Kentucky purses on the upswing

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Not only have purses been fattened here at Keeneland, with the projected per-day average of $738,000 being a track record, but the money will be substantially bigger at the Churchill fall meet, which begins Oct. 28.

Maiden-special races at Churchill will be worth as much as $76,000, and allowances will range from $82,000 to $85,000.

Both tracks are reaping the benefits of the historical racing machines at facilities nearby – The Red Mile in Lexington and the brand-new Derby City Gaming in Louisville.

◗ Among the 3-year-old fillies pointing to the Grade 2 Raven Run on Oct. 20 is Amy’s Challenge, who came to prominence last winter at Oaklawn Park for trainer Mac Robertson. The speedy filly has raced just once since fading badly in the Eight Belles at Churchill in May, easily winning an August turf sprint at Canterbury Park, where Robertson is the all-time leading trainer.

“She’s coming around real well and we’re going to give it a go,” said Robertson, who is here with a small string for the second straight fall.

◗ The first one-mile dirt race of the meet will be held opening day as race 3, a $69,000 allowance for fillies and mares. The first year for such races at Keeneland was at the 2015 fall meet, ahead of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. A run-up of about 70 yards is necessitated by a short run into the first turn.

◗ The college scholarship raffle that traditionally had been held on opening day of the fall meet will be held instead next Friday, Oct. 12. Registered students must be present to win.

◗ Patricia “Mom Pat” Montano, the wife of longtime Kentucky trainer Angel Montano Sr., died Sunday at age 75. She is survived by seven grown children, most of whom have been involved in racing.