Turf-sprint feature lacks a standout
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The last of three allowances Friday at Keeneland not only offers the most money but also happens to be the most interesting. A well-matched group of filly-and-mare turf sprinters will clash for a $60,000 purse while fans try to figure out which horse deserves to be favored.
It’s a difficult assignment: Toutsie Rules, Katie O., Asia, and Coco’s Wildcat all bring solid credentials to the ninth of 10 races, a second-level allowance at 5 1/2 furlongs on grass.
Asia, trained by Wesley Ward, will be taking her third crack at this condition after starting her career with two early-season wins over the Gulfstream Park turf.
“Her best race should put her right there, although you could probably say that for a few of the others,” said Ward.
In all, 14 horses are on the program for the nominal feature, although only as many as 10 can start.
The preceding Friday allowances (races 3 and 8) are splits of a $58,000, first-level race over seven furlongs.
Races 8 and 9 are part of a late pick four wager (races 7-10) with a guaranteed pool of $200,000. Handle on the late pick four for the first two Fridays at this meet have comfortably surpassed that number, with $313,274 bet Oct. 2 and $240,511 on Oct. 9.
First post Friday is 1:05 p.m. Eastern. The forecast calls for a continuing pattern of dry, sunny weather and a high in the low 60s.
Race 9
KEY CONTENDERS
Toutsie Rules (Last 3 Beyers: 83-54-19)
◗ Mike Stidham-trained filly began her career in fine fashion here last fall when well backed in a successful debut but apparently came up with a problem or two when sidelined for much of her 3-year-old year; turf is the obvious question for a graded-stakes-placed filly.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 4 Toutsie Rules. Trainer Michael Stidham is 24-6-4-3 with a $2.95 ROI over the past two years going dirt to turf in sprints. Click for more details. – Mike Hogan
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Katie O. (Last 3 Beyers: 85-87-70)
◗ Noticeably improved since struggling to escape the maiden ranks, this 4-year-old has won four of her last six and will be making her second start since New York businessman Buck Butler turned her over to Mike Maker following a private purchase.
Asia (Last 3 Beyers: 75-78-76)
◗ Owned by Susan Magnier of the Coolmore conglomerate, this filly has been nothing if not consistent – all four Beyers have registered in the 70s – since striking a memorable first appearance in January for Ward, her breeder and trainer.
Coco’s Wildcat (Last 3 Beyers: 81-77-77)
◗ Gilbert Campbell homebred takes a rare drop out of the stakes ranks while sporting the field’s highest bankroll ($187,555) and coming favorably drawn in an outer post.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 9 Coco’s Wildcat. Trainer Kathleen O’Connell is 32-1-4-3 with a $0.16 ROI over the past two years going dirt to turf in sprints. Click for more details. – Mike Hogan