Trip Notes for October 19: Raven Run

Saturday, October 19

Keeneland - Raven Run (race 9)

COMMENT: Madame Cactus invaded from Southern California, scratched into the race, and took full advantage, posting the upset. Coming off a fine second in the CERF on Del Mar’s Polytrack last month, she relished the same footing here. From her outside post she was last early. She steadily advanced while staying out in the clear. She swung very wide into the lane and put in a strong, sustained rally that just got her there in time. The Grade 1 La Brea at Santa Anita Dec. 26 is her next target. Eden Prairie stalked the pace of Turn by Turn, came with a strong run into the lane to grab the lead, opened up some daylight and looked like the winne,r but just couldn’t quite fend off Madame Cactus. My Option was well back with the winner, moved in tandem, came wide into the lane and finished smartly, but the winner closed just a bit better. Ciao Bella Luna, winner of the Grade 2 Beaumont here in April, sat midpack, came with a mild run into the lane, but flattened out. Primed for Passion was quite unlucky. She bided her time at the back of the pack, appeared to be making strong run turning for home, but found traffic issues all the way to the wire and never really had a chance.

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