Madison

A field of 11 will line up Wednesday for the $200,000 Madison S. (G2) at
Keeneland. FLYING GLITTER (Glitterman) comes into the seven-furlong contest off
a close second to a multiple stakes-placed runner in an allowance/optional
claiming event, and the dark bay filly’s speed looks like an advantage over Keeneland’s main track. She’s
been working solidly for Ronny Werner and is eligible to improve off her second
start since the break. Flying Glitter gets top billing under Robby Albarado.

DUBAI ESCAPADE (Awesome Again) has annexed her past three, including two North American starts
in which she earned triple-digit BRIS Speed
figures. The bay four-year-old is looking sharp for conditioner Eoin Harty and
has the right running style for this track. The $2 million Barretts March
two-year-old purchase will gain the services of Edgar Prado.

JOSH’S MADELYN (Quiet American) is a one-dimensional type horse, only able to
win from off the pace. With early speed winning a majority of the races at
this distance over the Lexington, Kentucky, track, she could find
herself in a precarious position. However, the five-year-old mare owns two wins
at Keeneland and could be ready off the freshening, which could put her in
contention if a fast pace develops on the front end between our top two choices.

ATLAS VALLEY (Capote) comes off a good second in the Hurricane Bertie H. (G3)
to Smokey Glacken (Forestry). Although winless at Keeneland, she has two
runner-up finishes here and could be a top contender for trainer Ian Wilkes.
Rene Douglas has the call.

BEAUTIFUL BETS (Alphabet Soup) also has a good late kick and has not placed
out of the money in her last four outings. She ran third in the Hurricane Bertie
before coming home second in the Shirley Jones Breeders’ Cup H. (G2) last out.
Always a threat under Mark Guidry and having found previous success at this
distance, this one should be kept in mind for the exotics.

BENDING STRINGS (American Chance) weakened late to finish seventh in the
Santa Margarita Invitational H. (G1) last out, but could improve with the cut
back in distance. Rafael Bejarano has the call on the multiple Grade 2 winner.
EVER ELUSIVE (Forestry) has four wins in eight starts, including three of her
last four. Jockey John Velazquez chose this mount over Dubai Escapade, so keep her in mind for the
gimmicks.

SILVER CROWN (Distorted Humor) comes off a four-month break. She has good
late speed, is experienced at Keeneland (4-2-1-0) and could grab part.
GIVEMEMORE (Brz) (Special Nash [Ire]) exits a good fourth in the Shirley Jones and
is eligible to improve in her second start for trainer Wayne Mogge.

MALIBU MINT (Malibu Moon) had a disappointing turf run in her last outing and
may improve while returning to a sprint on the main track, but she appears to lack
the class
to compete in this one. ISLAND ESCAPE (Petionville) improved when running
back on the main track last time out, but she might be overmatched here.