Keeneland's home to squad of BC hopefuls; Crown Queen's plans pending

Last updated: 10/12/14 9:04 PM

Keeneland’s home to squad of BC hopefuls; Crown Queen’s
plans pending

Wise Dan spearheads the BC contingent from Keeneland
(Keeneland/Coady Photography)

Keeneland is
home to a number of horses that could compete during the
Breeders’ Cup World
Championships at Santa Anita on October 31-November 1. Pre-entries for the
Breeders’ Cup will be announced October 22.

Topping that list is two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan, most recently
victorious in the Shadwell Turf Mile and set for a three-peat in the Breeders’
Cup Mile. Shadwell runner-up Grand Arch is also bound for the Mile.

Don’t Tell Sophia and Ria Antonia, the respective top two from the October 5
Spinster, are on course for a rematch in the Distaff.

The bulk of the Keeneland-based BC team is trained by Wesley Ward. He is
expected to send Woodford hero No Nay Never to the Sprint, Judy the Beauty to
the Filly & Mare Sprint, and Undrafted and Richies Party Girl to the Turf
Sprint. Hootenanny and Sunset Glow will carry Ward’s hopes in the Juvenile Turf
and Juvenile Fillies Turf, respectively.

British invader Peace and War, who secured a Juvenile Fillies berth by
capturing the Alcibiades, is still on the grounds for trainer Olly Stevens.
Bourbon winner Lawn Ranger (Juvenile Turf) and Jessamine queen Rainha Da Bateria
(Juvenile Fillies Turf) are likewise stabled here, along with Filly & Mare
Sprint contender Southern Honey.

It is yet to be determined whether Besilu Stables’ Crown Queen, victorious as
the 5-2 favorite in Saturday’s Grade 1, $500,000

Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, would be added to that number. The Bill
Mott filly was well on the morning after, according to assistant trainer
Rodolphe Brisset.

“Everything is fine,” he said Sunday. “She ate everything and she looks good
this morning. We’re in good shape.”

Crown Queen, a three-year-old Smart Strike filly who is a half-sister to
champion Royal Delta, is undefeated in four races this year.

Brisset said Crown Queen is to remain at Keeneland for the time being with
her immediate future — and whether it includes the $2 million Breeders’ Cup
Filly & Mare Turf — to be determined by owner Ben Leon and by Mott.

After the QE II, Leon said Crown Queen would remain in training as a
four-year-old, so Keeneland fans might see her again.

“We know she loves the course, and the Breeders’ Cup is here next year,”
Brisset said.

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