Last-out stakes winners Mocito Rojo and Mr. Freeze are among a competitive field of 10 horses entered for Saturday’s $200,000 Fayette (G2), the closing-day feature at Keeneland.
Mocito Rojo brings a five-race stakes winning streak to the 1 1/8-mile Fayette, most recently taking Lukas Classic (G2) at Churchill Downs, and Filemon Rodriguez will be in to ride the Louisiana-based chestnut for trainer Shane Wilson. The five-year-old has registered 103 BRIS Speed ratings in his last two starts.
The Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) was under consideration for Mr Freeze following his sharp 1 ½-length score in the September 28 Ack Ack (G3) at Churchill Downs. Connections ultimately opted to stay home with the two-time graded winner and the Dale Romans-trained colt is one-for-one over the track, breaking his maiden last year. Robby Albarado rides the four-year-old.
Winner of the New Orleans H. (G2) earlier this season, California invader Core Beliefs merits respect for Peter Eurton. The four-year-old will make his first appearance since a fourth to Catalina Cruiser in the San Diego (G2) at Del Mar in late July and Joe Talamo will accompany the two-time graded hero.
Tom’s d’Etat, who placed in the Alysheba (G2) and Stephen Foster (G2) during the late spring/early summer, exits a pair of solid efforts at Saratoga, winning the Alydar before a decent fourth in the Woodward (G1). Joel Rosario guides the front-runner for Al Stall Jr. Bal Harbour also figures to show speed following a good second at 16-1 odds in the Woodward for Todd Pletcher. Tyler Gaffalione picks up the mount on the four-year-old gelding.
Pimlico Special (G3) winner Tenfold will try to make amends for unplaced finishes in the Pacific Classic (G1) and Lukas Classic. The Great Day will switch back to dirt after capturing the Durham Cup (G3) on Woodbine’s Tapeta. Completing the field are Everfast, unplaced in three starts since a second in the Preakness (G1); and expected longshots Big Dollar Bill and Own Agenda.
