Julia Shining | Horse Racing Free Tips

Cross Traffic Filly Upsets Ashland for McPeek

Defining Purpose (f, 3, Cross Traffic–Defining Hope, by Strong Hope) lit up the tote board at 20-1 to upset Friday's GI Central Bank Ashland S. on opening day at Keeneland.

The gray sat a dream trip in a stalking second behind a longshot leader through fractions of :23.62 and :47.25. She turned up the heat rounding the far turn, gained command at the top of the stretch, and, after enjoying a clear lead down the lane, held the rallying duo of previously unbeaten and favored Punchbowl (Uncle Mo) and 'TDN Rising Star' Julia Shining (Curlin) safe by a diminishing half-length. Last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies heroine and champion 2-year-old filly Wonder Wheel (Into Mischief) never factored while sixth.

Defining Purpose posted a six-length maiden win going two turns at Churchill Downs at second asking in an auction-restricted maiden special weight Nov. 17. Fifth at 22-1 in the GII Golden Rod S. Nov. 26, she concluded her juvenile campaign with a strong win with first-time Lasix in Oaklawn's Year's End S. Dec. 31. She made two previous starts at Oaklawn this term–both against potential GI Kentucky Oaks favorite Wet Paint (Blame)–finishing third as the favorite after leading in the stretch in the Martha Washington S. Jan. 28 and a flat sixth in the slop in the GIII Honeybee S. last time Feb. 25.

Defining Purpose's Ashland win was good for 100 Kentucky Oaks points.

“I'm not overly surprised,” said winning trainer Ken McPeek, who also won this race in 2002 with Take Charge Lady and in 2014 with Rosalind. “She had a couple of reasons why–she fell off a little bit of form in her last two. She hooked a couple of muddy racetracks. The last trip she had was really wide and wider.”

Winning rider Brian Hernandez, Jr. added, “[Her early position] was great. When she went around the first turn and got her position so nice and smoothly and settled into a nice rhythm, going down the backside I was just thinking to myself, 'Be patient, just wait and wait and let her travel well.' And that's what she did. When she turned for home she kicked on, and with the short stretch to the sixteenth pole, I was pretty confident in her.”

Pedigree Notes:

Defining Purpose, a $14,000 KEEJAN RNA as a short yearling, becomes the second graded winner, both at the highest level, for Cross Traffic, who is also represented by champion Jaywalk. The 2018 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies heroine was third in this same race the following season. She becomes the third graded winner for broodmare sire Strong Hope.

The Indiana-bred Defining Hope, a three-time stakes-winning homebred for Colette M. Vanmatre, is also represented by the 2-year-old filly Defining Joy (Runhappy) and a Csaba filly of this year.

Friday, Keeneland
CENTRAL BANK ASHLAND S.-GI, $600,000, Keeneland, 4-7, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:43.31, ft.
1–DEFINING PURPOSE, 121, f, 3, by Cross Traffic
                1st Dam: Defining Hope (MSW, $306,238), by Strong Hope
                2nd Dam: On the Point, by Point Given
                3rd Dam: Longingtobeme, by Belong to Me
1ST GRADED STAKES WIN, 1ST GRADE I WIN. ($14,000 RNA
Ylg '21 KEEJAN). O-Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek), Colette
Marie VanMatre and James Ball; B-Colette Marie VanMatre
(KY); T-Kenneth G. McPeek; J-Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
$362,700. Lifetime Record: 7-3-0-1, $543,688. Werk Nick
Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Punchbowl, 121, f, 3, by Uncle Mo
                1st Dam: Devilish Lady (GSW, $400,318), by Sweetsouthernsaint
                2nd Dam: Devilish Brunette, by Diablo
                3rd Dam: Appealing Brunette, by Valid Appeal
1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE, 1ST G1 BLACK
TYPE. O/B-Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox.
$117,000.
3–Julia Shining, 121, f, 3, by Curlin
                1st Dam: Dreaming of Julia (GISW, $874,500), by A.P. Indy
                2nd Dam: Dream Rush, by Wild Rush
                3rd Dam: Turbo Dream, by Unbridled
1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. 'TDN Rising Star'. O/B-Stonestreet
Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. $58,500.
Margins: HF, NK, 3 1/4. Odds: 20.34, 1.26, 5.21.
Also Ran: Guns n' Graces, Effortlesslyelgant, Wonder Wheel, Pride of the Nile.
Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

