Xirius preps for Prelude

Keen was at Louisiana Downs on Tuesday watching Xirius work for Saturday's $60,000 Prelude Stakes. The 1 1/16-mile race is the local prep for the Grade 2, $500,000 Super Derby on Sept. 25.

Xirius won the $125,000 Clasico Presidente de la Republica in Panama in May and was sent to Keen's stable at Lone Star in July by owner Celestino Carbonell. His goals are the Super Derby and the Breeders' Cup Classic.

"They sent him to me with the Breeders' Cup races in mind, so if he keeps doing well, that's the plan," said Keen.

Xirius has won 4 of 6 starts, with two of those victories coming in stakes. He drew off by 8 3/4 lengths last out in the Presidente, which is contested over 1 5/8 miles. His other wins were as dominant, including two of them by 9 3/4 lengths. Xirius was bred in Kentucky, but has only raced in Panama.

"He's got a really nice stride to him, and he's sure enough a good-looking horse," said Keen.

Xirius, who is by Joyeux Dansuer, worked four furlongs in 48.20 seconds Tuesday over a track rated good.

"He's just gradually worked better every time we've worked him," said Keen.

Donnie Meche will ride Xirius in the Prelude.

Edit It returns to two turns

Edit It will stretch back out around two turns Thursday in the featured ninth race at Louisiana Downs. The one mile and 70-yard entry-level allowance is for fillies and mares and carries a purse of $25,000.

Edit It should be sharp for the distance move after closing fast in a seven-furlong race last out. She finished second, 3 3/4 lengths behind Churchill Downs invader Abbeys Runner.

Luis Quinonez has the mount on Edit It for trainer Terrance Dunlavy.

* Jeremy Wariner, who won the gold medal in the 400 meters at the Olympics on Monday, is a former parking attendant at Lone Star. He last worked at the track in 2002 and now attends Baylor University in Waco, Texas.