carded as the eighth of nine races on a Sunday card that starts at 1:05 p.m. Eastern. The feature goes at 4:57. Two allowance sprints (races 3 and 7) with short fields also are on tap.

Sunday is Heroes Day at Keeneland, with free admission and seating granted to active and retired military members and their families.

After Sunday, Keeneland goes dark before the final four-day stretch of the 17-day meet begins Wednesday. The only remaining stakes is the Grade 2 Fayette on closing day, Oct. 29. Churchill Downs begins its fall meet Oct. 30.

KEY CONTENDERS

Robillard, by Distorted Humor

Last 3 Beyers: 91-93-95

◗ Chestnut filly has tactical speed and high Beyer Speed Figures, and jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. will take careful measure of the other early-speed horses.

Rachel Wall, by Blame

Last 3 Beyers: 87-87-80

◗ A last-out victory in a second-level, three-turn turf allowance during closing week of the Saratoga meet speaks to her steady improvement.

Elektrum, by High Chapparal

Last 3 Beyers: 87-93-98

◗ Irish-bred mare from the Hronis Racing powerhouse hasn’t won in more than 14 months, but she has finished second or third in graded stakes four times during that eight-race skein.

Paige, by Sky Mesa

Last 3 Beyers: 91-81-85

◗ Her 30-1 runner-up finish in the Kentucky Downs Ladies Marathon was flattered when the winner, Al’s Gal, wheeled back to win the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor at Woodbine.

Notte d’Oro, by Medaglia d’Oro

Last 3 Beyers: 87-88-91

◗ Five-year-old mare makes her 16th straight stakes start, almost all of them at shorter distances.