Block Duo Take to Keeneland Main

The Chris Block-trained, Lothenbach stable-owned duo of Arlington-Washington Lassie winner Bet She Wins (First Samurai) and Captivating Moon (Malibu Moon), recent runner-up in the Arlington-Washington Futurity, each had works over the Keeneland main track Saturday morning as they prepare for starts at the historic Lexington oval's Fall Stars weekend Oct. 6-8.

Working on her own, Bet She Wins clocked a half-mile in :48.40 and, though she is nominated to the GIII JP Morgan Chase Jessamine S. on the turf, will make her main-track debut in the GI Darley Alcibiades S. this coming Friday. The $125,000 Keeneland November weanling and $230,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling was put up to the win in an Arlington turf maiden Aug. 26 before wheeling back on two weeks' rest to gallop home a 9 1/2-length winner of the Lassie.

“I just wanted to get her feet over the dirt,” Block told the Keeneland notes team. “She had her main work last week at Arlington [a bullet five-eighths in 1:00] in company with Captivating Moon.”

Her last-out win took her trainer by surprise as much as it did the betting public.

“She doesn't look that impressive in the mornings on the grass or the all-weather and her race in the Lassie was unexpected,” Block said. “She's nominated to the Jessamine, but her turf win was by disqualification and that would be tough.”

Not illogically, Captivating Moon also got his career started on the turf, being a half-brother to former Lothenbach star and Keeneland Grade I winner Vacare (Lear Fan). A two-length winner on debut July 30, he finished with a full head of steam in the Futurity, but dropped a half-length decision to more experienced 'TDN Rising Star' Barry Lee (Violence). The bay went five furlongs in company in 1:00.60, but he will stick to the grass for the GIII Dixiana Bourbon S. Oct. 8.

“Knowing him and with his pedigree, I think he is better on grass,” said Block. “But I don't know if we can get in the Bourbon [which may draw a field in excess of the maximum 14].”