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An Invitation To Keeneland Opening Day

Everyone's invited, as 2023 Opening Day at Keeneland has arrived. Certainly, there are swollen pools for wagering, the canorous voice of track announcer Kurt Becker, the fine warp and weft of Sunday's best worn mid-week and enough to feast on, even if you don't have the foggiest what's in burgoo.

We already know that the Spring meet at the old Keene Farm, hosted by the Association will card its share of tough, competitive fields. Before the 86th running of the $600,000 GI Central Bank Ashland S., spring has not officially 'sprung' until the 15-day season opens Friday, Apr. 7 with that feature. To say that this year's edition is stakes-laden would be a massive understatement, as it will present 19 black-type races, including five Grade I events, worth a season record $8.05 million.

“For Central Kentucky and fans of Thoroughbred racing around the world, April means Keeneland,” said the track's President and CEO, Shannon Arvin. “We are excited once again to offer world-class racing to horsemen, horsewomen, horseplayers and fans and to present a fantastic experience for our guests that is centered around outstanding hospitality and the best in Thoroughbred racing.”

Keeneland Spring meet | Keeneland

Keeneland is all about being 'world class' and there is a reason that the best come to participate. Trainers like Todd Pletcher, Chad Brown and Brad Cox will look to topple the hegemony of Wesley Ward, who has held the top spot these past few years. Speaking to TDN's Writers' Room this week, Cox said he held the meet in high regard and earning the top prize would be yet another feather in his cap.

“Yeah, there's no doubt. I mean, obviously I'm from Kentucky,” he said during the podcast. “It means a tremendous amount to me. We try to come out and with some of our better horses and we point for the meet. Listen, Turfway has really gotten good in the winter, but I mean, it's almost like it's the start of the spring, basically, for racing.”

Cox added, “Obviously you've got Chad [Brown] and Todd [Pletcher] who play huge roles in that meet [Keeneland]. They're two of the best there are and they bring their best for that meet. So, the spring and fall meet are extremely tough to win at and we definitely try to be competitive and one of the players there for sure.”

One of those players for Cox is Punch Bowl (Uncle Mo), who is entered in the Ashland against Mark Casse's Wonder Wheel (Into Mischief) and Pletcher's Julia Shining (Curlin). He also has undefeated Wonderful Justice (GB) (Justify) in the $600,000 GIII Kentucky Utilities Transylvania S. going a mile and sixteenth on the Haggin Turf Course. The 3-year-old colt will face Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), a 'TDN Rising Star' trained by Brown.

As for others with high hopes, you do not have to crane your neck through the double doors marked Jockey's Quarters just off the palatial paddock at Keeneland to know that there is much on the line when it comes to this title. It might be a short meet compared to others, but with Irad Ortiz Jr., the reigning Eclipse Award winner who just wrapped up another leading rider ribbon at Gulfstream Park in attendance for the duration, plus with last year's victor Tyler Gaffalione, we know it's going to be another rumble.

One of the many jockeys who is looking to put his own stamp on the meet is Reylu Gutierrez. The 27-year-old from New York had a banner year in 2022, which included time at Keeneland in both the fall and the spring. He recently won the riding title at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans over the winter, which was a milestone first. Coming back to Lexington with confidence packed neatly in his suitcase, he is looking to sharpen his skills and prove something.

