KEENELAND NOTEBOOK
OCTOBER 30, 2009
by Frank Cotolo
The second full week at Keeneland brought another 47 races to Polytrack and
the turf course, both playing very strongly to horses coming from behind at all
distances. The public has been doing well and did better the second week than it
did the first week, striking with 32-percent winners, regardless of surface,
distance or class. That was a hike from week two. Meanwhile, the meet average is
27 percent.
From Polytrack to Polytrack is definitely the edge for winning horses so far.
This past week another 11 winners raced last at Arlington, followed by nine at
Turfway. The next best was Presque Isle.
Horses from this meet have already returned to race. That is a quick turn
around but, nonetheless, 20 horses returned from Keeneland’s opening weekend.
Five won, with four coming in either second or third. So far, 31 of the 124
races this meet have been from Arlington, which is a startling 25-percent clip.
Trainers
Ken McPeek, who had two first-time starter victories last week, came through
with another one this week, along with two other winners. McPeek was, again, the
best conditioner of the week with three wins. Bill Mott, Chris Block, Eddie
Kenneally and Kiaran McLaughlin all scored with a pair each.
To date, McLaughlin joins Bret Calhoun with the early knock-out win
percentage of 43, as both men have sent out seven starters and had three wins.
Tied with a 24-percent average to date is Michael Maker, Hugh Robertson and Tom
Proctor.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (10/21)
1ST — DONIPHON (Olmodavor) was very wide to the top, starting from the 10
post, but led strongly before failing in the stretch to keep up.
3RD — ZEPHYR ICE (Military) is an Arlington shipper who raced well, saving
ground and putting in an impressive rally.
9TH — NEWPORT (More Than Ready) was coming from a turf race to Polytrack and
had a troubled trip. Blocked and forced to steady, he still had some left in the
stretch.
Thursday (10/22)
3RD — MOUNTAIN JUSTICE (Afleet Alex) made a fine debut, flashing speed that
should sustain a threat next out.
5TH — GIBSONSFASTRICK (Gibson County) came here to make his turf debut after
racing on Churchill’s dirt and needed this one.
9TH — MORT’S LEGACY (E. Dubai) is a McPeek student who should do better in
its second outing, having shown talent in this debut.
Friday (10/23)
4TH — ELECTRIC ALPHABET (Alphabet Soup) was three wide chasing some speedy
critters early, holding well until tiring.
6TH — UP IN LIGHTS (Smart Strike) raced down the middle of the track
gallantly and then made a five-wide charge.
10TH — COULEE (Vicar) is a good bet back next time, winning this one
smartly, going very wide and sweeping.
Saturday (10/24)
1ST — SOMEOTHERTIME (Bernstein) had a good first-time outing with a speed
duel that thwarted furthering position. Kenneally student can crack the maiden
status soon.
3RD — GESTE (Coronado’s Quest) dueled bravely through three calls and could
not be faulted for tiring thereafter.