Keeneland - Race 1 - Sunday, 4/6/25

https://2yobabytalk.substack.com/p/ed8500ae-b1c5-49c6-844c-b121559b014b

It’s finally here—Opening Day at Keeneland’s Spring Meet. We had to wait two extra days because of inclement weather, but we’re glad that safety was prioritized, and we do not have to wait through any races on Sunday’s card as the first event of the day features the babies.

As expected, it’s a full field of twelve 2YO fillies (plus two also eligible entrants) and they’ll travel the usual 4 1/2 furlongs out of Keeneland’s unique chute. We’re excited to see the first juveniles from four debut sires - Beau Liam, Leinster, By My Standards, and Yaupon.

#5 Lennilu (9/2) - Bred in Florida, this gal is by Pleasant Acres Stallions - Leinster. She sold for $23,000 as a yearling (13/20) and is trained by Patrick Biancone, who has not started a 2YO in a Maiden Special Weight race here at Keeneland over the past five years. She’s worked four times, all down in Florida at Palm Meadows. Her last was impressive as she went 3F in 35.90 from the gate, earning a bullet (1/30).

#9 Kadabra (3/1) - This filly is a homebred, and she was sired by Good Magic from a Malibu Moon mare. Todd Pletcher makes his first appearance at KEE in a 2YO MSW spring affair. This gal has also been working down in Florida - at Palm Beach Downs - and she’s drilled four times. Her last effort was an eye-catching bullet covering a half mile in 48.38 from the gate (1/13). The two works that she had were also ‘small bullet’ moves (1/4 and 1/2), one at three panels and the other was four.

#12 Daphne Blue (8/5) - The 2YO Maestro, Wesley Ward, enters this filly, which he owns and bred himself. She’s a product of Munnings out of a Bring the Heat dam. Ward has won an incredible 23 races at Keeneland’s Spring Meet over the past five years from 51 starts (45.1%). She’s worked four times, once on the lawn, and her most recent two spins were both here at KEE. Last out, she was the second fastest of the day, going 3/8th of a mile in 35.8 (2/27).

Pick - I’m going to try to beat Ward (which is often an effort in frustration) as his filly draws the outside post position and will likely go off less than even money. My pick is #9 Kadabra. The two four furlong works will give her a little extra base, and Pletcher obviously knows his way around horses. Good Magic is a proven sire (14.8% wins with 2YOs in MSW races over the past five years), and this little lady looks like she can run. Additionally, she has a half sister who was also trained by Todd, who won her first start as a juvenile at Saratoga in a MSW event.