Liam’s Map scheduled to work Sunday for Breeders’ Cup

Weather permitting, trainer Todd Pletcher is scheduled to be at Keeneland on Sunday morning with John Velazquez and other New York-based jockeys for several important works, including one by Liam’s Map, a candidate for the Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Dirt Mile.

Pletcher, second all time in Keeneland stakes wins (44) entering this meet behind only D. Wayne Lukas (50), has not been a major proponent of synthetic tracks and tended to back off with the numbers he sent here during the eight years of Polytrack at Keeneland. But with the Breeders’ Cup set for the end of the month, he’s back with a full barn of 36 for this meet, led by Liam’s Map, Rock Fall, Curalina, Race Day, Protonico, Sweet Whiskey, Jack Milton, Stopchargingmaria, and Uncle Vinny.

Lukas returns to work

Less than two weeks after being hospitalized, Hall of Famer Lukas was back to work Friday morning at Churchill Downs. Lukas was at his Barn 44 headquarters well before dawn and went to the track astride his stable pony, as is customary. Lukas underwent heart surgery several days after being admitted to a Philadelphia hospital Sept. 19.

Two fillies seek rare feat

If either Untapable or Lovely Maria wins the Spinster on Sunday, she will become the seventh Kentucky Oaks winner to capture the Spinster and the first since Keeper Hill, who won the Spinster at age 4 in 1999. The previous Oaks-Spinster winners were Dispute, Princess Rooney, Bold ‘n Determined, Optimistic Gal, and Susan’s Girl.

At the same time, Lovely Maria could become just the fifth filly to win the Ashland and Spinster in the same year, following Doubledogdare (1956), Optimistic Gal (1976), Take Charge Lady (2002), and Emollient (2013).

◗ Early risers wanting to wager Sunday on the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe can do so via simulcast at Keeneland, which will open its windows at 8 a.m. Eastern. Post time for the Arc is scheduled for 9:55.

◗ A charity autograph signing will be held in the paddock before the races Sunday, with active and retired jockeys participating. The event is set for 11:30 to 12:30, with proceeds going to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

◗ Kentucky Downs officials reported Thursday that purses paid at the track’s 48-race meet Sept. 5-19 grossed more than $6.6 million, for a record per-race average of $137,695.