Saturday’s card from Keeneland features another prominent stakes race. The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge cup pays homage to the late monarch.
Queen Elizabeth II
Her Majesty’s love for the sport of horse racing was well-documented and deeply ingrained in her life. Throughout her reign, Her Majesty has consistently exhibited a profound passion for horses and racing. Her interest in the sport is not merely symbolic; she was an active participant in the industry.
Champion Horsewoman
As an owner and breeder, the Queen has enjoyed remarkable success, with many of her horses achieving prestigious victories on both the flat and over jumps. Her presence at racecourses, especially during Royal Ascot, was a cherished tradition, where her colorful attire and matching hats.
Lasting Legacy
Beyond the spectacle, the Queen’s dedication to horse racing was a testament to her commitment to preserving and promoting this great British sport. Her influence solidified her status as a true patron and enthusiast. Queen Elizabeth II’s profound connection to horse racing endeared her to the hearts of racing fans and allows her legacy to live on through stakes in her honor.
Saturday Full Card Analysis
Keeneland Race Course – Race 1
Post: 1:00 PM ET; $47k Claiming, about 7 f on dirt; Entries: 10
- #4 SHOTSHELL (6-1) secures the top selection, potentially getting loose on the front end and trained by Asmussen with Torres aboard.
- #1 STAND FOR FREEDOM (9-2) is a major player in this race, showing consistency in recent starts.
- #7 TALKSCHEAP (15-1), a price horse, is a competitive contender with tactical speed.
- #3 CANAVALL (7-2) is expected to be competitive, without any distance troubles.
Selections: 4 – 1 – 7 – 3
Keeneland Race Course – Race 2
Post: 1:32 PM ET; $67k Maiden Claiming, 6 f on dirt; Entries: 12
- #7 ANDY’S CANDY (7-2) is the top pick and should improve off the first start.
- #5 JILLY’S WEST (9-2), a debutant, is probably best to consider for exacta and trifecta bets, trained by Ward and ridden by Velazquez.
- #12 PATRIOT HILLS (6-1) should improve and deserves a spot on your tickets.
- #3 CRUISIN AND BOOZIN (10-1) is a price horse and likely running for the minor placings.
Selections: 7 – 5 – 12 – 3
Keeneland Race Course – Race 3
Post: 2:04 PM ET; $110k Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 1/16 m on dirt; Entries: 7
- #3 SEIZE THE GREY (7-2) appears to be the class of the field, with a good closing kick.
- #7 EDIFIED (9-2) should be competitive and makes sense on speed figures.
- #5 STRETCH RIDE (6-1) is another contender who is likely to be in the first flight of runners.
- #6 LIGHTLINE (4-5) should improve off the first start and is not without hope.
Selections: 3 – 7 – 5 – 6
Keeneland Race Course – Race 4
Post: 2:36 PM ET; $58k Claiming, 6 1/2 f on dirt; Entries: 10
- #8 IT TAKES HEART (5-2) secures the top selection, proving an ability to handle these conditions in previous starts.
- #6 COEXIST (12-1), a price horse, is a contender to consider for exotic bets.
- #3 PROMISE OF HOPE (15-1) is another price horse and may be running for the minor placings.
- #9 STREET JAM (2-1) is a safe bet to put underneath in your tickets.
Selections: 8 – 6 – 3 – 9
Keeneland Race Course – Race 5
Post: 3:08 PM ET; $100k Maiden Special Weight, 1 1/8 m on turf; Entries: 11
- #5 ENGLISH TREASURE (15-1) is a price horse and the top pick, able to handle these conditions.
- #4 BOLTORO (8-1) appears to be a major player in this race, well bred for this spot.
- #6 BLESSING THE FLAG (8-1) is another major player, projecting to sit mid-pack and make a late run.
- #9 HECKLED (3-1), looking to be the class of the field, should not be overlooked.
Selections: 5 – 4 – 6 – 9
Keeneland Race Course – Race 6
Post: 3:40 PM ET; $100k Maiden Special Weight, 1 1/16 m on dirt; Entries: 12
- #12 DIVE BOMBER (5-2) appears to be the best, with the combination of Cox and Geroux.
- #2 DORNOCH (7-2) isn’t without hope, and his form is impressive coming into the race.
- #4 DJANGO (8-1) is a contender running for the minor placings.
- #3 LAT LONG (5-1) should improve and is another runner to consider for exacta and trifecta bets.
Selections: 12 – 2 – 4 – 3
Keeneland Race Course – Race 7
Post: 4:12 PM ET; $120k Allowance, 1 1/2 m on turf; Entries: 14
- #1 NINEELEVENTURBO (6-5) is the top selection, coming into the race in good form.
- #4 SHARAR (12-1), a price horse, appears to be a major player and shouldn’t have trouble with the distance.
- #5 STOLEN BASE (15-1) is another price horse, looking to be competitive with a mid-pack running style.
- #6 FOREIGN RELATIONS (9-2) should be competitive, with races good enough to beat this group.
Selections: 1 – 4 – 5 – 6
Keeneland Race Course – Race 8
Post: 4:44 PM ET; $110k Allowance, 6 1/2 f on dirt; Entries: 11
- #9 ZEITLOS (5-1) is the top pick, with races good enough to beat this group, and looking to capitalize on a fair pace scenario.
- #10 ACCEDE (7-2) is a major player in this race, running evenly and set to benefit from a fair pace.
- #5 DEAR LADY (10-1) is a price horse and appears to be a major player, making sense on speed figures.
- #11 RARIFY (8-1) is another contender set to be competitive in this spot.
Selections: 9 – 10 – 5 – 11
Keeneland Race Course – Race 9
Post: 5:16 PM ET; $600k Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup S. Presented by Dixiana, 1 1/8 m on turf; Entries: 13
- #2 ELUSIVE PRINCESS (3-1) is the standout, not likely to have trouble with the distance.
- #12 PAPILIO (10-1), a price horse, is in good form and should be competitive.
- #13 FREYDIS THE RED (10-1) is another price horse, looking like the class of the field and set to make a strong closing kick.
- #11 PREREQUISITE (20-1) is a price horse with a shot in this race, proven to handle these conditions.
Selections: 2 – 12 – 13 – 11
Keeneland Race Course – Race 10
Post: 5:48 PM ET; $120k Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 1/16 m on dirt; Entries: 13
- #13 AIRTIME (10-1) secures the top selection, showing recent solid form and potential to benefit from a hot pace up front.
- #1 FIRST MISSION (1-1) is a major player with the top overall power rating in the group, likely to be in the first flight of runners.
- #10 CREATIVE MINISTER (6-1) is a class contender and a significant player in this race.
- #8 SAQEEL (10-1), looking to be the class of the field, is competitive in this spot.
Selections: 13 – 1 – 10 – 8
Betting News Horse Racing Coverage
Betting News provides AI generated handicapping tools for all of the major tracks around the country each and every day.
In addition, Betting News will continue to provide in depth analysis of the upcoming Breeders’ Cup and select cards throughout the week.
Breeders’ Cup Previews:
Friday
- Keeneland featuring the Grade 3 Sycamore Stakes
Saturday
- Belmont at the Big A featuring the Grade 2 Sands Point
- Keeneland featuring the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup
- Laurel Park featuring the Maryland Millions
Click here for more information on horse racing terminology, how to read a racing program, and how to bet on the races.
