Icy Kitten could keep Keen rolling

Trainer Dallas Keen's horses have been tough to beat over the Louisiana Downs turf course this meet, and on Saturday he will attempt to improve his record to 3 for 5 when he starts probable favorite Icy Kitten in the ninth race. An optional claimer with first-level allowance conditions, the turf race at about one mile is for fillies and mares.

Keen's strong run over the local turf began last month, when Hotlantic led throughout to capture the $50,000 Top Corsage on June 13. A week later, Icy Kitten drew out to a 5 1/4-length win in a $25,000 conditioned claimer at 7 1/2 furlongs on turf. The win was Icy Kitten's second from her last three starts, with her other score coming in a maiden special weight at a mile on turf at Lone Star Park on April 16.

"Since we've put her on the grass, I think it's really helped her," said Keen. "And she's maturing, getting a little better.'

Keen, who keeps a division of horses at Louisiana Downs and also has a stable at Lone Star, trains Icy Kitten for Roger Sofer and Jack Randall. The filly, a 3-year-old daughter of Bernstein, drew post 5 in the field of 10.

"If she can lay just off the speed, I think that's her best," Keen said. "I like her being able to lay off the speed a little bit."

Apprentice Anna Roberts has the mount on Icy Kitten, who might get a nice tracking trip behind recent maiden winner Epiphanyfortiffany.