Stakes-filled opening weekend kicks off Keeneland Fall Meet
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 SPORTS) – Keeneland’s opening weekend is stacked with eleven stakes races, offering a combined purse of approximately $6.3 million.
FRIDAY:
$400,000 Phoenix Stakes (G2)
A perennial prep for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, the Phoenix Stakes is one of the oldest stakes races in the country. It consistently draws top-level sprinters looking to secure their place on the national stage.
$400,000 Jessamine Stakes (G2)
This turf race for 2-year-old fillies offers a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, and is known for showcasing emerging turf talent.
$650,000 Alcibiades Stakes (G1)
The headline event on Friday, the Grade 1 Darley Alcibiades Stakes, features 2-year-old fillies going 1 1/16 miles. The winner earns a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and often emerges as an early favorite for the Kentucky Oaks. Post time for the Alcibiades is set for 5:16 p.m., with all eyes on Tommy Joe, the heavy morning-line favorite at 2-5 odds.
SATURDAY:
$800,000 First Lady Stakes (G1)
This key turf mile for older fillies and mares often serves as a prep for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
$650,000 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1)
Run at 1 1/16 miles for 2-year-olds, the Breeders’ Futurity is a major stepping stone on the road to the Kentucky Derby. It also serves as a “Win and You’re In” event for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, making it one of the most critical juvenile races of the season.
$1.25 Million Coolmore Turf Mile (G1)
Saturday’s finale is the Coolmore Turf Mile, showcasing 3-year-olds and up in one of the richest turf races in the country. The winner secures a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
SUNDAY:
$400,000 Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes (G2)
A key turf test for 2-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles, the Bourbon Stakes offers a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. .
$600,000 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (G1)
Run at 1 1/8 miles on the dirt, the Spinster is one of the premier races in the country for older fillies and mares. A “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
