9 stakes races highlight Keeneland’s fall opening weekend

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) – Nearly a year after hosting its first Breeders’ Cup, Keeneland will begin its fall meet Friday with nine graded stakes races including seven qualifiers for next month’s season-ending World Championships at Santa Anita.

Highlighting Fall Stars Weekend is Saturday’s $1 million Shadwell Turf Mile, one of six Grade 1 races along with the $500,000 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity. Friday’s feature is the $400,000 Darley Alcibiades for fillies, with the $500,000 Juddmonte Spinster topping Sunday’s card.

Breeders’ Cup qualifiers will continue with Wednesday’s Grade 3 Jessamine that awards a place in the Grade 1 Juvenile Fillies during the World Championships Nov. 4-5 at Santa Anita. Keeneland’s fall meet will feature 17 graded stakes races worth $5.275 million.

Racing takes place Wednesdays through Sundays during the 17-day meet that closes on Oct. 29.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.