Keeneland: Off-the-turf running of Sycamore loses graded stakes status

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The American Graded Stakes Committee has determined that the Oct. 17 Sycamore Stakes, run at 1 5/8 miles on Keeneland’s main track but originally scheduled for 1 1/2 miles on the turf, will remain a listed race, the committee announced after conducting a review of the race.

The Sycamore had originally been assigned Grade 3 status, but under the committee’s guidelines, any race that is moved off the turf is automatically downgraded pending a review.

Three of the nine horses entered in the Sycamore scratched when it was moved off the turf, including the morning-line favorite and the co-second choices. The race was won by Shadwell Stable’s Najjaar, who will be credited with a listed stakes win. Eagle Poise was second, and Tricky Hat was third.