Reylu Gutierrez | Nicole Thomas

“When you are at the top of the standings like I was at the Fair Grounds, it pushes you further to maintain that steadiness,” he said by phone. “That's when you have to be at your best and I'm very confident in my program.”

Gutierrez will face the likes of Ortiz and Gaffalione, but also Hall of Famers like John Velazquez, Javier Castellano and Frankie Dettori, plus a host of other seasoned pilots, including Luis Saez, Joel Rosario, Flavien Prat and Florent Geroux. The pressure is real.

“It's a fun pressure,” Gutierrez was quick to point out. “I've had the opportunity to ride for a number of different trainers at the Fair Grounds this past year, so that's given me a great base and coming to Keeneland, where you know everyone wants to win, is a blessing to have.”

While the trainer and jockey standings will be closely watched on Opening Day, something the multitude can trust is that Keeneland will continue its devotion to the health of the horse. When it comes to safety and security, Keeneland is one of the leaders.

Dr. Stuart Brown, Vice President of Equine Safety, is full of gusto on the subject and he backs it up with a positive message about the plan. “Foundationally for the horse, previous experience tells us that it is in their best interest to have lots of surveillance, and that's where our vet cameras that look at all angles become an important tool for us, but that's not all.” said Dr. Brown.

Keeneland assails the prosaic and builds its own culture from the bottom up, brick-by-brick. “Everyone that works here knows we prepare and prepare by training ourselves to watch for what might happen,” he said. “Whether you are the head of equine safety or a crossing guard, we are always looking in our rearview mirrors to be an advocate for the horse.”

Dr. Stuart Brown | Keeneland

While Keeneland is racing this month, the track will employ three full-time ambulances with state-of-the-art equipment, which can whisk Thoroughbreds to nearby equine hospitals that are only minutes away. That is how Epicenter, who was injured in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic last November, received the effective treatment that he needed. “Our risk strategies help guide us, but we also stay nimble by being intentional with everything we do,” Dr. Brown said. “This isn't about striving to be the best, it's about driving to be the best, and the horses are worth it.”

Opening Day will offer a unique challenge to the trainers and the jockeys when the Spring meet gets underway Friday. However, Keeneland is also much more when it comes to honoring the sport of Thoroughbred racing. It's a place where the cutting edge is drawn comfortably alongside a timeless tradition. April means Keeneland, as Shannon Arvin put it so succinctly.

Your invitation is issued.

Keeneland's Spring meet races for 15 days from Apr. 7-28. No racing Mondays, Tuesdays and Easter Sunday, Apr. 9. Click here for more information.

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Kentucky Oaks Top 10: Wet Paint Steps Up

Throughout prep season for the GI Kentucky Oaks no filly seemed capable of putting in the type of performance that stamped them as the clear leader of the division. It has been a rather uninspiring three months. As for the Oaks itself, it kept looking like the race would be a crap shoot that just about anybody could win. But, thankfully, that changed last week. The win by Wet Paint (Blame) in the GIII Fantasy S. at Oaklawn was decisive and stamped her as the clear leader of the division. That could change this week, which will offer the last round of Oaks preps. But, at the very least, Wet Paint is a classy and consistent filly and will go into the Oaks riding a wave of momentum. She is a deserving No. 1.

We have a busy few days coming up. The GI Ashland S., the only Grade I race among the Kentucky Oaks preps, tops Friday's card at Keeneland. On Saturday, the GIII Gazelle S. will be run at Aqueduct and later that same day Santa Anita will serve up the GII Santa Anita Oaks. The Bob Baffert-trained Faiza (Girvin) will be favored at Santa Anita, but she was not nominated to the Kentucky Oaks.

