Pletcher thinking win with Keen Ice and Neolithic

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – The vast majority of racing fans and experts are conceding the top two spots in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup to the two favorites, California Chrome and Arrogate. Third place looks like the best that any of the other 10 starters can manage, or so it seems.

If given to him right now, would Todd Pletcher accept a third from either of his Pegasus pair, Keen Ice or Neolithic?

“Naahh,” said Pletcher. “You always want to win.”

Keen Ice, the only horse to defeat American Pharoah in 2015, is the more accomplished of the two, but the 1 1/8-mile distance over a traditionally speed-favoring surface might be a little short for the stretch-running 5-year-old.

“The thing about Keen Ice is you can’t change his running style,” Pletcher said. “It’s not like you can put him on the lead and try to steal something. The key for him to contend obviously would be a hot pace and a good trip. On paper, the race should have plenty of pace – but of course they don’t run them on paper. We just have to hope it develops in a way to enhance his late kick.”

Keen Ice will race for his original owner, Donegal Racing, under a one-time joint-venture agreement with brothers Ronnie and Jerry Frankel, the original spot-holders under the unique conditions of the Pegasus. Remarkably, with just two career wins, Keen Ice remains eligible for a second-level allowance after 19 starts despite having earned nearly $2.4 million, much of that from his 16-1 upset of American Pharoah in the 2015 Travers when he was still trained by Dale Romans.

Neolithic, owned by the Starlight Racing of Jack Wolf and partners, enters off an easy victory in first-level allowance company and is taking a giant step up in class.