It's time for 2-year-olds

The first 2-year-old races of the year in Kentucky are scheduled for next Friday and next Sunday at Keeneland, and the usual suspects are geared up for big showings. Trainer Wesley Ward has become the perennial fan favorite in this category, but word on the street is that Steve Asmussen and Mark Casse also will have an impact on the ever-popular 4 1/2-furlong races.

“We’re loaded for bear,” said Ward. “It’s an exciting time.”

In all, eight 2-year-old races are scheduled to be run through meet’s end, April 29. First post daily is 1:05 p.m. Eastern, except for the first two Saturdays (April 9, 16), when it’s 12:35.

◗ Sunday is closing day at Turfway Park in northern Kentucky, where more than four months of winter racing ends with a seven-race card. First post is 3:40 p.m.