1) WET PAINT (f, Blame–Sky Painter, by Street Cry {Ire})
O/B-Godolphin (Ky). T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 6-4-1-0, $689,000. Last Start: Won GIII Fantasy S. at Oaklawn Apr. 1. Kentucky Oaks Points: 170.
When Wet Paint finished second in an allowance race at Turfway Park on Dec. 14, her connections had little reason to believe that she might be the favorite in the Kentucky Oaks. She earned a 69 Beyer figure that day and her only win had come in a maiden race at Horseshoe Indianapolis. But she's been nothing short of fabulous since. She went on to sweep Oaklawn's preps for the Oaks, winning the Martha Washington, the GIII Honeybee S. and the Fantasy. She's flourishing at the right time and, if anything, is improving. In the Fantasy, she was last early, rushed past the leaders on the far turn and won with what appeared to be plenty left. She's owned by Godolphin, trained by Brad Cox and her pedigree says she'll run all day. What's not to like?
Next Start: GI Kentucky Oaks, CD, May 5

2) WONDER WHEEL (f, Into Mischief–Wonder Gal, by Tiz Wonderful) O-D. J. Stable. B-Three Chimneys Farm & Clearsky Farm (Ky). T-Mark Casse. Sales history: $275,000 yrl '21 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: Ch. 2yo Filly & MGISW, 6-4-2-0, $1,570,725. Last Start: 2nd Suncoast S. Feb. 11. Kentucky Oaks Points: 48.
It seems like forever since she last raced, which happened on Feb. 11 when she was second as the 1-2 favorite in the Suncoast S. at Tampa Bay Downs. That has given Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse nearly two months to fine tune last year's 2-year-old filly champion and have her ready for her best effort. That wasn't the case in the Suncoast when she had the length of the stretch to get past longshot Dreaming of Snow (Jess's Dream) but could not do so. So what to expect in the Ashland? That's the big question surrounding her. If she delivers and shows the form she displayed last year she could still be the favorite in the Oaks. Anything less will mean she will really have her work cut out for her on May 5.
Next Start: GI Ashland S., Kee, Apr. 7

3) BOTANICAL (f, Medaglia d'Oro–Daisy, by Blame)
O-LNJ Foxwoods & Clearsky Farms. B-Clearsky Farms & Godolphin (Ky). T-Brad Cox. Sales history: $220,000 yrl '21 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 6-4-1-0, $374,410. Last Start: Won the Bourbonette S. at Turfway Mar. 25. Kentucky Oaks Points: 70.

Botanical | Coady

An interesting horse who has won four straight, including a pair of dominant performances in stakes at Turfway on the synthetic track. The problem is that she's never run on dirt. Trainer Brad Cox understands that's an unknown, but is hoping that her upcoming works on the dirt at Churchill Downs will answer those questions. “She worked pretty well on the dirt last summer leading up to her debut,” Cox said. “I'll know more in a couple weeks. I think we'll get a pretty good line on if she's going to transfer over to the dirt based off her works here at Churchill.” Type of filly who could be first, could be last in the Oaks. If she doesn't handle the dirt she could have a bright career on the grass. Chris Landeros is her rider.
Next Start: GI Kentucky Oaks, CD, May 5

4) SOUTHLAWN (f, Pioneerof the Nile–Mo d'Amour, by Uncle Mo) O-Robert Masterson. B-WinStar Farm (Ky). T-Norm Casse. Sales history: $290,000 yrl '21 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 7-3-0-0, $318,369. Last Start: Won the Fair Grounds Oaks at Fair Grounds Mar. 25. Kentucky Oaks Points: 100.
Has come out of nowhere to be a Kentucky Oaks threat. After finishing off the board last year in a pair of grass races, one at Keeneland, one at Churchill Downs, she turned into the best 3-year-old filly at the Fair Grounds. She won an allowance race there in February by eight lengths and then cruised to a 3 1/4-length win in the GII Fair Grounds Oaks. The wins came after Southlawn underwent a procedure to clear up a breathing issue. Is trained by Norm Casse, who might have to take on his father, Mark, in a battle of the Casse family in the Kentucky Oaks. “I've worked for dad for a long time, been around a lot of nice horses, we know what to do,” Casse said after the win in the Fair Grounds Oaks.
Next Start: GI Kentucky Oaks, CD, May 5

