Birds are chirping, the (hopefully final) pop-up flurries are blowing out of town and Keeneland Race Course has launched its “Countdown to Race Meet” clock on its website – all welcome signs of spring. Keeneland’s spring meet will run this year from Friday, April 5 to Friday, April 26 and as usual, there will be something for everyone.
For race fans
Horse racing is entering its busiest season of the year as the Kentucky Derby looms on the first Saturday in May. Three-year-old racehorses will be running their final races in preparation for the Derby over the next month, and many will make a stop at Keeneland.
Unlike previous years, in which the Derby’s 20 starters were selected by their earnings in graded stakes races, this year’s contenders will be chosen based upon the number of points they have earned in designated races. The points system, dubbed The Road to the Kentucky Derby, includes 36 races in which the top four finishers can earn a number of pre-determined points. Keeneland’s traditional Derby prep races, the Grade 1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes on April 13 and Grade 3 Coolmore Lexington Stakes will each offer points to top finishers. A win in the 1 1/8-mile Blue Grass is one of the highest values in the system with 100 points, and a win in the 1 1/16-mile Lexington Stakes is worth 20.
Among the anticipated field to the Blue Grass Stakes is Will Take Charge, who will be looking for another win after his victory in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes. Derby veteran trainer D. Wayne Lukas conditions the colt for Willis Horton. Uncaptured, runner-up in the March 23 Spiral Stakes at Turfway, will also be hoping to cinch a Derby entry for owner John Oxley and trainer Mark Casse.
The stakes calendar offers thrills for those not interested in the Derby trail, also. Among the highlights of the meet, which will include 16 stakes races, are the Grade 1 Central Bank Ashland Stakes on April 6, which is worth $500,000. Early nominations for the Ashland include Beholder, winner of last year’s Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies who will be looking to add to her earnings of over $1.3 million for local owner Spendthrift Farm and trainer Richard Mandella.
For handicapping fans
Keeneland’s announcement earlier this year that it will raise purses could draw more entries in less-prestigious maiden and allowance races, which may provide more challenging fields to bet. The track will offer spectators the chance to try their hands at wagering with three handicapping contests on April 10, April 17 and April 24. For a $10 buy-in, contestants can place virtual $2 wagers on five of the day’s races, for a chance at prize money and an all-expense paid trip to the 2014 Coast Casinos Horseplayers World Series in Las Vegas.
For college students
For those not inclined to wager, Keeneland has other attractions during the spring meet. The race season will commence with College Scholarship Day, during which the track will give away $10,000 in scholarships and prizes, with free admission, food, t-shirts,and a free handicapping contest for full-time current college students. On Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Mezzanine Bar will host live music and a happy hour while patrons can watch and wager on more races from California’s Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields.
Given the approach of the Kentucky Derby, the track will host trunk shows from hat makers Dorfman Pacific (April 5 and 6) and Christine Moore (April 11 to April 14).
For diehard horse fans
The Budweiser Clydesdales will be on hand for photos April 17 from noon to 3 p.m. Early birds can also enjoy an up-close look at horses with Sunrise Trackside, each Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Breakfast and children’s activities will be available, as well as a paddock demonstration, tours of the grounds, a handicapping seminar, and jockey question and answer session. Horses gallop on the main track anywhere from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. rain or shine, and the grandstand is open for spectators to the workouts each morning.
The meet will conclude with a concert on the Keeneland lawn following the last race on April 26. The annual music event benefits the Markey Cancer Center, and will feature Jimmy Buffet tribute show Changes in Latitudes.