For the remaining two days of Keeneland’s Fall Stars Weekend I had only two things on my mind, Wise Dan and “Win and You’re In”! My objectives were fulfilled in whole and I was not disappointed with seeing the two times Breeders’ Cup champion or the automatic Breeders’ Cup entries.
Right before and after Keeneland’s third race on Saturday, 10/3/15, Wise Dan, Breeder’s Cup Mile Champion in both 2012 and 2013 and now our retired and beloved OTTB (off the track Thoroughbred), was taken through the barns, into the paddock and walking ring and then paraded before the grandstands. I was granted barn and paddock access and then watched from the J.E. Bassett, III box as fans clapped and cheered for Wise Dan! I had been wanting to see him for so long. It was truly a dream come true.
As if I could stand any more excitement, I was treated to three “Win and You’re In” graded stakes that same day. That term means that the winner of the race is automatically selected to race in this year’s Breeders’ Cup. The Thoroughbred Club of America Grade II was won by Fioretti, seen above wearing orange #7. She will race next in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint Division at the month’s end.
Two races later, featured The Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity for entry into the Juvenile Division of the Breeders’ Cup. This race was won by #5, seen above in the green, Brody’s Cause. He had a nice break from the gate and a good ride.
The following race I watched as Grand Arch, #4, won The Shadwell Turf Mile to earn himself a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Mile Division. He was full of energy in the paddock and a strong leader on the wet turf.
Returning to Keeneland on Sunday , I witnessed two more “Win and You’re In” stakes races. The Dixiana Bourbon race allows the winner to participate in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Division. Airoforce, seen in the brown #13, won this race!
The next to last race, on Sunday, was The Juddmonte Spinster. The winner, of this race, is guaranteed a place in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff Division. #4, Got Lucky, truly got lucky or is one skilled race horse because she won! Look at her racing into position shortly before the finish line on the top photo of the above collage.
Finally, I can share with you some photos of most of the additions Keeneland has made for hosting the Breeders’ Cup. The top and middle left of the photo collection above shows the new Breakfast Marquee located between the North Grandstand and Racing Office. The top right picture and directly below it shows the Grandstand Loge Boxes. The middle row on the far left is the underside of the Loge Boxes as seen from the ground level beneath the Grandstand. The photo dead center and bottom left are views of the area where the Clubhouse Lawn Chalets and the Trackside Chalets are located. The bottom right shows the Saddling Paddock Chalet. Perhaps not pictured, is the Bourbon Lounge. It is located at the entrance of the stretch furthest to the South of the Grandstands. In the very middle picture, that last bit of white, in the right, could be a piece of that structure but I really must drive in and go left at gate 2 to get close enough to take a picture because it is too far from the general admission area to see it.
I hope I brought you all of the highlights each of you were hoping for. Racing resumes this Wednesday, 10/7/15. If there is anything you want a picture of send me a comment. You can get more up to the moment info by following me on Twitter and Facebook. Please, read my former posts as well. Like and share away my fellow race fans! Thank you in advance.
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