Keeneland: Few seem willing to challenge Wise Dan

The 15-day Keeneland spring meet starts next Friday, April 4, in Lexington, Ky., where there will be no shortage of big races and big horses.
Foremost will be Wise Dan, the reigning two-time Horse of the Year, expected to make his 7-year-old debut in the April 11 Maker’s 46 Mile “provided we can get horses to run against him,” Keeneland racing secretary Ben Huffman said Wednesday. “We’ve been calling people all week, and all we’ve got right now is Lochte.”

Huffman said probable starters for the April 12 Blue Grass Stakes include Bobby’s Kitten, Asserting Bear, and at least two from trainer Todd Pletcher.

The highlight of opening weekend, the April 5 Ashland Stakes, is likely to get Candy Kitty, Macaroon, Naive Enough, Testa Rossi, Thank You Marylou, “and hopefully a few more,” said Huffman.

Pike rejoins Albarado

Robby Albarado and his longtime agent, Lenny Pike Jr., are reuniting, starting with the Keeneland meet. The two had worked together for 16 years before splitting up in May 2012.

Pike worked in Florida this winter for jockey Joe Rocco Jr., who also is headed to Keeneland with a new agent, Walter Blum Jr.
Meanwhile, standout East Coast jockey Jose Lezcano will be riding the full Keeneland meet for the first time, according to agent Jason Beides.