In keeping with tradition, the spring meet at Keeneland opens this weekend with the running of the Toyota Bluegrass Stakes. Seven three-year-olds are in the field for the Kentucky Derby prep race.
Following post position drawings Tuesday, undefeated McCracken is the initial favorite for the 93rd running of the Bluegrass. The homebred horse is trained by Ian Wilkes who says McCracken has done well since coming to Keeneland. “He’s really thrived since he’s been here. I’m really pleased how he’s trained, his attitude, he’s a happy horse,” noted Wilkes. “So everything is going in the right direction.”
The Toyota Bluegrass will be preceded by the Central Bank Ashland Stakes on Saturday. Both races offer an opportunity for horses to earn points toward qualification for this year’s Kentucky Derby.
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