5) PRETTY MISCHIEVOUS (f, Into Mischief–Pretty City Dancer, by Tapit) 'TDN Rising Star' O/B-Godolphin (Ky). T-Brendan P. Walsh. Lifetime Record: GSW, 6-4-1-1, $501,310. Last Start: 2nd GII Fair Grounds Oaks at Fair Grounds Mar. 25. Kentucky Oaks Points: 103.
Along with Wet Paint, should give Godolphin a potent pair in the Oaks. After winning the Untapable S. and the Rachel Alexandra S., she looked like she could be as good as anyone in the division. Took a step back when beaten by Southlawn in the Fair Grounds Oaks, but still ran well enough for her to be considered a threat in the Kentucky Oaks. That said, she may need to improve a bit. Has run three times at Churchill, winning a maiden race and an allowance before finishing third in the GII Golden Rod S.
Next Start: GI Kentucky Oaks, CD, May 5

6) JULIA SHINING (f, Curlin–Dreaming of Julia, by A.P. Indy) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Stonestreet Stables LLC. B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (Ky). T-Todd Pletcher. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-2-0-1, $204,075. Last Start: 3rd Suncoast S. at Tampa Bay Downs Feb. 11. Kentucky Oaks Points: 16.
It's not that she ran badly when third in the Suncoast, her only start this year. The Beyer of 81 was a career best and she was only beaten 1 ½ lengths. But she had no excuse and, like Wonder Wheel, couldn't get past Dreaming of Snow in the stretch. Now it all comes down to the Ashland, where she's the third choice in the morning line at 3-1. Does trainer Todd Pletcher have her ready for an improved effort, which is what it's going to take to win the Grade I stakes. There's a lot of upside with this filly, who is a full-sister to Eclipse Award winner Malathaat (Curlin), but she clearly needs to move forward off of her 3-year-old debut.
Next Start: GI Ashland S., Kee, Apr. 7

7) AND TELL ME NOLIES (f, Arrogate–Be Fair, by Exchange Rate) O-Peter Redekop B.C., Ltd. B-Lara Run, LLC (Ky). T-Peter Miller. Sales history: $70,000 yrl '21 KEEJAN; $230,000 2yo '22 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GISW, 6-3-1-0, $392,800. Last Start: Second in GIII Santa Ysabel S. at Santa Anita Mar. 5. Kentucky Oaks Points: 30.
After training at the San Luis Rey training center the Peter Miller-trained filly showed up on the work tab last Saturday at Santa Anita. She went five furlongs in 1:01.80. The winner last year of the GI Del Mar Debutante and the GII Chandelier S., she stubbed her toe when eighth in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, finishing seven lengths behind Wonder Wheel. Dismissed at 7-1, she finished second behind Faiza in her 3-year-old debut in the GIII Santa Ysabel S. Is not fast. The 78 she got in the Santa Ysabel is her best career Beyer number. Will try to give sire Arrogate his second straight Oaks winner. He is the sire of 2022 winner Secret Oath.
Next Start: GII Santa Anita Oaks, SA, Apr. 8

8) PUNCHBOWL (f, Uncle Mo-Devilish Lady, by Sweetsouthernsaint) O-Gary and Mary West. B-Gary and Mary West Stables Inc. (Ky). T-Brad H. Cox. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $150,528. Last Start: Won an allowance optional claimer at Oaklawn Mar. 5. Kentucky Oaks Points: 0.
An Ashland starter, she's obviously very talented as she was an impressive winner of a March 5 allowance race at Oaklawn Park in her second career start. That came just three weeks after she broke her maiden in her career debut on Feb. 11. Now, trainer Brad Cox is throwing her into the deep end in a Grade I race that features last year's champion 2-year-old filly. “Punchbowl is a very talented filly but we are throwing a lot at her,” Cox admitted. “We ran her back quick off of her breaking her maiden. Hopefully, she'll be a Grade I winner after Friday.” The Ashland is a huge test for her. If she were to win it that would make her one of the favorites in the Oaks, maybe even the favorite. But is she ready for such a tough challenge? Is the 2-1 second choice in the Ashland morning line.
Next Start: GI Ashland S., Kee, Apr. 7

