Lucy N Ethel to make first start for Amoss in Raven Run

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A terrific field is shaping up for the Grade 2, $250,000 Raven Run, the richest of four graded stakes to be run next week at Keeneland.

Lucy N Ethel, unbeaten in four starts, will make her first start in the care of trainer Tom Amoss in Saturday’s 18th running of the seven-furlong Raven Run, which also is expected to get Bendable, Lewis Bay, Lightstream, and another six or seven 3-year-old fillies.

Lucy N Ethel was trained by Ramon Preciado, then Chloe Bradley before being sent to Amoss in late September by J A G Racing and Jettany Thoroughbred Corp. She was 22-1 in winning the Grade 2 Prioress at Saratoga on Sept. 4 after being sidelined eight months.

Also set for next week are the Grade 3 Sycamore on Thursday, the Grade 3 Valley View on Friday, and the Grade 3 Dowager on Sunday.

◗ After creditable efforts in races last Sunday at Keeneland, both of the 2-year-olds owned by the Churchill Downs Racing Club could make their next start on the Oct. 30 Stars of Tomorrow card at Churchill.

Warrior’s Club earned a 77 Beyer Speed Figure when second in a maiden race and could run back in the $300,000 Spendthrift Stallion Stakes, while Dial Me is possible for the $70,000 Rags to Riches after getting a 62 Beyer when third in a first-level allowance. Both are trained by D. Wayne Lukas.

◗ Tapanna will run in the first race Sunday at Keeneland after being claimed back for $7,500 in August at Arlington Park by his breeder and original owner, Kendall Hansen. Tapanna, 8, is one year older than his full brother Hansen, the champion 2-year-old male of 2011 bred and owned by Hansen.

◗ The omens are everywhere – even at Keeneland – for fans of the Chicago Cubs. A 2-year-old named Mr Cub pulled a 21-1 upset in the Thursday finale, prompting track announcer Kurt Becker to exclaim as the colt neared the wire: “It’s October, and it’s Mr Cub!”

The Cubs are heavy favorites this year to win their first World Series since 1908.

◗ Kickoff for the Mississippi State-Kentucky football game next Saturday night has been set for 7:30 Eastern, meaning thousands of Keeneland fans will be turning the day into a Blue Grass sports doubleheader.