9) AFFIRMATIVE LADY (f, Arrogate–Stiffed, by Stephen Got Even) O-AMO Racing USA. B-Alastar Thoroughbred Co., LLC (Ky). T-H. G. Motion. Sales history: $210,000 yrl '21 KEESEP; $400,000 2yo '22 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GSW, 6-2-1-2, $270,568. Last Start: Won GII Gulfstream Park Oaks Apr. 1. Kentucky Oaks Points: 110.

Affirmative Lady | Ryan Thompson

Also by Arrogate, she's the lone horse to jump into the Top 10 this week, which she did off of her win in the GII Gulfstream Park Oaks. It was the first graded stakes win in the U.S. for AMO Racing, which has won a number of group races in Europe. She didn't break her maiden until her start prior to the Oaks, but did run second last year in the GII Demoiselle S., where she finished just a neck behind Julia Shining. It looks like she's headed in the right direction, but she didn't face all that much in the way of competition in the Gulfstream race.
Next Start: GI Kentucky Oaks, CD, May 5

10) SHIDABHUTI (f, Practical Joke–A. P. Candy, by Candy Ride {Arg}) O-Peter Brant. B-Gabriel Duignan & Gerry Dilger (Ky).
T-Chad Brown. Sales history: $77,000 wnlg '20 KEENOV; $310,000 yrl '21 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 3-3-0-0, $189,600. Last Start: Won Busher S. at Aqueduct Mar. 4. Kentucky Oaks Points: 50.
She goes next in Saturday's Gazelle S. at Aqueduct, where the main competition is expected to include her stablemate Occult (Into Mischief). The good news is that she is undefeated in three career starts. The bad news is that she has raced at Monmouth and then made two starts during the winter run at Aqueduct. Even if she wins Saturday, the story won't change much. Everyone will be asking, who did she beat? Chad Brown does have a history of running some of his better horses in New York during the winter, which he did with his two GI Preakness winners, Early Voting (Gun Runner) and Cloud Computing (Maclean's Music).
Next Start: GIII Gazelle S., Aqu, Apr. 8

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Champion Wonder Wheel Tops Kentucky Oaks Nominations

D J Stable's Eclipse Award and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Wonder Wheel (Into Mischief) is the marquee name among 103 sophomore fillies that were nominated at the first entry stage for the $1.25-million GI Longines Kentucky Oaks, to be run beneath the Twin Spires Friday, May 5, 2023.

The first stage of nominations closed Feb. 18, with a $200 payment. Any 3-year-old filly not among the original entries can become eligible with a fee of $1,500 due no later than Saturday, Apr. 15.

Wonder Wheel was four-for-five during her championship season in 2022, scoring in the GI Darley Alcibiades S. before prevailing by three lengths on Breeders' Cup Friday. The strapping dark bay made her seasonal debut in the Feb. 11 Suncoast S. at Tampa, where she missed by a neck to longshot and fellow Oaks aspirant Dreaming of Snow (Jess's Dream).

Others that figure prominently among the entries include 'TDN Rising Star' Julia Shining (Curlin), the full-sister to champion Malathaat who won last year's GII Demoiselle S. and was third in the Suncoast; Hoosier Philly (Into Mischief), winner of Churchill's GII Golden Rod S. last November; 'Rising Star' Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief), upset winner of last weekend's GII Rachel Alexandra S.; recent G3 UAE Oaks victress Mimi Kakushi (City of Light); and the progressive GIII Forward Gal S. winner Red Carpet Ready (Oscar Performance).

A complete list of the Oaks nominees will be available here in due course.

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